Jody Long is a gifted Minister of the Gospel who understands and lives his calling as a servant/minister. He is a loving husband and father. Jody has roots in humble beginnings, and he has excelled in pursuit of his academic studies through the public schools, college, seminary, and graduate studies. He has a heart of compassion, and his passion for Missions is the primary characteristic which impressed me. Jody’s excellent leadership skills and a bundle of versatile gifts will serve us well as he moves among our CBF/GA churches and in tandem with our Coordinating Council and staff.
— Henry Tyson, Chair, Executive Coordinator Search Committee
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Jody took the helm officially February 1, following Frank Broome, who had served as Executive Coordinator since 1997. 
Deeply rooted in CBF/GA and in CBF Global life, Jody brings broad educational background and deep staff ministry experience to his new work at CBF/GA. A native of Macon, Georgia, Jody has served since 2004 as Minister of Missions and Students at First Baptist Church of Christ in Macon, where he oversaw and implemented the youth and missions programs, led the congregation in community engagement, assisted in worship planning and leadership, supervised custodial and maintenance staff, and provided pastoral care as needed within the congregation. Says his pastor, Scott Dickison, “Jody Long’s ministry at our church is defined (by) how he’s ministered among us: with a spirit of generosity and grace, kindness and compassion, humor and humility. In short, with the spirit of the one we aim to follow.” CBF/GA looks forward to Jody’s leading with that same spirit. Jody earned undergraduate degrees from Macon State College and Mercer University with concentrations in Christianity, English literature, and history. He earned his M.Div. from McAfee School of Theology of Mercer University in 2004 and a Ph.D. in higher education from Tift College of Education of Mercer University in 2013. Jody participates in the CBF Youth Ministry Network and has been active in CBF life at several levels. With CBF/GA, Jody has coordinated local arrangements for March Mission Madness. A member of the 2016 Leadership Macon class, Jody is active in his community, serving as president of the Springdale Elementary School Council since 2015. Jody is married to Julie Whidden Long and they have two children, Merrill and John Thomas.