About Us
Paradigm Shift is a non-profit organization pioneering church-based business training and microfinance as an outreach tool transforming the lives of the entrepreneurial poor.
Paradigm Shift is committed to empowering South African churches to provide the poor in their surrounding communities with economic development coupled with discipleship.
The entire Paradigm Shift program works in and through South African churches. Trained church volunteers are equipped to be at the forefront of helping to provide solutions to the poverty around them.
Please see our "Program Model" page to understand how combining business training, discipleship, microcredit and mentoring creates a sustainable and high-impact approach to poverty alleviation all centered in the local church.
Paradigm Shift is committed to empowering South African churches to provide the poor in their surrounding communities with economic development coupled with discipleship.
The entire Paradigm Shift program works in and through South African churches. Trained church volunteers are equipped to be at the forefront of helping to provide solutions to the poverty around them.
Please see our "Program Model" page to understand how combining business training, discipleship, microcredit and mentoring creates a sustainable and high-impact approach to poverty alleviation all centered in the local church.
Core Values
- INTEGRITY
Transparency and accountability in all we do - DISCIPLESHIP
Cultivating the personal and spiritual growth of entrepreneurs as followers of Jesus Christ - EMPOWERMENT:
Training, microcredit, and mentoring - which opens doors to stability and opportunity - LOCALLY-ROOTED
Culturally-relevant ministry, centered in the local church - ENDURING CHANGE
Spiritual and economic transformation that impacts families for a lifetime
Dont look
Why We Exist
How do you help the poor,
without hurting the poor?
How do you foster initiative and hard work rather than paternalism and dependency in the ways you approach a solution to poverty?
Is any outreach to the poor complete if you solely communicate God's deep love and care for a person without addressing their physical needs?
South African churches are surrounded by communities in need of social, economic and spiritual transformation. Forty percent of South Africans live on $2 a day.
The need is clear but finding the right solution is far more challenging.
With the extremely high unemployment rate in South Africa, even the most industrious often cannot find work to put food on the table. Many people create their own small businesses, yet still lack the basic business skills and capital needed to grow beyond subsistence.
Paradigm Shift works with churches who believe in empowering entrepreneurs to earn a better living while being discipled at the same time, providing the poor with the opportunity out of both physical and spiritual poverty.
without hurting the poor?
How do you foster initiative and hard work rather than paternalism and dependency in the ways you approach a solution to poverty?
Is any outreach to the poor complete if you solely communicate God's deep love and care for a person without addressing their physical needs?
South African churches are surrounded by communities in need of social, economic and spiritual transformation. Forty percent of South Africans live on $2 a day.
The need is clear but finding the right solution is far more challenging.
With the extremely high unemployment rate in South Africa, even the most industrious often cannot find work to put food on the table. Many people create their own small businesses, yet still lack the basic business skills and capital needed to grow beyond subsistence.
Paradigm Shift works with churches who believe in empowering entrepreneurs to earn a better living while being discipled at the same time, providing the poor with the opportunity out of both physical and spiritual poverty.
Call To Serve The Poor
God's Heart:
Serve the Poor
“I have heard the groans of the poor. Now I will rise up to rescue them, as they have longed for me to do.”
In reading the Bible, we clearly see God’s insatiable love for the poor.
“The needy will not be ignored forever; the hopes of the poor will not always be crushed.”
As Jesus walked the earth, He continued to impress upon His followers the sound of His resounding heartbeat to save the oppressed.
“Invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind.”
As followers of Jesus, we are called to carry out His passion.
“He will rescue the poor when they cry to him; He will help the oppressed, who have no one to defend them. He feels pity for the weak and the needy, and he will rescue them.”
Although there are many ways to care for those in need, one long-lasting way is to give them opportunity to create and provide for themselves and their families.
“Give justice to the poor and the orphan; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute.”
Mission and Vision
The mission of Paradigm Shift is to train churches to provide business training, microcredit, mentoring and discipleship to the urban poor.
The vision of Paradigm Shift is churches empowered to meet the spiritual and economic needs of the poor in their communities.
Leadership
Jedd Schroy
Jedd Schroy co-founded Paradigm Shift. For the past three years, he has been working to see Paradigm Shift become a reality in South Africa and beyond. At Paradigm Shift, Jedd oversees the organization on the international front, working closely with Paradigm Shift’s Board of Directors, US financial partners as well as South African churches and stakeholders. Jedd also directs all marketing and fundraising for Paradigm Shift and manages the financial and spiritual components of the project.
He was previously an Investment Branch Manager at the full-service brokerage house Edward Jones. Jedd has also worked as the Director of Development for the National Association of Evangelicals and as the National Marketing Specialist for the American Institute of Architects.
Jedd is an entrepreneur, having started and managed his own business. He is also an author and has been a guest speaker for the Carnegie Mellon Tepper School of Business’ MBA program.
Jedd holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations and Business from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He holds the first year Practical Ministries certificate from Victory Bible Institute in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He also has his Series 7 securities license from the National Association of Securities Dealers.
Jedd is based in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Janelle Schroy
Janelle Schroy co-founded Paradigm Shift. For the past three years, she has been working to see Paradigm Shift become a reality in South Africa and beyond. At Paradigm Shift, Janelle directs the daily operations of the South Africa project, working with Paradigm Shift’s staff on program development and with South African partner church leaders on long-term planning. Janelle oversees all organizational communications, as well as the business and mentoring components of the project.
Privously, Janelle coordinated multiple international development projects for both US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Asian Development Bank. Janelle was previously a Project Manager at John Snow, Inc. and was a Master Trainer / Project Manager at Making Cents International. Janelle formerly served at the Fund for Peace in the Regional Responses to Internal War Program.
She is a published author and an entrepreneur, having started and managed her own dance studio. Janelle has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science/International Affairs from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California.
Janelle is based in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Privously, Janelle coordinated multiple international development projects for both US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Asian Development Bank. Janelle was previously a Project Manager at John Snow, Inc. and was a Master Trainer / Project Manager at Making Cents International. Janelle formerly served at the Fund for Peace in the Regional Responses to Internal War Program.
She is a published author and an entrepreneur, having started and managed her own dance studio. Janelle has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science/International Affairs from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California.
Janelle is based in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Board Of Directors
Paradigm Shift’s Board of Directors guide and oversee the nonprofit organization and are committed to thoughtfully and prayerfully making strategic decisions in the best interest of carrying out the mission of Paradigm Shift.
Phil Renicks
For 22 years Phil Renicks has served the Christian school community in the global context. As Vice President of International Ministries for the Association of Christian Schools International from 1985 until his retirement in 2007 he traveled extensively throughout the world developing services to Christian schools focused on equipping and empowering Christian leaders. Under Dr. Renicks' leadership, five international regions have been formed serving Latin America, Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia, and Southern Africa. Today, ACSI’s International Ministries office works with more than 1,300 schools serving over 300,000 students in 106 countries.In addition to leading the association in serving both national and international Christian schools outside of North America, Dr. Renicks led the association in developing and promoting missions education in the North American member schools. Currently, Dr. Renicks is a consultant for African Leadership and also Christian educators through Greybeal & Associates.
Jedd Medefind
Currently, Jedd is the President of the Christian Alliance for Orphans. Jedd ended his former role as the head of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives in January, 2009. Concurrent with this post, Jedd also served as special assistant to former President George W. Bush. From 2005-2007 he was director for the U.S. Department of Labor's Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. He has also worked as a Chief of Staff in the California State Legislature and in posts with organizations ranging from the California Community Renewal Project to Price-Waterhouse, Moscow.Jedd has worked, studied and served in more than thirty countries, including projects in Guatemala, Bangladesh, the Kingdom of Lesotho and a number of other countries.
Jedd is also the author of two books. The book Four Souls, which he wrote with three close friends, explores questions of faith, poverty and community amid a journey around the globe. His most recent book, The Revolutionary Communicator, examines the grace and greatness of Jesus’ approach to communication and leadership. He has also written numerous articles and is also an accomplished speaker, consistently challenging audiences to "pursue the things that matter most" in vocation, faith and community.
Rachel Medefind
Rachel Medefind grew up in the Philippines as part of a
missionary family. She’s spent time in other parts of Asia as well, including serving through physical therapy at a Christian hospital in southern Taiwan.
Among Rachel’s many passions are the deep struggles faced by women in difficult situations. Alongside international issues, she has served locally for seven years as a counselor at crisis pregnancy centers in Sacramento, CA and Washington, DC.
At present, the core of Rachel’s service is nurturing the hearts and minds of her four children, and making her home a place of grace and hospitality. She also partners with her husband, Jedd, in the work of the Christian Alliance for Orphans.
Greg Baca
Greg is the co-founder of Go International, a mission’s organization committed to reaching the nations of the world. Through the use of cutting edge technology and innovative ministry tools, Go International seeks to share the Gospel in a way that is easily understood and culturally relevant.Since its inception, Go International enabled hundreds of young people travel overseas preaching the message of Christ. Greg also co-leads Go Internship, a missions training program designed to give young people the practical tools necessary for success in both short and long term missions.
Brett Furlong
Brett is the Pastor of Family Ministries at Cape Christian Fellowship in Cape Coral, Florida. Brett is also a International Ambassador for World Vision International and often travels to Africa on their behalf. He has pioneered the collaborative partnership between city governments in the US and World Vision community development projects in Zambia. Brett has worked in Haiti, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, Singapore, Albania, South Africa, and Uganda.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please
take some time to review these frequently asked questions. If you still
have more questions after reading these, please feel free to contact us
through our contact us link at the top of the page.
Who am I helping?
Paradigm Shift comes alongside South African churches desire to strategically impact the lives of the entrepreneurial poor.
You are helping empower these churches through Paradigm Shift to teach the poor how to create their own sustainable income while providing them with an opportunity to become part of a community of faith.
You are helping empower these churches through Paradigm Shift to teach the poor how to create their own sustainable income while providing them with an opportunity to become part of a community of faith.
Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes. Paradigm Shift is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and all US donations are tax-deductible. In January of the following year, you will receive a letter thanking you for your support and outlining the amounts you have donated. This letter may be used for the purposes of tax deductions.
In South Africa, Paradigm Shift can issue tax certification for donations as well as providing SED and ED BEE certificates for corporate donations.
In South Africa, Paradigm Shift can issue tax certification for donations as well as providing SED and ED BEE certificates for corporate donations.
Do you charge interest on loans to the poor?
Yes. The interest rate is 18%. This helps offset the banking fees incurred by partner churches and also the rate of inflation in South Africa. There is not a profit incentive for partner churches to be involved.
Microcredit Definition: Small repayable loans (usually around $175 USD) to expand small enterprises for entrepreneurs who cannot access credit from formal financial institutions.
It is a loan and not a gift, so there is a sense of ownership and dignity that is inherent in the process. This prevents attitudes of dependence and rewards hard work and dedication.
Microcredit Definition: Small repayable loans (usually around $175 USD) to expand small enterprises for entrepreneurs who cannot access credit from formal financial institutions.
It is a loan and not a gift, so there is a sense of ownership and dignity that is inherent in the process. This prevents attitudes of dependence and rewards hard work and dedication.
Are the poor credit-worthy?
Yes. Paradigm Shift currently has a 100% repayment rate on all microloans.
Entrepreneurs who receive loans through the Paradigm Shift program use their social relationships rather than physical assets, as collateral. This methodology, called "social collateral", is used because the entrepreneurs value relationships and reputations more than they value possessions.
To receive a loan through Paradigm Shift, entrepreneurs must form a group of five to eight borrowers, which is called a "Loan Family". Each Loan Family member receives their own loan, and then guarantees repayment of the other members' loans. If any member misses a weekly loan repayment, the entire Loan Family must pay for them.
Entrepreneurs who receive loans through the Paradigm Shift program use their social relationships rather than physical assets, as collateral. This methodology, called "social collateral", is used because the entrepreneurs value relationships and reputations more than they value possessions.
To receive a loan through Paradigm Shift, entrepreneurs must form a group of five to eight borrowers, which is called a "Loan Family". Each Loan Family member receives their own loan, and then guarantees repayment of the other members' loans. If any member misses a weekly loan repayment, the entire Loan Family must pay for them.
In which countries are you working?
In January 2009, Paradigm Shift began working in South Africa.
Currently, Paradigm Shift works in the major urban areas of South Africa: Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and East London.
Stay Connected and sign up for updates. Also check the Paradigm Shift blog for all the latest developments.
Currently, Paradigm Shift works in the major urban areas of South Africa: Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and East London.
Stay Connected and sign up for updates. Also check the Paradigm Shift blog for all the latest developments.
What motivates your work?
In the Bible, Jesus delineated a very clear mandate to serve the poor and we understand this to be the responsibility of His followers.
We are motivated by Christ's love and the desire to establish innovative, sustainable ways to empower believers to serve their communities.
We are motivated by Christ's love and the desire to establish innovative, sustainable ways to empower believers to serve their communities.
How are you funded?
Paradigm Shift is funded through generous contributions made by a combination of committed individuals, families, small groups, churches, businesses, trusts and foundations.
Some choose to give one-time gifts to carry out the mission of Paradigm Shift, while others have committed to monthly support for Paradigm Shift’s South Africa field team members: Jedd and Janelle Schroy, Elizabeth Bennett, Greg Skowronski, Cate Carroll, Elise Johnson and Jonathan Dockery.
Donate today!
Some choose to give one-time gifts to carry out the mission of Paradigm Shift, while others have committed to monthly support for Paradigm Shift’s South Africa field team members: Jedd and Janelle Schroy, Elizabeth Bennett, Greg Skowronski, Cate Carroll, Elise Johnson and Jonathan Dockery.
Donate today!
How poor are those who receive microcredit loans?
Most of the poor who receive small repayable loans from Paradigm Shift partner churches are people who live below the poverty line in South Africa.
Roughly 60 percent are from other African countries seeking a better life and opportunity in South Africa.
The microcredit loans are for entrepreneurs to invest in income-generating activities. This will allow their businesses to grow and have greater amounts of capital to empower themselves.
Roughly 60 percent are from other African countries seeking a better life and opportunity in South Africa.
The microcredit loans are for entrepreneurs to invest in income-generating activities. This will allow their businesses to grow and have greater amounts of capital to empower themselves.
Why should I donate to Paradigm Shift instead of another organization?
Paradigm Shift is unique. There is no other organization quite like Paradigm Shift's model.
Paradigm Shift combines the best practices of microfinance and business training and has tailored it to be utilized by churches. This means low overhead costs, highly motivated teams, replicatable model, sustainable community outreach with high-impact and long-lasting results.
Your support will enable Paradigm Shift to train more churches and subsequently more entrepreneurs. Your donation will have a multiplied effect as it leverages Paradigm Shift's field team with volunteer teams across South African churches!
Paradigm Shift combines the best practices of microfinance and business training and has tailored it to be utilized by churches. This means low overhead costs, highly motivated teams, replicatable model, sustainable community outreach with high-impact and long-lasting results.
Your support will enable Paradigm Shift to train more churches and subsequently more entrepreneurs. Your donation will have a multiplied effect as it leverages Paradigm Shift's field team with volunteer teams across South African churches!
How else can I get involved?
- Stay connected. Sign up for updates.
- Request project information to share with others
- Join the Your 40 Story Facebook cause
- Represent Paradigm Shift at your church
- Make a Donation
- Gather a small group to financially support Paradigm Shift
- RSS feed the blog
- Pray for our work in South Africa
- Invite a team member to speak to your church or small group
How does Paradigm Shift select its partners?
When we work with a church, we look for the church to:
- Have a desire to reach the poor with sustainable solutions
- Have prior involvement in the community
- Be established with a solid reputation in the community
- Be spiritually and doctrinally sound
- Be financially responsible and accountable
- Have qualified volunteers ready and willing to be trained as trainers
- Have close proximity to the poor
- Invest their own time and resources into the Paradigm Shift program
Can I contribute by credit card?
Yes! Paradigm Shift accepts all credit cards and checks. 
Field Team
Elizabeth Bennett
Regional Training Manager
Johannesburg, SOUTH AFRICA
At Paradigm Shift, Elizabeth manages all trainings offered through partner churches in the Gauteng province of South Africa. She works closely with church Business Trainers, Life Coaches, Table Trainers and Mentors. She trains, coaches and communicates with the volunteers, enabling them to run the program successfully on their own.
Elizabeth Bennett worked in the Office of Presidential Correspondence at the White House during the George W. Bush administration. She has also served as a Human Resources Analyst at Deutsche Bank in New York City and as an Associate at McNeely Pigott & Fox Public Relations. She is currently serving a four-year term as a Trustee on Vanderbilt University's Board of Trust.
Elizabeth holds two Bachelor's Degrees, one in Human and Organizational Development and one in Economics, both from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee.
Elizabeth Bennett worked in the Office of Presidential Correspondence at the White House during the George W. Bush administration. She has also served as a Human Resources Analyst at Deutsche Bank in New York City and as an Associate at McNeely Pigott & Fox Public Relations. She is currently serving a four-year term as a Trustee on Vanderbilt University's Board of Trust.
Elizabeth holds two Bachelor's Degrees, one in Human and Organizational Development and one in Economics, both from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee.
Greg Skowronski
National Director of Microcredit
Johannesburg, SOUTH AFRICA
At Paradigm Shift, Greg directs the microcredit portion of the Paradigm Shift program at the national level. He works closely with all partner church Microcredit Coordinators, recruiting, training and coaching them to administer and manage microcredit with their church's Paradigm Shift entrepreneurs. Greg is also responsible for the monitoring and evaluation of program participants' business growth.
Greg Skowronski served as Vice President at Williams Realty Advisors and previously worked at Five Mile Capital, where he specialized in structured real estate debt transactions. As a member of the Capital Markets group at Jones Lang LaSalle, Greg executed dispositions and financings of major real estate properties. Greg also spent several years in the Investment Banking division of UBS on Wall Street in New York City.
Greg has a Bachelor's Degree in Finance from the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia.
Greg Skowronski served as Vice President at Williams Realty Advisors and previously worked at Five Mile Capital, where he specialized in structured real estate debt transactions. As a member of the Capital Markets group at Jones Lang LaSalle, Greg executed dispositions and financings of major real estate properties. Greg also spent several years in the Investment Banking division of UBS on Wall Street in New York City.
Greg has a Bachelor's Degree in Finance from the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia.
Cate Carroll
Regional Manager
Cape Town, SOUTH AFRICA
At Paradigm Shift, Cate manages all partner church development in the Western Cape of South Africa, working with partner church leaders. She trains volunteers and oversees all components of the Paradigm Shift program in various communities. Cate is responsible for church recruitment and representing Paradigm Shift in both business and ministry circles throughout the region.
Cate Carroll was previously an Associate Director at UBS for the Prime Brokerage Collateral Management Business Development Project in London. She has also worked as a consultant for IBMʼs Business Consulting Services at the European Investment Bank. Before that, Cate served at Morgan Stanley as a Project Associate for Collateral Management.
Cate holds a Honors Degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Stellenbosch in Stellenbosch, South Africa. She has an Investment Administration Qualification from the Securities and Investment Institute and is a Chartered Financial Accountant. Level III through the CFA Institute in the United Kingdom.
Cate Carroll was previously an Associate Director at UBS for the Prime Brokerage Collateral Management Business Development Project in London. She has also worked as a consultant for IBMʼs Business Consulting Services at the European Investment Bank. Before that, Cate served at Morgan Stanley as a Project Associate for Collateral Management.
Cate holds a Honors Degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Stellenbosch in Stellenbosch, South Africa. She has an Investment Administration Qualification from the Securities and Investment Institute and is a Chartered Financial Accountant. Level III through the CFA Institute in the United Kingdom.
Elise Johnson
Project Replication Specialist
Johannesburg, SOUTH AFRICA
At Paradigm Shift, Elise oversees the national execution of sustainability plans for the project, ensuring the quality and long-term viability of the program in partner churches throughout the country. Elise is also responsible for researching and vetting future opportunities for Paradigm Shift’s international replication beyond 2011.
Elise Johnson has worked under the leadership of Joel Osteen as a financial consultant at Lakewood Church in Texas. Previously, she was an accountant at Church Compliant Services, where she provided financial and legal consulting to both churches and nonprofit organizations. She also managed the personal finances of a professional athlete, overseeing the accounting of millions of dollars per year. Prior to that, Elise worked on a legal team at Dewey Ballantine International Law Firm in London.
Elise has a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Elise Johnson has worked under the leadership of Joel Osteen as a financial consultant at Lakewood Church in Texas. Previously, she was an accountant at Church Compliant Services, where she provided financial and legal consulting to both churches and nonprofit organizations. She also managed the personal finances of a professional athlete, overseeing the accounting of millions of dollars per year. Prior to that, Elise worked on a legal team at Dewey Ballantine International Law Firm in London.
Elise has a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Jonathan Dockery
Regional Discipleship Manager / Project Artist
Johannesburg, SOUTH AFRICA
At Paradigm Shift, Jonathan manages the writing and editing of the Paradigm Shift discipleship curricula. He coaches a and communicates with Life Coaches in the Gauteng region of South Africa. Jonathan also oversees the creation of artistic renderings for Paradigm Shift’s experiential learning curricula components.
Jonathan Dockery has served in ministry both in Ireland and at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in the United States. There he taught a variety of Bible studies and Sunday School classes, mentored young people and was a part of the writing team for a range of discipleship curricula. He has been a freelance illustrator, concept designer and a storyboard artist on a number of projects for both film and video games.
Jonathan holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature and Creative Writing from the University of North Carolina in Greensboro, North Carolina. He also has an Art Diploma from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, California.
Jonathan Dockery has served in ministry both in Ireland and at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in the United States. There he taught a variety of Bible studies and Sunday School classes, mentored young people and was a part of the writing team for a range of discipleship curricula. He has been a freelance illustrator, concept designer and a storyboard artist on a number of projects for both film and video games.
Jonathan holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature and Creative Writing from the University of North Carolina in Greensboro, North Carolina. He also has an Art Diploma from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, California.
Kara DeCoste
Project Administrator
Colorado Springs, CO USA
At Paradigm Shift, Kara manages the organization's finances, banking and communications with financial and prayer partners who support the ministry team in South Africa.
Kara DeCoste served as the Vice President of the Bond Guarantee Group for several years and worked as a Benefits Representative with The Christian & Missionary Alliance, managing many financial accounts and insurance policies for missionaries and American pastors. Kara is married to David DeCoste and has two daughters and one son.
Kara is a public notary, a licensed bond agent and holds a casualty insurance license.
Kara DeCoste served as the Vice President of the Bond Guarantee Group for several years and worked as a Benefits Representative with The Christian & Missionary Alliance, managing many financial accounts and insurance policies for missionaries and American pastors. Kara is married to David DeCoste and has two daughters and one son.
Kara is a public notary, a licensed bond agent and holds a casualty insurance license.