Diffusion of the Innovation of the Gospel
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 sinners to God through Christ, there are some aspects of diffusion theory and framing the Gospel as an innovation that can be helpful to us as we bring the message to those not trusting in Christ for salvation. The key to using the term innovation when applying diffusion theory to the transmission of the Gospel lies in (1) presenting it as something that may be perceived as new in regard to the revelation of God but not foreign or alien and (2) by not embracing the science of diffusion theory as a strategy for mission outside the work and influence of the Holy Spirit. Rather, we take the useful components of diffusion theory and apply them with discernment from God to our work of spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the uttermost parts of the earth.
Diffusion of the Gospel
Rogers defines diffusion “as the process by which (1) an innovation (2) is communicated through certain channels (3) over time (4) among the members of a social system” (Rogers 510-512). Diffusion of the redemptive plan of God is the process of communicating the Gospel of Christ through the preaching, discipleship, storying, worship, social justice, medical assistance, music, drama, movies and other creative channels through relationship building, over
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 sinners to God through Christ, there are some aspects of diffusion theory and framing the Gospel as an innovation that can be helpful to us as we bring the message to those not trusting in Christ for salvation. The key to using the term innovation when applying diffusion theory to the transmission of the Gospel lies in (1) presenting it as something that may be perceived as new in regard to the revelation of God but not foreign or alien and (2) by not embracing the science of diffusion theory as a strategy for mission outside the work and influence of the Holy Spirit. Rather, we take the useful components of diffusion theory and apply them with discernment from God to our work of spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the uttermost parts of the earth.
Diffusion of the Gospel
Rogers defines diffusion “as the process by which (1) an innovation (2) is communicated through certain channels (3) over time (4) among the members of a social system” (Rogers 510-512). Diffusion of the redemptive plan of God is the process of communicating the Gospel of Christ through the preaching, discipleship, storying, worship, social justice, medical assistance, music, drama, movies and other creative channels through relationship building, over