The issue on whether women should be allowed to preach has been a constant debate especially at the height of the women's liberation movement in the '70s. The argument remains up to this day despite the rise of prominent female pastors because of hardliners who insist on strictly following the Scriptures' teachings.

The brouhaha has something to do with what the Apostle Paul wrote — women should not teach or have authority over men (1Timothy 2:11-15 and 1Corinthians 14:34). The Bible seems to support this view, as the characters in its narrative of the Great Commission is generally male-centric.

It is easy to believe a doctrine outright if it is written in black and white. However, an important factor in studying the Bible is considering the context of the verse, whether the teaching is directed to a specific audience or the believers in general, and the social conditions during the time it was written.

Paul did declare that women ought to keep quiet in church, but it should be noted that women were not learned in the first century. He was actually saying that women during his time had no capacity to speak about the Word due to their lack of educational attainment. Indeed, how can they teach when they could not even read?

Bible sticklers can easily prove their point against women pastors based on the two mentioned verses by saying "it is written!" and "thus saith the Lord!" However, the Bible also has women leaders who were used mightily by God. Paul himself had 10 women who helped significantly in his ministry.

The best example of God's female leader is Deborah, the judge (freedom fighter) and prophetess who caused the defeat of the Canaanites. It was a dark period in Israel's history, and no one male was worthy to lead the Hebrew people. Thus, God raised Deborah to fill that void in leadership.

From Deborah, we can learn that God can use anyone regardless of gender to further His work. In settling this long-drawn debate about women pastors, it is best to refer to Matthew 7:16: "So then, you will know them by their fruits." In this day and age, female preachers have certainly done a great deal in harvesting souls.