Although the relationship between the church and the diakonia, and vice versa, is repeatedly addressed in individual studies, particularly with a focus on specific fields of application, this question remains virtually undiscussed at a theological and interdisciplinary meta-level. From this perspective, this volume has great potential to make an important structural contribution to the field of practical theology. How does the – much-discussed – relationship between church and diakonia present itself in the face of current social challenges, and what perspectives can be rediscovered in mutual learning and development processes? The contributions to this volume examine facets of this relationship in history and the present from different perspectives. They focus not primarily on problems and competition, but on potential and creative new approaches. This opens up an interdisciplinary approach to fundamental theoretical questions, practical theological discourses, empirical and practical approaches to church and diakonia, and to dialogues between tradition and new developments.