Definition of deacon: can mean generic servant or official church position

The Greek word 'diakonos' can mean: anyone doing any kind of service, an employee, a government worker -- or an official church position. In the Bible it usually refers to the generic sense, but occasionally refers to the official position (clearly in 1 Timothy 3). The official position involves appointment, does not entail teaching authority (the key difference from elders), but does include some sense of authority to represent the local church in a limited sphere.