AT2W

Open Letter From Bishop Long’s Explanation To Members

Here’s an open letter from Bishop Long. The letter received from his website at Newbirth.org is written to his members regarding recent news about lawsuits, membership, pay cut adjustments to New Birth employees.

We kept the pertinent parts of the letter for you to read. Please be aware of the words in italic that signify some interesting points and influences Bishop Long states.

Open Letter From Bishop Long to His New Birth Members from NewBirth.org website

 

Dear New Birth Member,

I greet you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and begin by thanking you for all that you do for the ministry of New Birth. You are the cornerstone of our church. I am grateful for the faithfulness in your walk and your commitment to the New Birth family.

Recently, we have experienced renewed attention by the local media, after a brief period of relative calm. Although, New Birth continues to serve as a strong, viable and relevant global ministry, some media outlets have again chosen to ignore our great work for the Kingdom. Instead, there is a resurgence of their persistent barrage of misinformation and disparaging reports. At times, this can be emotionally difficult, but please understand that it only demonstrates that we have disturbed principalities. I prayerfully urge you not to let the negativity of the media discourage you. In fact, I am hopeful that this form of reporting serves as a catalyst that encourages you to strengthen your armor and continue the fight, for this too shall pass. This season, like others, has an expiration date and the time is drawing near. I can assure you that nothing is too great for our God, and He will navigate us through these challenging waters.

Allow me to remind you of my commitment to transparency and keeping you informed to the best of my ability, under the current circumstances. You deserve and have my sincere pledge to communicate critical information to you in a timely manner. Yet with the speed of today’s technology, there may be times when information may become part of a media report prior to this information being relayed to you. That’s when it will be vitally important that you faithfully trust us, and know that the governing body of the church is acting in the best interest of New Birth. During those times, even the uninformed has a spiritual responsibility to protect the integrity of the ministry by functioning as ambassadors.

With that in mind, I would like to update the recent media reports that failed to provide a truthful, fair, and balanced account of the latest developments at New Birth.

Here are the facts:

•            Like numerous other churches…, New Birth has been impacted by the nationwide downturn in the economy. New Birth understands that the people … have been particularly adversely impacted by the loss of jobs and erosion of financial security. New Birth has and will remain in diligent prayer for these families, as well as our nation overall.

•            New Birth responded to the lagging economy with fiscal prudence and common sense. We made employee census adjustments that impacted two full time staff members and a ten percent pay reduction for staff. Furthermore, New Birth adopted a pilot program, adjusting the workweek from five to four days…

•            In response to reports about the financial situation of New Birth, as accurately noted by several credible national media organizations, churches are experiencing a nationwide trend with declines in contributions. Mega churches have been negatively impacted the most. Contributions to New Birth are in line with the national trend.

•            In regards to news accounts of your love offerings to me… My compensation is determined by an independent board, in conjunction with advice and counsel of New Birth’s CPA’s and tax advisors, all in accordance with IRS regulations.

•            And finally, addressing the civil cases the church and I are facing. These matters are in litigation and therefore, at the advice and direction of our legal counsel, we are not at liberty to comment about them. We look forward to the time when we are able to speak openly with you and the public at large and anticipate that that day will bring a renewed vigor and time of rejoicing to all in the New Birth family.

… Despite what we face, remember 2 Thessalonians 3:3 where it is written, “Yet the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and set you on a firm foundation and guard you from the evil one.”

I have spent nearly 24 years as your Senior Pastor and my love for every one of you grows incrementally with each passing day. It is time to recommit, and actively serve with renewed vigor and passion for the Kingdom. I thank you for the time and effort that you have already given to New Birth…

Thank you for being faithful stewards who don’t seek earthly rewards, but truly understand what it means to Love, Live and Lead like Christ.

 

Your Pastor,

Bishop Eddie L. Long

 

Open Letter From Bishop Long to His New Birth Members from NewBirth.org website