Denise Cumbee Long, Interim Senior Minister
Denise Cumbee Long has served as Interim Senior Pastor at Binkley Baptist Church since August of 2007. Although she is a minister with the United Church of Christ, Denise grew up in Baptist churches and feels there is much kinship between progressive Baptist and U.C.C. congregations. Denise was drawn to Binkley’s reputation as a vibrant congregation in the Chapel Hill community, active in social justice and peace issues and open and welcoming to all people. She is delighted to be serving here while the congregation continues on a journey of discernment and discovery in preparation for a new permanent pastor.
Denise received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wake Forest University, a Master of Divinity degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a J.D. from the University of Chapel Hill School of Law. She has worked with denominational and ecumenical ministries, most recently as a Program Associate with the North Carolina Council of Churches, and as the Executive Director of nonprofits serving public interest attorneys and victims of domestic violence. Denise is married to Douglas Long who is the pastor of Umstead Park United Church of Christ in Raleigh. Their daughter, Jessica, a recent graduate of UNC, lives in Iquitos, Peru and works on rainforest conservation issues. Their son, Jordan, is a theater major at UNC-G and lives in Greensboro. Denise also enjoys the company of her two canine companions, Jonah and Sassy.