Bishop Patrick L. Wooden’s Biblical Perspective on Women Preaching the Gospel

Bishop Wooden begins by acknowledging the frequent questions he receives about women preaching.

He notes that some viewers express discomfort when women from his own ministry deliver sermons, though they rarely object when women from outside ministries preach.

This suggests that opposition often stems from preconceived biases rather than the message itself.

To address the question biblically, Bishop Wooden references 1 Corinthians 11:4-5, where Paul discusses men and women praying and prophesying.

He explains that prophesying in the New Testament context refers to preaching and teaching the Word of God.

Paul acknowledges that both men and women engage in these spiritual acts, indicating that God indeed uses women to preach and teach.

Further supporting this, Bishop Wooden cites Acts 2:17, where the prophecy promises that sons and daughters will prophesy, emphasizing that both genders are called to speak God’s truth.

However, Bishop Wooden also examines 1 Timothy 2:11-14, where Paul instructs women to learn in silence and not to usurp authority over men.

The bishop clarifies that “silence” here does not mean muteness or forbidding women from speaking altogether.

Instead, it means learning with tranquility and respect.

He points out that the Greek word used suggests a demeanor of peacefulness rather than complete silence, emphasizing that women are encouraged to praise and worship vocally.

The phrase “not to usurp authority” means not to take control or dominate over men.

Bishop Wooden stresses that in his ministry, no woman has ever taken authority unlawfully; rather, female preachers are invited, supported, and operate with the blessing of their husbands and church leaders.

He highlights the historical context of Paul’s instructions: in that era, only men were typically educated, so women were encouraged to learn under their husbands’ guidance.

Today, with educational opportunities available to all, this cultural limitation no longer applies.

Bishop Wooden distinguishes between female preachers and female pastors.

While he supports women preaching the gospel, he believes the biblical model designates men as the heads of families and leaders of churches.

He argues that certain pastoral responsibilities, such as being “the husband of one wife,” cannot be fulfilled by women, making male leadership biblically appropriate for pastoral roles.

Despite these distinctions, Bishop Wooden celebrates the significant role women have played in spreading the gospel.

He recalls how Jesus commissioned Mary Magdalene—despite her past—to be the first to announce His resurrection, entrusting a woman with a pivotal preaching role.

He also references the Samaritan woman at the well, who became a powerful evangelist to her community.

Encouraging women in ministry, Bishop Wooden urges them to seize every opportunity to stand for Jesus, preach the gospel, pray, and lead others to Christ.

He affirms that God uses women powerfully and that they should not be ashamed to proclaim His name.

In conclusion, Bishop Wooden’s biblical response balances respect for scriptural teachings with acknowledgment of women’s vital contributions to ministry.

He calls for unity and encouragement, empowering women to serve within the boundaries of biblical order while celebrating their God-given gifts.