In a way, "pastor" is a professional title. Each holder need to
go through a recognised seminary or theological school. In most
churches, only upon attain a certain level of seniority (and
probably some more studies) will the title of Reverend be confered
on this individual. In other words, cannot any old call yourself
pastor.
What is the difference between a pastor and a priest and how come
protestant denominations allow female servers
Not all churches allow woman pastors. As fandango had stated,
there are some who will adhere to the biblical teachings. Others
will interpret it as a shift in cultural traditions whereby women
are more and more given positions of authority. It is also right
that women pastors can cater to certain aspects of church life
where it might be inconvenient for a male to do. All said and done,
I don't think we'd see a woman achieving the rank of bishop
anywhere in the near future.
