Bishop Wooden DECLARES “COGIC Doctrine is Not the Bible”: A Call for True Biblical Faith Over Tradition

Bishop Patrick Wooden, a respected leader within the Church of God in Christ (COGIC), recently delivered a stirring message that has sparked significant attention and reflection.

In a candid and heartfelt address, he declared, “COGIC doctrine is not the Bible.”

This statement, while seemingly provocative, is a call to return to the foundational truth of Christianity—the Word of God itself.

Bishop Wooden began by addressing the issue of religious hypocrisy.

Citing Jesus’ rebuke of the Pharisees in Matthew 15:7-9, he highlighted how people can outwardly honor God with words and religious titles, yet have hearts distant from Him.

“They know how to say the right things,” Wooden said, “but their heart is far from me.”

This disconnect between profession and genuine love for God is a central concern in his message.

He explained that much of what is taught in churches, including COGIC, can sometimes drift into “teaching for doctrine the commandments of men.”

This phrase, drawn from Scripture, warns against substituting human traditions and rules for the true commandments of God.

Wooden acknowledged his own membership and pride in COGIC, affirming that its doctrines are based on and aligned with the Bible.

However, he stressed that this alignment is not enough if the church’s teaching does not prioritize Scripture as the ultimate authority.

“It’s not enough for us,” he said.

“You got to preach the Bible, the Word of God… You got to be 90% Bible.”

Wooden cautioned against spending too much time on church history, structure, or man-made traditions at the expense of biblical teaching.

This imbalance, he warned, leads to a religion focused more on form than on the living God.

Bishop Wooden also addressed the dangers of becoming overly busy with religious duties and positions—“You have all the positions, but you don’t know the Lord. That’s empty.”

He urged believers not to let the enemy use busyness to rob them of prayer, fasting, and intimate communication with God.

The proof of God’s use of a person, he emphasized, is not a hectic schedule or popularity, but the time spent with God and obedience to His guidance.

Drawing from Jesus’ final moments with His disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane, Wooden reminded listeners of human frailty and the need for vigilance in prayer.

“Your spirit is willing, but your flesh is weak,” Jesus said, underscoring the importance of maintaining a humble and sanctified heart.

Bishop Wooden warned against pride and self-exaltation, reminding believers that God uses those who are “small in their own eyes.”

He challenged the audience to examine their own hearts rather than judging others, emphasizing the need to keep Jesus “sanctified in your heart.”

Highlighting the personal nature of faith, Wooden explained that sanctifying the Lord in one’s heart is an individual responsibility.

No pastor, spouse, or church member can do this for another.

Each person must guard against anything—be it doctrines, clubs, or social groups—that rivals Christ’s place in their heart.

In closing, Bishop Wooden’s message is a powerful reminder to focus on the Bible as the ultimate authority and to nurture a living, personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

His call is clear: avoid empty religiosity, prioritize Scripture, and keep Christ at the center of your heart and life.