Bishop Eddie Long lied-in-state from 8 a.m. until the service began.
Bishop Eddie Long Funeral Service Full Video
Bishop Eddie Lee Long funeral service was held on January 25, 2017, at 11: 00 a.m. at the Newbirth Missionary Baptist Church.
Visitation was held from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Jan. 24, at the church, according to Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, who was in charge of arrangements.
The family requests that any floral arrangements be in white or off-white.
Bishop Eddie Long died on Sunday, January 15, 2017, after battling cancer. While he announced several months ago that he was dealing with a health crisis, Bishop Long refused to believe to give in to the spirit of fear, he believed and trusted in God that He would be alright!
Bishop Eddie Long was able to attend several services and even preach a few sermons since October 2017 including “Untouchable, Unstoppable, Unbreakable” on November 10, 2016.
His last sermon was preached on January 1, 2107
To show how confident Bishop Long was in his belief in God’s will for his life, he mentioned to his congregation during Watchnight Service:
that the devil wanted him to stay at home and not come to church that night.
The devil, he said, asked him “why you going to church? You need to rest. You’re in recovery. I said, let me tell you something. I said if I was going for my ego, I’d lay here. If I was going trying to prove something, I’d lay here. I said God ain’t through with me and sometimes you need to see the skinny Eddie and the big Eddie and all that. It ain’t got nothing to do with physical appearance, it’s what in your heart…You are a Scripture… I want to see you struggle I want to see you fight the devil and get victory.”
He reminded the congregation that there were more folks with them than against them.
Bishop Eddie Long also recalled a time he had “preachers running away from me. Now they’re running towards me. They were running away from me because of mess. They’re running towards me because they say now if God can keep him, teach me how to stand.”
And that Bishop Eddie Long did do and well as there is no other pastor in history that was able to maintain his ministry under such circumstances!
It has taken me some time to write about his passing because I wanted to make sure that I was not tempted to be part of “mess” this time. I wanted to make sure that I authored Bishop Eddie Lee Long, an appropriate tribute to his work in ministry. I wanted to make sure that I could separate his “mess” from his good works as a faithful servant. ” I wanted to make sure that I could show you his resolve to stand on the word of God in spite of “mess” and terminal illness!
Here we go:
Bishop Eddie Long grew New Birth Missionary Baptist Church from 300 members to 25,000
Bishop Eddie Long was a national figure and one of the most innovative and polarizing pastors in the contemporary church.
Bishop Eddie Long was a man who gave away cars, helped people purchase homes and paid the college tuitions for those in need.
Bishop Eddie Long ensured his members were taken care of inside the church and outside in the community.
He as a loving father to three sons and one beautiful daughter (included in photo below)
Bishop Eddie Long was a global religious leader housing many New Births in several countries across the world including Asia and Brazil.
Bishop Eddie Long was able to build a legacy in New Birth that will ensure the church lives on, here is what a couple of members mentioned:
“I’ll be here, I’m not going anywhere,” said Yolanda Stewart, a business owner and member who described Long as a father figure. “I enjoy the fellowship, the teaching, the community outreach and the engagement. I think whoever he has to be the next leader, is going to be that and more.”
Another member, Marquise Goldwire said that “honestly, for the future, I see New Birth continuing on. Bishop may not be here on earth with us, but he will always be with us in spirit. New Birth isn’t going anywhere.”
Bishop T.D. Jakes offered this official statement on facebook:
We are deeply saddened by the passing of a mighty man of valor, embattled warrior, learned and beloved pastor and man I call friend, Bishop Eddie L. Long.
We will miss his enigmatic catchphrase uttered just above a whisper, “watch this…;” his love for the Gospel shared liberally and a ministry that impacted lives around the globe.
To the New Birth family, no words can ease the pain of your loss. I pray for the balm of Gilead to heal your broken hearts.
To his beloved widow, Vanessa and his children who feel the brunt of the loss most deeply and profoundly, we pray for you especially. You have not a high priest who cannot empathize with your present circumstance.
We stand in the gap for you in your time of suffering, waiting patiently for the glory that is to be revealed to us.
And pray that the God of all comfort would fill you to overflowing with a peace that passes all understanding.”
It is rumored that Bishop T.D. Jakes will offer the eulogy although this has Not been confirmed.
I think this is an appropriate time to be respectful of Bishop Eddie Long’s immediate and church families, don’t you? Let us focus on the good works of this servant Lord knows we all crucified Bishop Eddie Long in the last few years of his life!
Here is the official statement offered by New Birth regarding Bishop Eddie Long’s death:
NEW BIRTH CELEBRATES THE LIFE OF BISHOP EDDIE L. LONG FOLLOWING HIS TRANSITION TO OUR HEAVENLY FATHER
LITHONIA, GA – Sunday, January 15
New Birth Missionary Baptist Church celebrates the life and legacy of Bishop Eddie L. Long who is now spiritually healed and home with the Lord. Bishop Long, Senior Pastor of New Birth, transitioned from this life early Sunday morning after a gallant private fight with an aggressive form of cancer. As a man of God with unyielding faith, Bishop Long maintained his commitment to our Heavenly Father as he proclaimed that cancer would not kill his faith nor his spirit. First Lady Elder Vanessa Long, Bishop Long’s wife of 27 years offered the following.
“I am confidant through my belief in God that my husband is now resting in a better place. Although, his transition leaves a void for those of us who loved him dearly, we can celebrate and be happy for him, knowing he’s at peace.”
Deeply committed to his church, even in his last days, Bishop Long delivered his final message to New Birth as we ushered in 2017. He told the church that God was already working in our favor and what we have been praying for was already manifested. In his departure, we receive that and as faithful members of New Birth, we praise God for the life of Bishop Long. Bishop Long was known as one of the most influential faith leaders in the world. He stood strong as a Kingdom Builder, pioneering leader, and revolutionary mind changer. Long was a family man and spiritual leader who was well respected and loved for his passion to unapologetically and courageously preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. Long inspired thousands of believers around the world through his global ministry that literally changed lives. Through his earthly battle, Bishop Long believed that God was once again using him to help others see the power of the Holy Spirit through the love New Birth displayed to him and the countless prayers sent up by others from every corner of the earth.Bishop Eddie L. Long was 63 years old. He is survived by his beautiful wife, First Lady Elder Vanessa Long, 4 children Eric, Edward, Jared and Taylor and 3 grandchildren. The Long family thanks you for your prayers, condolences and messages of love. The family appreciates your support and respect of their privacy, as they prepare along with New Birth, for the homegoing service to honor Bishop Long. The date and other details will be announced in the near future.
