WHEN SCANDAL ROCKS YOUR WORLD
December 6, 2010 by Admin
Filed under Ministry Today, The Walk
By Dr. Teresa Hairston
Bishop Eddie Long—Embroiled in Controversy
On Tuesday, September 21, 2010, the allegations of two young men claiming that they were sexually abused by Bishop Eddie Long, pastor of the New Birth Baptist Church (Lithonia, GA) were made known to the public. The news spread like wildfire. On his behalf, Bishop Long’s attorney “categorically denied the allegations.†A few days later, however, another young man came forward and by the end of the week, there were a total of four with similar accusations.
The Internet was buzzing, the church world was buzzing, cell phones were blowing up and the mainstream media was in a feeding frenzy. This was a full blown scandal. Diane Sawyer reported it on the nightly news, CNN made it a headline item, AOL and other portals featured it on their login pages; in Atlanta, the local news was infatuated with the story, and sought to expose every detail. Beyond that, it was the talk at every beauty and barbershop and grocery store in the city.
For five days, the Eddie Long camp issued terse statements of denial. They also said that Bishop Long had decided to address his New Birth church family prior to speaking to mainstream press. On Sunday, September 26th, here’s what he said:
“I have never in my life portrayed myself as a perfect man. But I am not the man that is being portrayed on the television. That’s not me. That is not me. By the counsel of my lawyers they have advised me not to try this case in the media. It still has to be tried in the court of justice and dealt with in the court of justice. And to be honest, I think that’s the only place I’ll get justice.
And I want you to know one other thing. I feel like David against Goliath but I have five rocks and I haven’t thrown the first one yet.â€
The statement went viral within seconds, and there were a myriad of responses.
As a journalist, I had questions: Was this statement an admission or denial of guilt; or neither? Did the statement contain the message that New Birth church members, Christians at large or the world needed to hear? What was Bishop Long saying? Why didn’t he simply say, “I’m INNOCENT!â€
As a member of New Birth (oh yes!) I found myself deeply conflicted. I was hurting and my spirit was crushed. How did we get “hereâ€? No! Not “my†pastor! Problem was, I didn’t have time for a lot of wound licking, so I began to pray…really, really pray…about my attitude and my words.
The truth of the matter is, if you are a Christian, the situation surrounding Bishop Long has rocked your world, too. This is not just about him and these young men or New Birth Baptist Church; it’s about the Body of Christ. Not a lot of people are looking at the collateral damage.
There was a movie made several years ago with that title. In the film, Arnold Schwarzenegger starred as Gordon Brewer, a Los Angeles firefighter looking to avenge his son and wife’s murders. To make a long story short, Brewer goes to Colombia to find his fam- ily’s killers and basically blows up everything and kills just about everybody. It’s brutal and bloody and the destruction is catastrophic.
Although the allegations names Bishop Long, New Birth and Longfellows Academy, it really is a vicious, vengeful attack—not from the four young men, but from Satanic forces—that threatens to cause collateral damage to the entire Body of Christ.
The reality of the situation is that none of us really “know†the truth. By now, we’ve all formed our opinions and had our “talks†with whatever network we’re in. However, in order to minimize the “collateral damage†there are a few things that I want to suggest.
In Galatians 6:1, Paul writes, “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.â€
1. RESTORATION. Someone has sinned, whether Bishop Long or the young men. Sin has no levels. Sin is sin, but God promises to judge. And as much as we are tempted to become a judge and jury, we don’t have the right to condemn. This scripture says that when we are aware of another’s sin, we are supposed to “restoreâ€â€”which means to “reinstate†or “return†someone or something back to its proper owner or condition. All these men belong to God. God will deal with them according to His justice system which is never wrong or erroneous.
2. MEEKNESS. We are not to just restore, but it’s how we restore that is either in keep- ing with the scripture or not. The “spirit of meekness†involves humility mixed with strength. It is some- thing that only true believers can understand and exhibit, because meekness takes into account that “I am what I am [forgiven, whole, cleansed], because of Christ.†I have been redeemed, and because of that, my attitude toward others is one of humility and not hostility (toward all involved).
The reality of the situation is that none of us really “know†the truth. By now, we’ve all formed our opinions and had our “talks†with whatever network we’re in.
3. SELF-EXAMINATION. Ted Haggard, who described himself as a “heterosexual with issues†stated in a tele- vision interview, “Every time a leader falls, it’s an opportunity to show the love of Jesus.†Haggard stepped down as pastor of New Life Church of Colora- do Springs, CO, in 2006 after a male prostitute alleged that Haggard paid him for sex. Haggard initially denied the allegations but later admitted to sexual immorality.
It’s easy to point to others with disdain. “I can’t believe he did that!†Or be- come disillusioned: “I’ll never go back to that church!†Or “I’ll never trust another Christian leader!†Or become cynical and skeptical: “All these pas- tors are hypocrites!â€
The hard thing is to think about your own past and the “little†things (or major things) that you did—the little lies, the arrogant attitude, the affair, the cheating on your taxes…etc. Don’t allow someone else’s public mess become your private nightmare.
The truth is, we’ve all got issues!
We all must be very careful regarding throwing rocks and hiding our hands. I don’t know if Bishop Long did this or not. If so, as a Man of God he should step away from the pulpit, at least for time enough to get fully connected to God. If he is a victim of people who just want him removed, then to God be the glory. He must be doing something very right to have this level of attack be upon him. Only he, God and the people involved know the truth. I’ll side with God for only he knows the real truth. If this is an attack on Bishop, then God will defend, that I am sure of however, if there are any connotations of truth to the accusations, then God is still getting the Glory for the truth will be told.
My prayer is for all involved. We can not be the judge but we can pray for the truth (not the lawyers’ truth) but the real and original truth be told. Moreover, I pray for all involved would have a closer walk with God. I pray all receiving his wisdom in our daily decisions and his Spirit for daily living.
WE ARE NOT GOD WHAT WE NEED TO DO IS PRAY FOR THEM ALL AND LET GOD do the rest.AMEN
Before I became as active as I am in ministry I couldn’t understand the power of spiritual attacks. (visit my website for details) Like the author, I can’t say for a certainty whether or not Bishop Long did the things that he’s accused of, but I can say for a certainty that the enemy fights aggressively against a ministry and a minister that he regards as a threat. Whether Bishop Long is guilty or not, we need to keep everyone involved in prayer, that the enemy not have his way, and that God will reap the glory, and this way we will do some damage control, as the article suggests.
Blessings…
CHRISTIANS, RALLY THE TROOPS AND PRAY!!! Us church folk usually are the ones who will cast the first stones and say, “I knew something was going on.” Let’s pray for Bishop. Let’s pray for those young men. I don’t know if the allegations are true or not. I really don’t care. I do care that there is a man of God that has been lifting his prayers for us for many years and now he needs our help. Don’t throw him to satan’s wolves.
its church folks that cover things like this up and pray for the BISHOP WHEN WE know some of them are pimping us today but leave it to church folks to cover it up because its the BISHOP DO NO WORNG.
When this allegation hit the news about Bishop Long I was crushed. Not so much that I believed it, but because of the affect it would have on the body of Christ, especially the “babes” in Christ. Within a week or so a Bishop in my hometown was in the news for moral misconduct. It was like a double whammy. My words to many was ” we are not to rejoice when one of God’s children fall (if guilty) this is the time we should be praying”. And let’s not forget, none of us are above a “fall”. I felt like some people were already finding the both of them guilty without due process. Grace and mercy has kept us all. Let’s continue to be in prayer for one another.
Personally, I feel the Bishop owed his congregation a better answer than what he gave. I prayed that when he addressed the people that Sunday
morning he would emphatically deny the allegations. Instead he comes
out with “I have never. . .as a perfect man”. What did that mean…since
most people did not understand this response. . .the majority believe
it was a round-about way of admitting guilt in some way. He hurt
himself by responding in this manner.
“it really is a vicious, vengeful attack—not from the four young men, but from Satanic forces—that threatens to cause collateral damage to the entire Body of Christ.”
I totally disagree with this statement. There obviously is (some) truth to the
accusations. Bishop Long has not declared his innocence and he has agreed to
go into mediation (keep the details secret) rather than go to trial (the whole world would know the lurid details). Does God allow sin to be exposed when he wants his children to repent and return to him (think of David and Nathan)? By allowing this story to be exposed, perhaps God is trying to get the church world’s attention, not in a negative sense but in a positive sense–so we can get our house in order. Could collateral damage be caused by continuing to practice sin, be unrepentant and untruthful? I wonder if the four young men suffered collateral damage by the actions of Bishop Long? The wages of sin is death and there are consequences for sin. In my opinion, SIN is the source of the collateral damage.
“By allowing this story to be exposed, perhaps God is trying to get the church world’s attention, not in a negative sense but in a positive sense–so we can get our house in order.”
CORRECTION:
I should have said, …perhaps God IS getting HIS HOUSE in order!!
Our faith shouldn’t be shook because of the actions of a few. And I am almost insulted that the actions of one man is allegedly supposed to shake the faith of many. The problem as it exist, as I read not to long ago too many people mistake preacher for God instead or remembering that God is God and man is of sin.
Who are we to judge.Whats in the dark will soon come to light!!!
Great response. Also it was good to see you give the biblical response and the other examples. As Bishop Jakes stated and I paraphrase; “I am going to put some blood on me first”!! I believe we are too critical and we throw rocks at another persons sin and then when ours are exposed we want mercy. It’s time for mercy and truth to meet along with righteousness and peace!!!
I’m sorry. This is a bunch of crap. Why is it that Christians try to defend their pastor knowing that he was wrong. Now, he didn’t say he did and he didn’t say he didn’t do it. Which leads me to believe, these young men were not lying. It’s not only Pastor Long’s reputation. How do you think these guys are feeling and looked upon. Especially by the church folk. Who is to hold Pastor Long accountable for his actions? Yes, we all know God does, but their has to be accountability in the house. His members should hold him accountable, because this man has done things in the dark that didn’t please God, and God revealed it. Leaders, you will be exposed. God will not allow you to do what you want, preach and teach us and you not live by example. This was a wake up call for the church as a whole. Be real and honest with your flock! Don’t speak against something that you know in your heart you are struggling with. Believe me, it will be exposed one way or another.
As a man, if anyone “accused me” of homosexual acts I would’nt need lawyers or speech writers to speak for me, I’m not saying he’s guilty or not but you’ve got to be honest and say his “David with 3 stones” response was weak, nobody on earth could stop me from saying 1. I’m noy Gay, 2. I did’nt touch those boys, 3. we’ll get to the bottom of this….. and my lawyers could take it from there, what’s wrong with that response? Bishop Long is one of the greatest orators on earth and all he could come up with was “I’m David with 3 stones” OK!
When all said and done its Holiness or Hell.bro. its not about throwing rocks if we want anybody shownuff saved its the man of God. and everybody saying that he’s human and he’s a man we all sin.How can a man be tempted by another man.thats demonic.People are to caught up in having the name of a christian to where they forgot to be saved.Ya’ll need to listen to the cd titled Lord don’t let me sin with my eyes wide open. P.S is anybody standing for Holiness
these Days.
I thought Church was a place to fulfilled your religious duty on Sunday. This is the hour you act your best.After leaving Church you can go back to your old way. What I learn about leaders and Church folk we are always covering up for someone wrong. We say, let pray about it and let’s not deal with issues. It can be a criminal act the church will still say, “let pray.” Victims will go away lost forever, because the Church is not able to handle hard matters.
I have been in church all my life to discover leaders cover up other leaders dirt. They use scriptures to shut up & put fear in the congregation mouth by using verses such as “touch not my anointed ones & do my prophet no harm.” This verse has nothing to with talking against a leader who may have sin, but doing pyscial harm to God’s anointed. If homosexual, adulterous and crooked leaders are God’s anotinted. What are the anointed ones call?
God is the one who exposes sin. God desire his people to discern good from evil. We are to discern false leaders, witness and doctrine by the Word. The Bible specify tell us to judge righteously meaning make sure are heart are pure before we can judge anyone else. When is the church going to wake up?
Come on people “The Church” over the past 2000yrs has endure far greater controversies than this and will continue to because the existence of the church is not predicated upon the perfection of it’s members if that were so we’d all up the creek. Remember Jesus said…”upon this rock I (not us) will build my church and the gates of hell (itself) will not/can not prevail against it. What needs to happen is that we should stop being so personality driven that the personality (preacher) overrides the author of the church, and finisher of our faith (jesus the Christ). If the bishop is found guilty the church will persist; membership may drop there at New Birth but the church will be fine. God is sovereign!!!
“DISCERNMENT” our ability to evaluate situations (good or bad) when compared to God’s Word, and come to a rational conclusion, OK…now I have 1 question for the members of New Birth, Why is the Bishop & (his lawyers) negotionating behind closed doors? Are you using your Discerment? Let’s Remember Eli, He only “HEARD” about what his sons were doing and decided to confront them, right? I’m just saying…
1 Samuel 2:22-23 (New International Version)
22 Now Eli, who was very old, heard about everything his sons were doing to all Israel and how they slept with the women who served at the entrance to the tent of meeting. 23 So he said to them, “Why do you do such things? I hear from all the people about these wicked deeds of yours.
For we Know all things work together for the good, remember one young man called this Bishop a monster, the leadership is accountable for the truth to all of New Birth. We seem to get hung up on the good things Pastor does for his members,and the community the Apostle Paul warns that works alone can-not be a measuring tool for those chosen to lead Gods’ people. There is something wrong with the Pulpit when Pastors cannot be kept by the spirit left here to lead and guide us to all truth. After the first time this happened with a young man, Pastor should have done like Kirk Franklin and found accountability in his spiritual leader to assure this never happened again. Paul said: Shall we continue in sin that Grace may abound GOD forbid. Too many Pastors are falling and we that know the word are walking with blinders on, we can’t restore the sin we refuse to see. How are we to do the work of the ministry with a pure conscience when Pastors are leading in divorce, affairs, pornography etc.. the danger is LIKE PRIEST, LIKE PEOPLE………