Diffusion in Innovations

Submitted to Dr. Darrell Whiteman in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the course ME 8000-9000
Missiological Anthropology and Cultural Change at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

Deerfield, Illinois
October 2013

An innovation is “an idea, practice, or object that is perceived as new by an individual or another unit of adoption” (Rogers 306-3071). Is the Gospel an innovation or is it an ongoing active work of the Holy Spirit in an individual or cultural unit that we participate in by being bearers of the revelatory word of God through the redemptive message of Jesus Christ? While the prevenient grace of God is always active and at work drawing …show more content…

This redefinition is also a reminder that any strategy based on scientific theory that is not rooted in or devoid of the Holy Spirit is arrogant human wisdom and may have a “form of godliness” (2 Tim 3:5) but is lacking or denying the power agent of transforming change; the Holy Spirit. The role of Holy Spirit as change agent is best described by the Bible’s description of His work in human beings. (see chart below)

Roger’s defined Change Agent Roles
Holy Spirit Role according to Scripture
1
Develop a need for the change
The Holy Spirit that can show the human heart it’s sin and separation from God.
“And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin” John 16:8
“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” Romans 6:23
2
Establish an information exchange relationship The Holy Spirit initiates the communication of the human heart to God
“These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not s the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God.” 1 Cor 2:10-12
3
Diagnose problems
The Holy Spirit diagnoses the problem of every human heart as being sinful with no way to come close to God of