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Tom said:

Have you ever heard of the word "deacon" being used is the sense of a preacher or minister of the Word?

Well Tom, the word "minister" and the word "deacon" both mean to be a servant or to serve. In 1 Tim 3:8-13 Paul writes that deacons are to be godly men apparently in charge of the physical and financial well-being of the church and this is also in agreement with the pattern set forth in Acts 6.

It is significant that the church only added deacons once it reached a certain size, they were selected to relieve the elders of the work of serving tables (ministering to physical needs), and in Acts 6 we only find men being installed in that position.

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Tom said:

I sure haven't and I have read many articles on the subject.
Although I have read articles that support women preaching (by egalitarians) the Word, it has always been in the context of pastor/elder.

Even at that, I have found that most (at least of the articles I have read) of these egalitarians, although they support women in the office of "deacon", they do not support women in the office of "elder".

Egalitarians would like to occupy "all" the offices of the church because they see no significance in gender differences and believe the Spirit gifts them to do this.


Wes

When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of Glory died, my richest gain I count but loss and pour contempt on all my pride. - Isaac Watts