Team building—like many concepts involved in business—seems simple.

You learn about it as a child. When you get put into groups for school assignments, you

are told that if everyone does their share and works together, you will get a good grade.

When you participate in physical education or play on a sports team, you are informed

that if you play to your strengths and as a unit, you will beat the other team.

The message is similar when it comes to employment, and even starting a business.

Everyone must “work together to get the job done better”; co-workers must get along

and have respect for one another; bosses should treat employees equally, should give

grace, and should want to help employees get better.

These foundational team-building principles that we encounter throughout life are not

only conducive to an ideal and fair society, where work gets done, things run smoothly,

and people enjoy life, but they are extremely compatible to Christian values. As such, as

Christian business leaders and Christian professionals, it may be easy to take them for

granted and believe we are successful team builders and helpful team members.

And although this is likely true, since our August Business Leadership Principle is team

building, we look to develop a deeper concept of what team building means and how it

can be lived out.

More than a well-run business

As Christians, we likely understand the elements of team building mentioned earlier and

are aware of the areas in which we struggle.

However, team building must not just take place within the confines of a single

company; it needs to involve the international body of believers and our brothers and

sisters in Christ.

Additionally, it is not solely about operating efficiently to create a product or service; it is

about continuously working toward a positive impact in God’s Kingdom.

Bringing more people on board

As a Christian business leader, you likely felt a call from God or worked with and were

mentored by another Christian professional to pursue your venture.

Romans 15:5-6 reads, “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give

you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one

mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

There are many skilled Christians who do not know what they will do for work, both

where they will find it and how it will glorify God. Going into the church and helping such

individuals discover how their gifts can be used in the marketplace will bring more

people into the greater team, providing others who can contribute to specific businesses

and the overall mission.

Reaching others

Just as there are many believers who are unsure of how they can live out their faith in

work, there are many non-believers utilizing their skills in a given career.

1 Peter 4:8-10 says, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a

multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should

use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace

in its various forms.”

As Christians, we know we are called to love one another and bring others to God. The

marketplace—direct work, clients, networking, partnerships—is an opportunity to reach

people who are using their skills and help them understand God’s message and

incorporate them into the team.

Creating Christ-centred businesses

However, as professionals we recognize that business leaders are necessary for

opportunities and employment.

Ephesians 4:11-12 is a striking example of why we need leaders. “So Christ himself

gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his

people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”

It is imperative for Christian business leaders to ensure they continually keep ventures

focused on Kingdom pursuits and glorifying God. Not only does this mean in external

practices and how they interact with the world, but it also incorporates internal ideas like

the ones mentioned earlier—of simple but essential team-building foundations.

Additionally, it is essential that others who feel called to begin vocational ventures do

so, thus continually creating opportunities for Christians to utilize their skills for God,

while also ensuring that the torch is passed on and the team is built not on a single

company, generation, or age range, and will stay strong over time.