Det sociala arbetets kärleksambassadörer : En kvalitativ studie om diakonins sociala arbete som en kallelse

The purpose of this study is to analyze how deacons embody their second ordination vow concerning ‘helping those in need and standing by the oppressed ones’ side’. We conducted seven semi-structured interviews with deacons from one diocese in the Church of Sweden. The empirical material for this study is based on previous research about diaconia and analyzed through theoretical concepts of calling and self-discrepancy. The results of this study show that the ordination vows give the deacons direction for their actions, at the same time as they can be difficult to fulfill. The deacons state that diaconia provides room for spiritual expressions, in contrast to the public sector. The diaconal help can take different forms, but most important is seeing and confirming the people the deacons meet. When the deacons define which groups they consider the most needing they say: the lonely, addicts, elders and people far from the labor market. All deacons talk about loneliness as a big issue, but don’t have an answer on how this need can be met