Who Did Eddie Long's Eulogy

Discover who delivered the powerful eulogy at Bishop Eddie Long's emotional funeral service. Learn about the key moments in his life and his final moments. Get inspired by the speaker who made a powerful impact at this heartfelt occasion.

Who Was Bishop Eddie Long?

Bishop Eddie Long was the senior pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, Georgia. He was a prominent and influential figure in the religious landscape, who led the church for over 30 years. His dynamic leadership and engaging preaching style expanded the church's membership to over 25,000, and he became well-known for his work in the community, philanthropy, and passion for empowering others.

Despite being a much-loved and respected figure, Bishop Long faced controversies in his life, including a sexual misconduct lawsuit in 2010. He settled the suit out of court, and it did not diminish his impact on the lives of many people who remained his supporters. Bishop Long passed away on January 15, 2017, due to an aggressive form of cancer.

The Funeral Service

The funeral service took place on January 25, 2017, at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church. Thousands of mourners, including church members, religious leaders, celebrities, and politicians, gathered to honor Bishop Long's memory and contributions to the community. The service was a four-hour celebration of his life, featuring sermons, music performances, and heartfelt tributes from family and friends.

The Eulogist: Bishop Neil C. Ellis

Bishop Neil C. Ellis, the presiding bishop of the Global United Fellowship, delivered the eulogy at Bishop Long's funeral. He was a longtime friend and spiritual colleague of Bishop Long, making him a fitting choice to speak on his life and legacy.

Key Points in the Eulogy

1. Bishop Long's Passion for Ministry: Bishop Ellis highlighted Bishop Long's dedication and love for his ministry, describing him as a "courageous soldier" who was always ready to serve God. He talked about his continuous efforts to enrich the lives of his congregation and his unwavering commitment to the church.
2. His Impact on the Community: Throughout the eulogy, Bishop Ellis emphasized Bishop Long's impact on the community through his countless acts of service, generosity, and spiritual guidance. He celebrated his involvement in social, civic, and educational programs, aimed at improving the lives of people in need.
3. The Importance of Forgiveness: In a moment reflecting on the controversies in Bishop Long's life, Bishop Ellis stressed the importance of forgiveness, emphasizing that none of us are perfect, and we all require God's grace. He encouraged the congregation to embrace forgiveness and honor Bishop Long's memory by moving forward in love.
4. His Legacy and How to Honor It: Bishop Ellis concluded the eulogy by urging the congregation to carry on Bishop Long's legacy of love, service, and faith. He called on the church members to step up and continue the work that Bishop Long had started.

Who Did Eddie Long's Eulogy Example:

In his eulogy, Bishop Ellis remarked:

"He was a servant leader who was not afraid to get his hands dirty, and he knew that ministry was not something that happened in the pulpit. It happened in the streets, where the pain was real, where the need was great. Bishop Long was not only a man who prayed for the hurting, he was a man who served the hurting."

Now that you know who delivered the powerful eulogy at Bishop Eddie Long's funeral service and learned a bit about the key aspects of the eulogy, we hope you're inspired by the memory and legacy of Bishop Eddie Long. His life stories show the impact one person can make in their community and the value of dedication and service to others.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Eddie Long?

Bishop Eddie Long was a prominent pastor of the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, Georgia. He served as senior pastor from 1987 until he passed away on January 15, 2017. Long was a well-known public figure, especially within the religious community, influencing many with his ministry.

When did Eddie Long pass away?

Eddie Long passed away on January 15, 2017, after a battle with an aggressive form of cancer. His death was a significant event for the members of his congregation and the broader religious community.

What was the cause of Eddie Long's death?

The cause of Eddie Long's death was complications related to an aggressive form of cancer. The specific type of cancer was not widely disclosed to the public.

Where was Eddie Long's funeral service held?

The funeral service for Eddie Long was held at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, the place where he preached for nearly 30 years.

Who delivered Eddie Long's eulogy?

The eulogy for Eddie Long was delivered by Bishop T.D. Jakes, who is the pastor of The Potter's House, a non-denominational American megachurch.

Why was Bishop T.D. Jakes chosen to deliver the eulogy?

Bishop T.D. Jakes was chosen to deliver Eddie Long's eulogy due to his close relationship with Long and his respected position in the religious community. As a renowned preacher and televangelist, Jakes was deemed a fitting individual to honor Long's memory.

What was the message of Eddie Long's eulogy?

The message of Eddie Long's eulogy highlighted his life and work, acknowledging his contributions to his church and community. It aimed to comfort those grieving while celebrating the impact Long had made throughout his ministry.

How long was Eddie Long the pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church?

Eddie Long was the pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church for nearly 30 years, serving from 1987 until his passing in 2017.

Was the funeral service for Eddie Long open to the public?

Yes, Eddie Long's funeral service was open to the public, allowing both the community and members of the church to pay their respects.

Did Eddie Long have a family?

Eddie Long was survived by his wife, Vanessa Long, and their children. His family was deeply affected by his loss and played a significant part in his funeral services.

What are some accomplishments of Eddie Long's ministry?

During his tenure, Eddie Long grew the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church from a few hundred members to well over 25,000. He was known for his dynamic preaching style, his outreach programs, and his strong advocacy for social justice.

Did any controversy surround Eddie Long?

Yes, Eddie Long's career was not without controversy. In 2010, he faced lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct, which he settled out of court. These allegations and the settlement brought significant attention and scrutiny to his ministry.

What was the reaction from the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church members regarding Eddie Long's death?

The members of the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church reacted with deep sorrow at the news of Eddie Long's passing. Many expressed their sense of loss and grief, while also reflecting on the positive impact that Bishop Long had on their lives and community.

How has Eddie Long's passing affected the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church?

Eddie Long's passing left a profound void in the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church community. The church faced the challenge of transitioning to new leadership while preserving the legacy and vision that Long established.

Were there other prominent figures who spoke at Eddie Long's funeral?

Besides Bishop T.D. Jakes, several other prominent figures in the religious and civic communities spoke at Eddie Long's funeral, offering tributes and condolences.

Has the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church appointed a new pastor since Eddie Long's passing?

After Eddie Long's passing, the church went through a process of identifying and appointing a new senior pastor to continue the work and mission of the church.

What legacy did Eddie Long leave behind?

Eddie Long left behind a complex legacy marked by his robust church growth, community service, and the controversy that surrounded his later years. Despite the latter, many remember him for his charismatic leadership and commitment to his faith and community.

Did Bishop T.D. Jakes address the controversies in Eddie Long's eulogy?

It is not common for eulogies to focus on the controversies of an individual's life, as they are meant to comfort the bereaved and honor the deceased's memory. The specific content of Bishop T.D. Jakes' eulogy emphasized Long's life and contributions to his faith community rather than any controversy.

Are there any recordings of the eulogy available for the public to view?

Recordings of high-profile funerals are typically made available, either through media outlets or the church's channels. For those interested in viewing the eulogy, it's advisable to search for available recordings through official New Birth Missionary Baptist Church resources or reputable media organizations.

Did Eddie Long have a hand in choosing who would deliver his eulogy?

There is no public information available to affirm whether Eddie Long personally chose who would deliver his eulogy. Such decisions are often made by the deceased's family or church leadership in accordance with the wishes and relationships of the deceased.

What has been the response of the broader religious community to Eddie Long's passing?

The broader religious community expressed varied responses to Eddie Long's passing. While many offered condolences and reflected on his impact on ministry, others addressed the importance of healing and reconciliation following the controversies he faced.

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