Building purposeful teams: An Interview with Pete Baran, CEO Blueneck.ca

To quote David Tripp, “Embedded in the larger story of redemption is a principle we must not miss.  God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things in the lives of others.” Effective teamwork is not about personal status or competition – it’s about empowering others to fulfill their God-given potential.

Everyone yearns for purpose. Within a team, that longing becomes a calling – when people use their unique, God-ordained gifts in service of something greater than themselves. True purpose isn’t simply about meeting organizational goals; it’s about aligning our actions with heart-driven values and God’s greater plan for love, justice, and unity. Whether it’s building a diverse community, caring for the marginalized, or stewarding people through meaningful work, ethically grounded teams begin with compassion and obedience to God’s instructions. Purposeful teamwork flows from a heart posture of prayer, humility, and love – rooted in relationship with God and with others.

Pete’s Story: Pete grew up in a hard-working, poor family, where he and his brother were taught independence and self-sufficiency – traits that served him well in early business success. By his thirties, Pete was grinding through 100-hour workweeks and feeling invincible. But that pace came at a cost. His health faltered, and his close relationships suffered.

What felt like a breakdown became a breakthrough. It became his turning point from self-reliance to spirit-led leadership. As his career advanced and he began supervising over 100 people, Pete had to learn a new skill: trusting others. The role of a leader is not to dominate but to lift others up. Real teamwork is not about outperforming others but about authentically caring for each other, encouraging growth, valuing others and working together toward a God-honouring purpose.

Humility counts. Pete Baran says, “Don’t put self into the control centre of a business but think of yourself as a cheerleader – with the task of encouraging, coaching, and building a team.” Servant leadership calls us to use our gifts for the benefit of others, stewarding our influence with humility and grace. And in Galatians, we are reminded to carry one another’s burdens and not grow weary in doing good – for our efforts, when aligned with God’s purposes, will bear fruit in due time.

A key challenge in building teams is making wise assessments. Baran shares the story of Dave, a well-meaning employee who remained mediocre in his role and was eventually let go. After several failed jobs, a chance encounter led him to an entrepreneur who saw something others didn’t: Dave’s creativity. They built a business together, and ten years later, they sold it – each benefiting $10 million. Dave didn’t lack ability – he had simply been misplaced. When his gifts were engaged in the right context, he thrived.

But underestimating others can be just as dangerous. Baran shares another story, of a young man who came to his team inexperienced and broken – recovering from a divorce, single parenting, and legal challenges. While others may have dismissed him, Baran saw potential. Within months, the man grew in confidence and ability. Within five years, he was a VP at a large Canadian firm. At his wedding, he introduced Baran to his new wife with the words: “This is the guy who changed my life.” The young man’s success wasn’t just about skill – it was about someone believing in his worth.

Biblical Principles: Building Unity in Diversity:  Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. As it is, there are many parts, but one body. Corinthians 12:1

Developing Servant Leaders:   Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10

Good Works and Encouragement: Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:2, 9

In conclusion, building a team from a biblical and ethical perspective is not a business tactic – it is a spiritual calling. It means seeking God’s guidance in every decision, from selecting team members to defining how the team will function. It means leading not with pride or pressure, but with humility and a desire to serve.

A God-honouring team is built on unity, not uniformity; on encouragement, not competition; on purpose, not profit alone. When we prayerfully build relationships, foster trust, and create space for others to grow into their God-given potential, we reflect the heart of Christ.

At its best, intentional team building becomes a spiritual act – one that aligns human effort with divine purpose. In doing so, we not only build better teams, we build lives, legacies, and communities that glorify God.

“Connecting Your Sunday Faith to Your Monday Work” The Canadian Christian Business Federation exists to support business leaders in the study and application of Biblical Leadership Principles with peers, in order to transform lives, strengthen businesses, and positively influence and impact our world. www.ccbf.org

Writing Legacy: The right word at the right time. Nancy Kingdon is an author and freelance writer proudly serving CCBF ministries as their Story Writer.  Her newest book release in March 2025 is Magnolia Grace Gardens: A Collection of Devotional Poetry.  Visit her website at:  www.writinglegacy.com