Dr. Marsha Brown Woodard’s life has been dedicated to service, education, and leadership. As the president of the Baptist Pastors and Ministers Conference of Philadelphia and vicinity, Dr. Woodard is the first woman to hold this position. She also uses her platform to shape the future of faith leadership. Her story is an inspiring example of how individuals can contribute to society through service and mentorship.
Dr. Woodard’s path began in St. Louis, Missouri, where she grew up in a strong community and church environment. Her early involvement in the Antioch Baptist Church — and her education at institutions like Ottawa University, Eden Theological Seminary, and Lancaster Seminary — equipped her well for a life of ministry. Her leadership roles as a Senior Lecturer at Eastern University’s Palmer Theological Seminary and assistant pastor at Saints Memorial Baptist Church demonstrate her commitment to educating and guiding others.
Leading By Example
Dr. Woodard’s leadership within the Baptist Pastors and Ministers Conference reflects her broader philosophy of service. Under her stewardship, the 130-year-old organization continues to thrive by recognizing the value of both its legacy and its future. The Conference’s “Living Legacy Series” honors preachers who have served for decades and provides a space for their wisdom to influence the next generation. Through this series and other initiatives, Dr. Woodard has emphasized the importance of learning from the past while actively shaping the future.
Her leadership also has been instrumental in continuing their community-building efforts. The conference has partnered with various organizations, including those focused on international development, to make a tangible difference in the lives of others. They have supported projects to build wells and latrines in Africa, and have provided resources to educational institutions such as Morris College and Lutheran Seminary.
Mentor For Women In Ministry
One of Dr. Woodard’s most impressive (significant) contributions is her advocacy for women in ministry. When she started her journey, few African-American women were in the clergy, especially in the Baptist faith. Today, that landscape has changed, thanks in part to her efforts. She has created a leadership model that she calls “midwife leadership,” which is designed to encourage women to grow in their unique callings rather than simply replicate others’ paths.
Her midwife model is deeply personal and impactful. Dr. Woodard encourages women to listen for, in the words of Dr. Valerie Bridgeman “God’s voice in their own throat” as a stepping stone to embrace their individuality and unique contributions to preaching as well as other aspects of ministry. This philosophy extends beyond the church and can be an inspirational compass for anyone looking to midwife (mentor) and support others in any field. She said that by helping others realize their full potential, individuals can contribute to a stronger, more diverse community.
Faith And Community
Dr. Woodard’s work extends to other passionate missions in the community. She has been deeply involved in interfaith initiatives, most notably as a member of NewCORE (New Conversations on Race and Ethnicity), an interfaith group dedicated to fostering dialogue and understanding across diverse racial, gender, and religious identities. She said that she believed that conversation is a tool for change and transformation. This belief drives her efforts to create spaces where people of different backgrounds can come together and grow by learning from each other, and work towards a common goal.
Through NewCORE and other meaningful community partnerships, Dr. Woodard has joined with other leaders to bridge, divide, and build inclusive communities. Her interfaith work shows that faith leaders can play a vital role in promoting unity and cooperation across different sectors of society.
Balancing Service And Personal Life
Despite her many responsibilities, Dr. Woodard also emphasizes self-care and personal life balance. She acknowledges that maintaining this delicate balance is not always easy but stresses the need for rest, relaxation, and reflection. She finds ways to recharge through reading, spending time with friends, or exploring local history.
Her honesty about the challenges of life and work is a reminder that even those who lead and serve need a break to care for themselves. Her advice is clear: “Make time for rest, and don’t be afraid to seek balance in all areas of life.”
Modeling Dr. Woodard’s Service
Dr. Marsha Brown Woodard’s life and work offer a powerful example of how individuals can contribute to society. By prioritizing education, mentorship, community engagement, and self-care, she has created a legacy of service that goes far beyond her titles. Her story demonstrates that anyone can make a difference by investing in others, supporting diverse voices, and fostering dialogue.
For those inspired by Dr. Woodard’s journey, there are key ways to follow her approach through:
Mentorship: Act as a mentor (midwife) in your community or workplace, encouraging others to grow into their unique roles.
Community Service: Get involved in local or global projects that aim to improve the lives of others, whether through direct action or by supporting organizations that address pressing needs.
Dialogue and Understanding: Foster conversations that bring people together across differences, whether through interfaith groups, community organizations, or informal gatherings.
Self-Care: Balance service with self-care, recognizing that rest and reflection are vital for sustained leadership.
Dr. Eric John Nzeribe is the Publisher of FunTimes Magazine and has a demonstrated history of working in the publishing industry since 1992. His interests include using data to understand and solve social issues, narrative stories, digital marketing, community engagement, and online/print journalism features. Dr. Nzeribe is a social media and communication professional with certificates in Digital Media for Social Impact from the University of Pennsylvania, Digital Strategies for Business: Leading the Next-Generation Enterprise from Columbia University, and a Master of Science (MS) in Publication Management from Drexel University and a Doctorate in Business Administration from Temple University.
