Harold E. Long
| Harold E. Long | |
|---|---|
 Harold_E._Long.png | |
| Born | July 20, 1965 Nevada, Missouri, U.S. |
| 🏳️ Nationality | American |
| 🏫 Education | Bachelor of Professional Studies Master of Business Administration (MBA) Master of Divinity (M.Div.) Doctorate of Ministry (D.Min.) |
| 💼 Occupation | Pastor, author, recovery advocate, mental health coach |
| 👩 Spouse(s) | Susan Long |
Harold E. Long (born July 20, 1965) is an American pastor, author, recovery advocate, mental health coach, and entrepreneur. He is known for his work in alcoholism and addiction recovery, community advocacy, and pastoral leadership. Long has authored several writings on faith, recovery, and mental health, most notably his upcoming book, The Big Delusion: Shattering the Delusions of Alcoholism and Addiction.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10]
Early life and education
Long was born in Nevada, Missouri, on July 20, 1965. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic School until his family moved to Arnold, Missouri, in 1972, where he studied within the Fox C-6 School District. In 1977, his family relocated to Kirksville, Missouri, where Long attended Kirksville High School. At age fifteen, he left home and school, initially living independently and working various jobs to support himself.[1][3][6][7][9]
Despite these challenges, Long pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Professional Studies and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Missouri Baptist University. He later attained a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from Eden Theological Seminary and is pursuing a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) from Andersonville Theological Seminary.[1][3][6][7][9]
Career
Recovery advocacy and mentorship
Since 1987, Long has advocated for recovery from alcoholism and addiction. He began mentoring individuals in recovery and addressing audiences about substance abuse and recovery strategies. Between 1990 and 1993, he volunteered with The Salvation Army Harbor Light Addiction Center, supporting individuals overcoming alcoholism and addiction.[1][4][6][7]
Corrections ministry
In 1993, Long began his involvement in corrections ministry, providing leadership, mentorship, and recovery support to incarcerated individuals. In October 1996, he became a full-time volunteer with the Missouri Department of Corrections (VIC), serving in maximum security correctional facilities. He has continued this role, working closely with incarcerated individuals to support rehabilitation and personal development.[1][4][6][7]
Insurance and business career
Before transitioning into ministry, Long had a career in insurance and financial services. He worked in the insulation industry from 1984 to 1987 before joining AAA Missouri as a captive agent (1990–1998), encouraged by his mother, Patricia Ann Long, who was among the early women in insurance sales for AAA Missouri. She died in 2015. Long later founded and operated his own AAA Entrepreneur Agency (1998–2009), HALO Insurance & Benefits Group (2009–2016), and co-founded American Insurance & Financial Services in 2022, branded as “America’s Trusted Insurance Agency.”[1][4][6][7]
Pastoral leadership
Long transitioned into pastoral ministry in 2016, serving as Senior Teaching Pastor at Mt. Olivet UMC (2016–2018) and LifeSong UMC (2018–2020). Between 2020 and 2024, he served as the Senior Teaching Pastor for Hillsboro UMC and Transformation UMC. He is currently planting Transformation Church in Eureka, Missouri, scheduled for launch in summer 2025, with preparatory meetings in House Springs, Missouri.[2][4][6][7][10]
Authorship
Long authored The Big Delusion: Shattering the Delusions of Alcoholism and Addiction, anticipated for release as a significant work in recovery, religious, and spiritual literature. He also contributes articles and devotions on theology, spirituality, recovery, and mental health.[2][4][6][7][10]
Community work and advocacy
Long leads initiatives promoting mental health awareness, recovery resources, and faith-based support. His projects include recovery ministries, advocacy programs, community awareness events, outreach for youth and adults, and recovery housing. He has also worked on securing funding and grants to enhance access to mental health and recovery services.[2][3][7][10]
Recognition and influence
Long is recognized for promoting inclusivity and holistic recovery methods within faith communities, emphasizing mentorship and personal growth in recovery. His contributions have impacted individuals and communities, reinforcing the role of faith, mental health coaching, and recovery advocacy.[1][3][5][8][10]
Personal life
Long is married to Susan (Suzie) Long. They have five children and four grandchildren. His interests include recovery, ministry, community advocacy, live music, golf, fishing, hunting, and supporting Missouri sports teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs, St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Blues, Missouri Tigers, St. Louis City Soccer, St. Louis Battlehawks, and St. Louis Billikens.[1][2][6][8]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 "Harold E. Long: A Journey of Transformation and Purpose". Live Positively. Retrieved 26 September 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 "Harold E. Long: A Lifelong Commitment to Alcoholism and Addiction Recovery". Medium. Retrieved 26 September 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 "Harold E. Long: Championing Community Development and Advocacy in Mental Health and Recovery". Sociomix. Retrieved 26 September 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 "Harold E. Long: Mastering Diverse Skills to Maximize the Power of Faith in Society". Steemit. Retrieved 26 September 2025.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Harold E. Long". LiveJournal. Retrieved 26 September 2025.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 6.8 "Harold E. Long: Championing Faith-Based Mental Health Coaching with Compassion and Vision". Hashnode. Retrieved 26 September 2025.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 7.7 7.8 "Harold E. Long". Aphel Online. Retrieved 26 September 2025.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 "Harold E. Long – A Life Rebuilt, A Legacy Reshaping Lives". Times Square Reporter. Retrieved 26 September 2025.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 "Raising Up the Next Generation: Harold's Vision". Substack. Retrieved 26 September 2025.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 "Harold E. Long". IndiBlogHub. Retrieved 26 September 2025.
