When Diaconia Became an Exhausted Millionaire <subtitle>Experiences from the Coronavirus Pandemic in Finland</subtitle>

Abstract

Abstract This article explores what happened to Finnish diaconia as the Coronavirus crisis hit in the spring of 2020. It is an empirical study conducted in Finland in 2021 and presents the experiences of 22 deacons regarding the impact of the Corona pandemic on their work. The data were gathered through semistructured interviews across the Porvoo diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland (EvL). One contribution of the paper is the use of managerial models to analyze data in a research area where they have not been used much before (Theology and Diaconal Studies). The study shows that diaconia was hit hard by distancing restrictions in the Porvoo diocese. However, it came also in contact with new donors and volunteers. The crisis thus also offered new possibilities and ways of working. Most informants reported positive feedback from society, though some were disappointed by the lack of appreciation from within the Church itself. The pandemic showed how diaconia could benefit from exceptional times by jettisoning old conventions in favor of doing things in novel ways. The pandemic period can be seen as a liminal situation for the Church in society and for the role of diaconia, creating opportunities for change and authenticity.

Keywords

• diaconia
• deacons
• pandemic
• Coronavirus
• Covid-19
• crisis