About Rev. Dr. Lisa Wolfe
Bridging Academia and Faith
Dr. Lisa Wolfe’s academic journey has taken her from the University of Colorado to Northwestern University, equipping her with a unique perspective on the Hebrew Bible and its relevance in today’s world. Her expertise spans:
Women in the Hebrew Bible
Wisdom Literature (Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes)
Biblical Hebrew
Prophetic Literature
Rev. Dr. Lisa Wolfe's journey in religious studies is a testament to her passion for biblical scholarship and teaching. Her academic path began at the University of Colorado at Boulder, where she earned a BA in Psychology. However, her true calling lay in religious studies, as evidenced by her pursuit of additional courses in religion, theology, philosophy, and women's studies during her undergraduate years.
Driven by her growing interest in religious studies, Dr. Wolfe continued her education at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, where she obtained her Master of Divinity. Her thirst for knowledge and deeper understanding of religious texts led her to pursue a Ph.D. in Religion, specializing in Hebrew Bible, through a joint program between Northwestern University and Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary.
Since 2007, Dr. Wolfe has been an integral part of Oklahoma City University (OCU), where she serves as a Professor of Religion. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that education is a two-way street. She cherishes the small, interactive classes at OCU, often remarking that she learns as much from her dedicated students as they do from her.
Dr. Wolfe’s expertise lies primarily in two areas: women in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) and Wisdom Literature (Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes). Her passion for these subjects has led to several notable publications and projects. In 2010, she released “Uppity Women of the Bible,” a series of Bible study videos produced and distributed by Living the Questions. This project grew out of her popular classes on Ruth, Esther, Song of Songs, and Judith, which she had been teaching since 2003 while writing her book. In 2011, Cascade Books published her commentary on these same biblical women. The success of her classes led to the video project, initially captured by Cortney Haley, a United Theological Seminary Digital Communications graduate. Originally available only on DVD, these videos are now also accessible for streaming. Currently, Dr. Wolfe is in the editing phase of a new video project with Living the Questions titled “Mighty Women of the Bible,” which will feature lesser-known but significant biblical women such as Shiphrah, Puah, Rizpah, Huldah, and the five sisters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.
More recently, Dr. Wolfe revisited her dissertation focus on Ecclesiastes, resulting in the publication of the Qoheleth (Ecclesiastes) volume in the Wisdom Commentary Series. Her current research centers on biblical women such as Tamar, Rizpah, and Huldah, further solidifying her reputation as an expert in women's roles in biblical texts.
Beyond her academic pursuits, Dr. Wolfe is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, a role she has held since 2000. She takes her call to ministry seriously, regularly participating in chapel services on campus and frequently preaching and teaching at her own church and others across Oklahoma and the country.
Dr. Wolfe's career has been closely tied to United Methodist institutions, including OCU and the Saint Paul School of Theology at OCU. Her diverse experiences in ministry include serving as an interim pastor, associate pastor, Christian educator, youth minister, and camp counselor. She particularly enjoys her role as a Godly play storyteller for elementary-age children at her family's church.
Throughout her career, Dr. Wolfe has taught a wide range of courses, including Bible and Culture, Introduction to World Religions, Methods of Biblical Analysis, Biblical Hebrew, Women in the Hebrew Bible, Prophetic Literature, Psalms and Wisdom Literature, and Pentateuch. Her teachings often incorporate honors sections and service learning components, reflecting her commitment to comprehensive and engaged learning.
Dr. Lisa Wolfe's work extends beyond the classroom and pulpit. She is a regular contributor to respected online platforms such as WorkingPreacher.org, BibleOdyssey.org, and ChristianCentury.org, where she shares her insights and scholarship with a broader audience.
Notable Awards
2024 - Oklahoma City University Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning Award for Distinguished Achievement in the Scholarship of Discovery
2023 - Oklahoma City University Presidential Faculty & Student Research Fellowship: Mighty Women of the Bible video project with student videographers
2022 - John C. Starkey Award for Mentoring of Undergraduate Research
2021 - Catholic Media Association Award third place award in academic studies for Qoheleth (Ecclesiastes), vol 24 in the Wisdom Commentary Series (Liturgical Press, 2020)
2018 - Recipient of Oklahoma City University Honors Program Distinguished Faculty Award
2018 - Recipient of Outstanding Faculty Award, Oklahoma City University
