Gerard Bramwell Long
Gerard Bramwell Long | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 10, 1957 London, England |
| Occupation(s) | Christian minister, evangelist, author, motivational speaker, former banking executive |
| Years active | 1980–present |
| Known for | Executive director for Alpha course USA, author of The Breakthrough |
| Notable work | The Breakthrough |
Gerard Bramwell Long (born 10 December 1957 in London) is a Christian minister, evangelist, author, motivational speaker, and former executive in the banking sector. Prior to retiring in 2014 to dedicate himself fully to Awakening to God ministries, he held the position of executive director for Alpha course USA.
Early life
An accomplished middle-distance runner, Long captained a team that featured Olympic athlete Sebastian Coe. Displaying entrepreneurial skills early on, he established a profitable business during his university years. He embraced Christianity at the age of 22, on 14 February 1980.
Career
Long spent 22 years serving as a pastor at a church in North London and acted as Chairman of Christians in Finance. Alongside his ministry work, he occupied senior leadership roles at HSBC Plc, one of the globe’s foremost banking institutions. His banking tenure involved managing the UK and European Year 2000 Program (Y2K), launching an international product from New York, and spearheading HSBC’s integration with Household International following its $13.8 billion acquisition in 2003. He was recognized publicly as a Y2K consultant and as a prominent Christian figure within London's financial community.
In 2006, Long transitioned out of banking to assume the role of CEO at Alpha USA, where he guided the organization through over 300% growth within seven years. He stepped down in 2014 after the tragic drowning of his daughter. The Washington Post refers to him as a "former banking executive" and characterizes Alpha as a "church-saving business" that markets resources aimed at increasing church attendance.
The Breakthrough
Alpha USA released Long's debut book, The Breakthrough, in October 2010, co-developed with business strategist Ken Blanchard. This contemporary parable employs a straightforward narrative to explore themes related to God, faith, suffering, and life after death, following the tradition of business fables such as Blanchard’s One-Minute Manager. Long is currently preparing a second publication centered on coping with loss and grief, drawing upon his own experiences to assist Christians in navigating these difficult emotions.
Personal life
Long lives with his wife Jeannie in Malibu, California. He has endured profound personal tragedies including the deaths of two children: his daughter Rebecca—who was Alpha USA's National Director of Youth—drowned in Lake Michigan at age 32 in 2014; and his youngest son Alex, who took his own life at 17 in 2005. His remaining son Ben is employed within the City of London.