Joyce Meyer, Juanita Bynum and Paula White, they're some of the most well-known preachers in the world.

The Augusta area also has its share of ministers who are women.

Over the past few decades, more churches have allowed women into the pulpit, but not without criticism.

Rev. Bernita Mitchell grew up in the church with parents who were full-time ministers.

Today, she a proud wife and mother of four, but she also co-pastors Restoration Ministries in Augusta with her husband Senior Pastor Michael Mitchell.

She says her role is an inspiration to other women.

“They can relate a little bit better; they have someone who can feel and can see it how they see it and address it from that position. It really makes a difference,” Rev. Mitchell said.

Restoration Ministries is a non-denominational church, but over the years, more denominations and faiths have started allowing women to serve as leaders.

For example, while the Southern Baptist Convention does not ordain female pastors, some Baptist churches allow women to preach and some still don't.

At Abilene Baptist Church in Augusta, Senior Pastor William Harrell says they hold to scriptural references on the issue.

“I come from the biblical perspective on it, the Bible reserves the office of pastor and office of deacon for men,” Rev. Harrell said.

Despite some limitations, Pastor Harrell says there are many talented women serving the Baptist church on other levels.

“We're training a lot of young ladies for ministry of different kinds and there's nothing wrong with a young lady being a minister of some sort on somebody's staff,” Rev. Harrell said.

Although guidelines vary from one house of worship to another, Pastor Mitchell says she wants to encourage all women who feel called by God to serve.

“Know that God has a way of opening up the doors and getting you in places you need to be, he has a way of getting your voice out, so they don't have to fight the system,” Rev. Mitchell said.

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