My understanding of the role of a deacon is as a practical servant in the church looking after matters that would get in the way of the elders devoting themselves to the word and prayer.

Do you see deacons as having authority over the congregation? I understand authority to be vested in the elders, not the deacons. Macarthur would seem to alllow the same distinction if he too allows female deacons.

In Christ,

James.