Building Teams, Building People By Dr. Zenet Maramara

Vision Advances When Building Teams is the Priority

For any Christian organization pursuing its God-given mission, building teams is essential. At the heart of every successful organization are people—those who carry the vision forward. Investing in them, equipping them to reach their full potential, and empowering them to fulfill their calling and responsibilities is not just wise; it’s deeply aligned with our values.

Recruit the Right People

As Jim Collins writes in Good to Great, getting the “right people on the right bus” is the first step. A thorough and values-based selection process ensures that new team members are not only competent but also aligned with the organization’s purpose and direction. Imagine the power of a team composed of individuals whose personal calling and passion resonate with the organization’s goals—this kind of alignment produces synergy, energy, and commitment.

Match Gifts with Roles

Too often, good people underperform because their roles don’t match their strengths or giftings. Success occurs when competence, experience, and unique talents align with the job’s demands. In a Christian context, it’s also vital to identify spiritual gifts—this helps team members understand how they can contribute more effectively to the whole. When people are placed where their talents and calling align, they not only thrive, but they also bless others through their work.

Care for the Whole Person

Beyond professional development and training, true care means attending to the whole person—mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. People are not just a means to an end; they are the mission. In Christ-centered organizations, it can be easy to focus on external impact while unintentionally neglecting internal well-being.

We must be intentional in caring for our staff, recognizing that they, too, need encouragement, support, and opportunities for growth. Some organizations now employ corporate chaplains who offer a listening ear and pastoral support, thereby fostering healthier and more productive teams.

Foster a Culture of Honest Communication

Strong teams thrive on open, honest communication. This means creating an environment where asking for help is welcomed and where problems are surfaced early, rather than being hidden. Surprises are rarely appreciated in leadership—clear, timely dialogue builds trust and accountability.

One powerful practice is integrating prayer and even confession into team life. I’ve witnessed firsthand how a culture that allows team members to confess, seek forgiveness, and extend grace creates deep bonds and spiritual maturity, especially in cultures where such vulnerability is rare.

Conclusion

Building teams is more than assembling talent; it’s about nurturing people to grow in character, competence, and calling. When we build people well, strong teams emerge—capable of carrying out God’s mission with excellence, unity, and joy. In stewarding our teams with care, we reflect the heart of Christ and create a workplace that’s both fruitful and faithful.

Dr. Zenet Maramara is the founder and president of Christian Stewards, whose mission is to teach and promote biblical stewardship and generosity as integral components of their mission.

The Outcomes Conference 2026 Call for Presentations is now open!

Participate in the premier equipping event for Christian nonprofit professionals.

Seize the opportunity as a Christian Leader to invest your best in others, for the good of all!

Here is the process timeline:

• August 1, 2025: Presentation Proposals are due to the Christian Leadership Alliance.
• September 5, 2025: Selection updates (yes/no) provided to submitters.
• December 13, 2025: Faculty conference registration deadline. (Details on the faculty registration process will be provided if your submission is selected.)