Principle #1: We Seek Neither Power or Glory!

Paradigm Ministries is a Kingdom of God enterprise. It is important to recognize how much can be accomplished when people do not worry about receiving credit or glory. Society generally promotes competition for organizational territory and power. A Kingdom enterprise is not seeking power or glory, but the advancement of the sustainable principles established by God for humanity, leading to healthy communities.  


Principle #2: A School of Thought, Not an Institution

Although it is importance to be organized, Paradigm's primary goal is not to create a new organization. Instead, it is to offer the Church and the society a “school of thought” or a set of ideas. Developing and disseminating a school of thought and building and running a school are very different functions. There has been conscious decision to not establish build buildings or run schools; but rather participate in the spreading of a set of ideas. To do this, we seek to partner with institutions that have existing infrastructures. The Micah Challenge Canada and DNA (Discipling Nations Alliance) and denominational leadership would be examples of this.

Principle #3: Following God’s Lead

God is active in society. There is significant benefit to following His lead and resist the temptation to massage an opportunity for personal gain. The desire is to develop relationships with people and organizations who share a similar vision and passion and who desire to seek God to discover how he is advancing his Kingdom. Methodologies and formulas are not a solid foundation in themselves. Flexibility and adaptability are the byproducts of communing with God and recognizing his voice.  

Principle #4: Working Collaboratively

Every corporation, organization and family is stronger when it operates in healthy community with others. Working collaboratively with like-hearted, yet different, organizations, makes each individually stronger as they band together around a common vision and purpose. When various organizations with diverse strengths and competencies work collaboratively, synergy is created—and the outcome is greater than the sum of the parts.

Principle #5: Getting Ideas Out as Widely as Possible

Everyone has a network. It is important to take the time to identify the networks of greatest influence. Paradigm welcomes the opportunity to invest in churches, Bible schools, seminaries, mission/church-planting organizations, discipleship movements, relief and development organizations and business leaders who desire to see their faith lived out in practice. Through these organizations, various sectors of society such as law, education, health, economics, the arts and media are influenced. The ideas and materials developed are meant to be given away. 

Principle #6: Relating to Each Other in the Love of Christ

Our relationships are built on the basis of mutual respect and the love of Christ rather than on position, status, structure or control. The apostle Paul said it best when he penned, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called—one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:2-6).

Principle #7: Using Local Resources

Although the purpose of Paradigm is to be a catalyst to release ideas, the process of giving them away is not free. Workshops and conferences have expenses that need to be covered by the participants. Even in the poorest countries, people need to recognize God has provided resources that can be discovered and used. A poverty mindset is one of the first hurdles to be overcome when consider community transformation.