f you’re going to accomplish anything significant—whether you’re launching a business, leading a ministry, or growing a movement—you’re going to need the right people on your team.
The truth is, it’s not just about finding people who are gifted. It’s about finding people who are aligned.
Skills matter. But character, chemistry, and consistency matter even more.
We’ve all heard the horror stories: talented hires that turned toxic, enthusiastic volunteers who vanished after the honeymoon phase, or team members who constantly required management more than they delivered momentum.
You don’t just need bodies on your team—you need builders.
Let’s break down exactly what to look for in team members and how to pick the right people for the journey ahead. Whether you’re hiring staff, assembling volunteers, or forming a leadership circle, these principles will help you build a high-trust, high-impact team.
1. Character Over Charisma
Let’s start with the foundation. Before you even evaluate someone’s resume or talents, pay close attention to their character.
“Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.” — Abraham Lincoln
Charisma may get someone through the door, but character is what keeps them in the room when things get tough. You want people who do the right thing when no one is watching—people who value integrity over image.
In Proverbs 11:3, it says,
“The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.”
You don’t want duplicity on your team. You want those who are guided by integrity—even if their skill level still needs growth.
Ask yourself:
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Do they follow through on their word?
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Are they humble enough to admit mistakes?
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Are they loyal when you’re not in the room?
2. Chemistry is Crucial
Ever hired someone who looked great on paper but just didn’t “fit”? That’s a chemistry issue.
Chemistry isn’t about being best friends—it’s about mutual respect, shared values, and a healthy flow of communication.
“When you’re surrounded by people who share a passionate commitment around a common purpose, anything is possible.” — Howard Schultz, former CEO of Starbucks
Great chemistry doesn’t mean zero tension—it means tension that produces creativity, not conflict.
You want people who energize, not drain, the room. People you can trust to share openly and take feedback constructively.
Try this: Before hiring or assigning a major leadership role, take them out of the formal interview setting. Grab coffee. Sit in a casual team brainstorming session. Observe how they interact. Chemistry can’t always be measured in metrics, but it can be felt in moments.
3. Consistency is More Valuable Than Talent
The most dangerous person on your team is not the least skilled—it’s the most inconsistent.
Why? Because inconsistency creates instability. And instability disrupts momentum.
Proverbs 25:19 warns,
“Putting confidence in an unreliable person in times of trouble is like chewing with a broken tooth or walking on a lame foot.”
It hurts to rely on someone who doesn’t show up—physically, mentally, or emotionally.
It’s better to have a consistent 7 out of 10 than an unpredictable 10 out of 10 who disappears when it matters most.
“A team is not a group of people who work together. A team is a group of people who trust each other.” — Simon Sinek
Consistency builds trust. Look for people who show up early, finish what they start, and don’t ghost when pressure hits.
4. Alignment Beats Agreement
Here’s a subtle but powerful distinction: agreement is about opinion, alignment is about mission.
You don’t need everyone to think exactly like you. In fact, diversity of thought is a strength.
But you do need everyone to move in the same direction.
In Amos 3:3 it asks,
“Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?”
You don’t need clones. But you do need people who believe in the why behind the what.
Ask potential team members:
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Why do you want to be part of this?
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What does this mission mean to you?
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What kind of impact are you passionate about making?
If they can’t articulate your team’s purpose in their own words, they won’t help you advance it.
5. Look for Learners, Not Know-It-Alls
One of the most powerful traits in a great team member is teachability.
The best teams aren’t made of people who know it all—they’re made of people who are hungry to grow.
“You don’t build a business. You build people, and people build the business.” — Zig Ziglar
People who are coachable, adaptable, and willing to change when truth shows up are priceless.
You can teach skills. But you can’t teach humility.
James 1:5 says,
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.”
If someone is willing to ask questions, receive correction, and keep improving, they’ll help your team evolve—not stay stuck.
Red flag: When someone shuts down feedback, gets defensive, or refuses to learn new methods—they’re building their ego, not the mission.
6. Vision-Driven, Not Position-Driven
Some people join a team for a title. Others join for the transformation.
You want people who are in it for the mission, not the spotlight.
Vision-driven people don’t care if their name is on a flyer. They care if lives are being changed. They’ll serve where needed. They’ll sacrifice for the goal. They’ll innovate without needing credit.
Jesus modeled this when He washed His disciples’ feet—position meant nothing if purpose wasn’t present.
“Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.” — Simon Sinek
If someone is too good to serve, they’re not ready to lead. Period.
Ask this in your vetting process:
“If no one ever saw what you were doing behind the scenes, would you still want to be a part of this?”
7. They Multiply What Matters
The best team members don’t just carry the mission—they multiply it.
They pour into others. They inspire. They bring new ideas. They take ownership. They recruit others who align. They build systems, solve problems, and scale impact.
Matthew 25:23 gives us the parable of the talents where the faithful servant hears:
“Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.”
Faithfulness breeds fruitfulness. And fruitfulness always leads to multiplication.
Look for people who:
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Reproduce excellence
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Empower others
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Make your vision bigger, not smaller
“A leader’s lasting value is measured by succession.” — John C. Maxwell
Practical Takeaways You Can Apply Today
✅ Create a Character Checklist: Before interviewing or assigning new team members, list your top 3 non-negotiable character traits (i.e. integrity, humility, dependability). Use this as a filter before you look at skillsets.
✅ Do a Chemistry Check: Host a casual group activity or shadow session with your team to see how a potential member interacts. Are they collaborative? Do they listen well?
✅ Prioritize Alignment Interviews: Ask value-based questions, not just skill-based. Sample: “Tell me about a time when you had to serve in a role that wasn’t glamorous but was necessary. How did you handle it?”
✅ Identify and Promote Multipliers: Who on your team is already acting like a leader? Who encourages others? Who makes things better without being told? Celebrate and elevate them.
✅ Use the “Would I Rehire?” Test: Ask yourself, “If this person left today, would I fight to get them back?” If not, you may need to reevaluate their place on the team.
✅ Pray Before You Place: This one’s subtle but powerful. Even in leadership, don’t neglect divine wisdom. Ask God for discernment. Every seat filled by the wrong person is a seat unavailable for the right one.
Final Word: Don’t Rush the Build
Jesus took time to choose His 12 disciples. He prayed before selecting them (Luke 6:12–13). He didn’t just look at outward performance—He saw purpose.
That same level of intentionality is required when building your team.
Don’t settle for warm bodies or flashy résumés. Build with people who are committed to the vision, consistent in their character, and capable of multiplying impact.
Because the strength of your vision is only as strong as the team carrying it.
And remember this: You don’t build the team alone. You build it with discernment, patience, prayer—and the understanding that God often hides greatness in unlikely people.
So take your time. Look deeper. And when you find the right people?
Pour into them. Empower them. And run the race together.
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