Craig Blomberg on early church deaconesses: common for centuries with pastoral care and baptism roles

Blomberg (Two Views, p. 148) states the office of deaconess was common for several centuries in early church history, granting women leadership roles including responsibility to 'care pastorally for, catechize, and baptize other women' -- tasks felt inappropriate for men to perform. Mike argues there's a real need for women's ministry since male pastors can't fulfill all needs women have without creating problems.