The issue of woman preachers or pastors is a non-issue in some churches and a major issue in others. Both camps I believe are trying to follow the word of God to the best of their knowledge.

Two scriptures have been used to disallow women to preach or pastor: they are 1 Corinthians 14:33-35, and 1 Timothy 2:11. There has also been some scripture tampering as in Romans 16:7 where some translations have changed the name Junia a woman (Greek word Iounias Strongs #2458 which is feminine) to a man’s name Junias. Certain early manuscripts do carry a different name, but it too is feminine “Julia”. She was counted as an Apostle.

The setting of the above mentioned scriptures must be understood. Women during that time period were not as educated as the men. They lacked the freedoms and the privileges that Jesus came to bring both genders when he started the church. When these women went to any public meetings of any kind they were seated in the outer courts while the men were in the inner courts. It was improper for a woman to interrupt the meeting and ask what a certain matter meant so she was instructed to ask to her husband at home and keep silent in the church. Lack of education also increased the temptation, as of Eve, to follow false doctrine. So Paul was right in instructing these particular women not to teach. These women in both scripture were more the exception than the norm. Young women and young widows could easily entertain fables wives tales, slander, gossip which could easily pervert the Gospel and the early church. Added to this Rabbinical Judaism had added some oral laws which Jesus vigorously opposed Matthew 15:3,23,24. This oral law encouraged subjugation of women with statements like this: women are pitchers full of filth, greedy… slothful… prone to steal.

The Bible is full of women that fulfilled critical roles, taught Gods word, ministered to others and also prophesied publicly.

Miriam sang songs publicly Exodus 15:20,21. Deborah the Old Testament judge (obviously educated) had people inquire of her on spiritual issues rather than ask their husbands at home. Deuteronomy 17:9.

Acts 2:17 God said that he would pour out His spirit on all people and sons and daughters would prophecy. In Acts 21:7 there were four daughters that prophesied. In 1 Corinthians 11:4 women prayed and prophesied. In Romans 16:1 Phoebe a deaconess was to be received as a saint and helped. Look up the qualifications of a deacon or elder. There was the disciple Tabitha in Acts 9:36 and the prophetess Anna who was in the temple and spoke about the child Jesus to all who were looking for redemption of Jerusalem. Remember when one is prophesying it is to be loud so the whole congregation hears and judges what is spoken. Prophecy is not only a public ministry but it encompasses exhortation, which includes instruction. This does not fit then with the scriptures that a woman is to remain silent in the church. 1 Corinthians 12:28 ... and in the church God has appointed first apostles, secondary prophets, thirdly teachers… all these office have been represented by women in the above mentioned scriptures. Obviously there is a calling and training that goes into any office any man or woman stands in; so we can clearly see the contrast between the educated and the uneducated women (and I’ll add men) that are to remain silent in church.

Today we have many successful women that stand in public ministry offices. They walk in the power of the Holy Spirit with signs and wonders following the preaching or teaching of the word. I know, I am married to one.