Deacons do whatever is needed as official church representatives; the 'pastor' label confusion

Deacons have some degree of authority and responsibility but not elder-level authority. They don't make decisions for the whole congregation (elders did that) but may have authority over specific ministries. They're not official teachers but can teach informally as all Christians should. Many churches call people 'pastor' who are functionally doing deacon work, which confuses the women-in-ministry discussion.