Abstract
Spirituality, when conceived of as a relation with the transcendent, can be experienced in many ways. This article explores how diaconia, when defined broadly as service work, can be a place where this relation is experienced. Based on the reviewed literature, the different ways in which spirituality and diaconia are related, as well as the influence of spirituality on diaconia and of diaconia on spirituality are discussed. On the basis of theoretical and empirical research literature, the article explores concepts such as calling, effectivity of diaconia through spiritual strategies, humbleness, perseverance and coping that influence diaconia. Spiritual transformation through diaconia is discussed by viewing diaconia as a spiritual act and the encounter with a greater good, love, calling, heterotopia and suffering in the practice of diaconia. These different forms of relation are examined critically, as an indication for further research and implementation in theological and communal praxis.
Highlights
When thinking of spirituality, the first thing that comes to mind for the vast majority of individuals will be traditional rather than individual practices
Some Dutch-speaking authors wrote about an issue they have with diaconia being disconnected from spirituality (Meeuws 2011:19, 97, 104; Arens 2018:9, 37)
Spirituality and diaconia are connected in several ways
Summary
The first thing that comes to mind for the vast majority of individuals will be traditional rather than individual practices. The deacon fulfilled various pastoral tasks such as, among others, assisting in liturgy and caring for the poor In this instance, both connotations were retained, but, as Collins states, throughout history the term developed into a broader concept in the sense that it meant all Christian service work; the mediating connotation was lost (Murphy 1967:840-841; Schiliski & Schmidt 2008:28-29). Other authors are opposed to this “recruiting” of non-Christian service work, because those involved do not want it This is a legitimate concern, the goal, in this instance, is not to recruit in a haughty way, but to learn from the experiences. It would be interesting to research whether the findings hold true for service work where this is not the case
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