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What Is Eddie Lee Long’s Net Worth
Bishop Eddie Lee Long, an American pastor and author, had a net worth of $5 million at the time of his death. He was primarily known as the senior pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, Georgia.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Eddie Lee Long was born on May 12, 1953, in Huntersville, North Carolina. He pursued higher education at North Carolina Central University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He briefly worked for Ford Motor Corporation as a car salesman before transitioning into ministry. Long furthered his theological studies and obtained a Master of Divinity degree from the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Although the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia lacks accreditation from recognized educational accreditation institutions. He became the pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in 1987, when the church had approximately 300 members.
Growth of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church
Under Bishop Long’s leadership, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church experienced substantial growth. The church’s membership increased exponentially, from 300 members in 1987 to approximately 25,000. This growth positioned New Birth as a megachurch within the DeKalb County, Georgia community.
Income and Assets
Bishop Long’s financial status was significantly influenced by his role as a pastor and his related activities. In 2005, reports indicated that Long received over $3.07 million in compensation and benefits from his non-profit charity, ‘Bishop Eddie Long Ministries Inc.,’ between 1997 and 2000. This included a salary of over $1 million, including $494,000 in 2000. This figure also included the use of a Bentley automobile valued at $350,000. Also, in 2005, it was reported that the Bishop lived in a six-bedroom, nine-bath home on 20 acres in Lithonia, GA worth $1.4 million.
In 2008, Long donated $1 million to his alma mater, North Carolina Central University, to establish a professorship in his name, stating that the donation came from his personal income derived from real estate ventures and royalties from his books.
Authorship and Publications
Bishop Long authored several books throughout his career, which contributed to his income and public image. Some of his notable titles include:
- It’s Your Time: Reclaim Your Territory for the Kingdom
- The Elect Lady
- I Don’t Want Delilah, I Need You
- What a Man Wants, What a Woman Needs
- Called to Conquer
- Gladiator: The Strength of a Man
- 60 Seconds to Greatness: Seize the Moment and Plan for Success
Royalties from these books added to his overall financial standing.
Controversies and Legal Issues
Throughout his career, Bishop Long faced several controversies, including a Senate investigation regarding the tax-exempt status of his ministry. Although the investigation concluded without definitive findings of wrongdoing, it brought scrutiny to his financial practices. He was also involved in civil lawsuits alleging sexual impropriety with underage male members of his parish. These lawsuits were settled out of court for undisclosed amounts.
Salary and Senate Investigation
In 2005, reports surfaced detailing Bishop Long’s compensation from his non-profit charity, Bishop Eddie Long Ministries Inc. Between 1997 and 2000, he allegedly received over $3.07 million in compensation and benefits. Long maintained that the charity’s income was derived from royalties, speaking fees, and large donations, rather than from church members.
In 2007, the United States Senate Committee on Finance conducted a three-year investigation into the tax-exempt status of six ministries, including Long’s. The investigation concluded without definitive findings of wrongdoing.
Death and Legacy
Bishop Eddie Long passed away on January 15, 2017, in Atlanta, Georgia, reportedly due to an aggressive form of cancer. His death marked the end of a controversial yet influential career in ministry. At the time of his death, his net worth was estimated to be $5 million.
