Prophecy has a passive element: the prophet relays God's instructions but does not have authority to make decisions for God.

Extreme patriarchalists who think women can't do anything public are refuted by female prophets. But prophecy has a passive element — prophets relay instructions and are withheld from going beyond them. Nathan told David to build the temple on his own authority and God corrected him. This passive quality may be why it's hard to bridge the gap between female prophets and eldership in the church. Still, women speaking publicly or sharing a message from God should not be prohibited.