Should women be allowed to preach the gospel? I’m in research mode to write on a subject that has permeated the annals of many churches, pastors, and lay people wrestling with equal parity on who should preach to God’s people. The purpose of this study is to propose a perspective and comprehensive effort for the interpretation of the legitimacy of women in an ordained order; their roles in the church; and their influence in the home. My purpose is twofold:  What truly is the place of women as it pertains to the Lord’s biblical dictation?  Secondly, I want to give credence and reference to perspectives in problematic texts concerning church order vs. family order, and the nature and role of women respectfully. An underlining paradox will be to exact why a certain segment of the male pastoral order opposes women as equals in the pulpit. The key is developing a balance between pro and con supporting arguable reasons for the status of women Biblically, and its application in today’s churches. It’s understood that women’s roles in churches are expanding, changing, and challenging the status quo in all factions of their hierarchy, especially the specificity of what role they should play. The debate is ongoing and on tap for decisions to be made for the sake of unity to dispel dissention among the rank and file. Thus, the subject of the female pastorate should be defined biblically and spiritually to determine whether the Divinity of what God says, or didn’t say is understood by those that seek to either give parity (to women) and the situation or risk the continuity of a liberated stake and vociferous stance by women.   

      This is not a new phenomena. The question of the role of women in the church is one of the most significant issues facing the church today. The debate about the meaning of God’s intent for women and His words raises large questions for the church, especially questions of biblical authority and interpretative analysis, including questions of church and family (dis)order. Some believe that women should not speak at all during services. Others feel that women should be able to ask questions but should not be allowed to make statements or comments.  There are quite a few who ascertain that indeed, women DO have voices, but relegated to certain auxiliary duties sans the pulpit. Then there are those pastors that feel that their work should be shared with their wives in a joint pastorate, while adhering to pandering women to ascend the pulpit and preach just like men. They (women) are nowadays vigorously seeking to be pastors and missionaries of the highest order with all of the accolades thereof. Questions abound and are prevalent as women are posturing for, positioning, and proving beyond measure that they belong on the podium, too. Questions abound: Is it permissible for women to publicly pray or discuss the Scriptures? Is it permissible for women to "teach men"? What does Scripture tell us? Are they justified to seek equal opportunity for Ecclesiastical prominence, and under whose and what authority? Perhaps the most important verses used to argue against the active participation of women in spiritual fellowship are found in 1 Timothy 2:11-12: "Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence."

     These are the questions that I need  answering in my study. This study will be comprehensive involving field study, in-depth interviews to gauge the mindsets of pastors, lay ministers, and those who are astute and willing to give not only opinions but with good objective folk to evoke debate, dialogue and poignant points of interest. I’ve long wanted to seek closure on this subject as many pastors in my opinion are not willing or not comfortable in discussing it privately or in sermons. The final analysis based on the outline, objectives and research methods I intend to render will culminate into a book for the mainstream Christian and secular audiences. Check out my outline below helping me on my journey. Ride with me if you will, on this journey of unique proportion! 

Subjective and Topical Outline

• Under Whose AuthorityGeneral Biblical Authority and Interpretation
• The Pauline PerspectiveChurch Order vs. Familial Structure 
• What Has Satan Got to Do With It?
• Thus Saith the Lord

Research Methodology

     I'm aware making all of this feasible will be Interviewing as many Pastors as possible to obtain mindsets for or against opinionated views. The interview process is critical. I would need to obtain mailing addresses and e-mail for database archival, including interviewing women that are aspired or destined for a higher order. Then there's the aspect of also interviewing pastor’s wives individually or collectively for their input. Conducting opinion polls and surveys on general public opinion are also part of the mix. This is not a new phenomenon simply because there have been many who have written on the subject in the past.

Strategies for the Writing of the Book

    Arrange in topical order of the book based on a logical flow of justifiable analogies. In doing so, sorting the analysis of all research methods and information gathered would give order and balance to my work. Do I need a designated pastor to introduce the theme or write the Preface for the book? I think so...it would bring legitimacy to the cause and give him an authoritative voice of support. Nowadays with the publishing having changed in recent years, will I self-publish or go mainstream? There's no book published without viable and ample research. I will canvas for ideas by engaging a platform to gather more information, while introducing relative subject matter online of chats, panel discussions, blogs, and email.