I'm aware there has been some discussion about the definition and whether the office of Deacon "has authority."

As I understand it, the office of Deacon does have authority in the biblical sense of church governance. It is often described alongside Elder in the Scripture. My best understanding of this is that a Deacon has administrative authority (to oversee mercy ministry, to develope a spirit of liberality in the congregation regarding giving, to oversee stewardship of the property, etc.).

Perhaps an analogy would be a board of directors are ultimately responsible for strategic direction of a company (somewhat like Elders), whereas chief executive officers have administrative authority (somewhat like Deacons). One might say employees (somewhat like church members) have some authority, more like task authority, but it is overseen by management which is governed by the board of directors.

I think Scripture sets out something like this for authority- certainly with lots of "task authority" for women and men (e.g. involvement in service, mercy ministry, diaconal ministry) but under the higher levels of authority (and accountability) of Deacons and Elders. Every part is essential for the whole, it's not a question of "worth" but more a question of function.

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Scott
PCA
North Carolina