Diaconia - the Christian practice of social service and care - plays a significant role in societies across the globe. Shaped by diverse contexts, it takes on a wide range of forms and purposes, organizational models and networks, and involves both professional and voluntary engagement. Its relationships with churches, as well as with public and private welfare systems, are equally varied. This volume offers a comprehensive overview of the global landscape of diaconia, exploring its historical development, contextual expressions, organizational patterns, and theological foundations.