This is going to sound odd but I see deaconesses as faithful to Scripture but not necessary for Women's ministry. The leader of a women's ministry need not be a deaconess. I do believe it is necessary in some areas to have women deaconess's (what we in the ARP call "caretaker deacons") who can perform actions that men, by prudence, cannot.

As far as the "feminist" call, one need look no further than the RPCNA for proof that it is not always the case, though I grant likely.

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Benjamin P. Glaser, M. Div, Licentiate, Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church
Member Fairmount ARP Church
Pittsburgh, PA

Deo Vindice