Narrowing deacons’ professional identity? Educational and institutional changes at Diakonhjemmet in Norway in the 1970s

Abstract

Norwegian deacon education in the Evangelical-Lutheran tradition underwent significant changes around 1970 to adapt to developments within the Church of Norway (CoN), the welfare professions, and the Norwegian higher education system. This article explores how a new ordination practice, a more diverse study course, and discussions about diaconia affected deacons’ professional identity. The study builds on archival source material from Diakonhjemmet (The Deacon’s Home), an educational institution for deacons founded in 1890, and uses theories of professions as a discussion partner. Based on archival sources, the article suggests that the professional identity of deacons was narrowed in this transition period. The article finds that, while the professional role of deacons as congregational workers in the CoN was strengthened, most students going through the education program identified more with the professional roles as nurses or social workers than as deacons.