Austin Bible Church
The permanent spiritual gift of service is given to both men and women believers. This gift functions in the administration of the local church. This spiritual gift is strictly administrative without the leadership function. The Greek noun διακονία (diakonia) found in Romans 12:7 means ministry or service and does not refer to the office of deacon in the local church. Those who have the gift of service should serve on committees and in specific administrative functions in the local church, on mission boards, and in Christian service organizations.
"if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching;" (Romans 12:7, NASB)
The deacon, however, who should be the chairman of local church committees, should have the gift of administration. Those who serve on the committees should have the gift of service. The combination of the gifts of administration and service provide the effective administrative function in the local church.
The spiritual gift of service is one of the more common spiritual gifts among believers. It is from this gift that so many things are done in the local church. The gift of service involves the little things that keep the local church running smoothly and works right along with the gift of helps.