Some deacons were also gifted in other areas of ministry and were at liberty to use their gifts. Stephen and Phillip, for instance, were deacons who also had other gifting. As deacons, however, they functioned in a practical way. Deacons are not limited to practical service, but must be engaged in practical service to be deacons. Deacons are not required to be evangelists like Phillip or preachers like Stephen.
Elders are like steward and deacons are like slaves.
Both are servants. No elder or deacon is allowed to function in any way other than as a servant. The greatest will be the servant of all. The elders chose the number. The elders chose the task.