A while back, I came across a quote. I’m not sure where it originated, and I may not have the wording quite right, but it’s stayed with me: The human heart was not designed to be famous.

As I’ve worked with ministries over the years, this idea has impacted my observations of leadership. There’s a stark difference between leaders striving to build a bigger platform for themselves and those working to expand the stage for the Lord. I’m not talking about literal stages, but the metaphorical ones: visibility, recognition, and influence. The question is, is the platform about them, or is it about something bigger?

The Danger of Measuring Success by the Wrong Metrics

There’s a cultural undercurrent in Christian leadership that equates God’s blessing with bigger stages, larger audiences, and growing metrics. It’s subtle but pervasive: if your ministry is financially thriving, gaining engagement, and increasing in size, that must mean God’s hand is upon it. Conversely, stagnation or decline often feels like failure.

But is this the measure God uses? Or is it one we’ve borrowed from a culture that prioritizes individualism and achievement? When we focus too much on our numbers, our platform, and oursuccess, we risk pushing God off the stage entirely. We step into the spotlight ourselves, and in doing so, forget that the stage was never meant for us.

The truth is, most of us aren’t wired to handle the pressure and visibility of a big platform. Pride, false humility, or even narcissism can creep in, affecting how we interact with others and lead. Yet many leaders still find themselves longing for more recognition, more influence—desiring a stage they may not be equipped to carry.

Robbing Others of Their Stage

In our pursuit of building our own platforms, we can unintentionally rob those within our ministries of opportunities to step into their God-given roles. Ephesians 4 reminds us that the purpose of leadership is to equip the saints for ministry. This isn’t about elevating ourselves but about helping others step into God’s unique calling for them.

When we hoard opportunities or overshadow the voices in our communities, we belittle the potential of those God has placed around us. The stage becomes crowded with our own agenda, leaving little room for others to share what God has done in their lives.

I often wonder how many leaders would flourish if they were given a chance to stand on even a small stage. How many stories of God’s faithfulness go untold because the spotlight rarely moves from the leader?

A Call to Introspection

As leaders, we must take a hard look at our priorities. Are we building our own stage, our own kingdom, even under the guise of Christian language and goals? It’s easy to mask personal ambition with ministry jargon, convincing ourselves that our intentions are pure. Yet deep down, we might find a hidden agenda: to make a name for ourselves rather than glorify God.

Ultimately, all of this belongs to Him anyway. Why do we strive to claim it as our own?

This is a deeply introspective topic, but it’s one I’ve been reflecting on for some time. Through my observations, I’ve noticed a few key characteristics in leaders who maintain a healthy balance between using their platforms well and keeping their focus on God.

Characteristics of Leaders Who Build the Right Stage

Here are five traits I’ve seen in ministries and leaders who prioritize God’s work over their own visibility:

1. Humility

Humility is one of the most misunderstood virtues, yet it’s central to healthy leadership. John 3:30 says it best: “He must increase, but I must decrease.” True humility doesn’t mean being timid or weak. It’s about putting others first and making God the most visible part of the work. Leaders with humility understand that their role is to serve, not to shine. They may be loud voices, but they’re loud about the right things—always pointing back to God.

2. Story-Oriented

Healthy leaders don’t make themselves the hero of the story. Instead, their narratives center on what God has done and the life change He’s brought about in others. Their focus is on celebrating God’s work and amplifying the voices of those He has transformed. They step back so the spotlight can shine on testimonies of grace and redemption.

3. Awe and Wonder

There’s something beautiful about leaders who haven’t lost their sense of awe and wonder at who God is and what He does. They recognize that the work they’re doing isn’t just another job—it’s a sacred calling. This wonder fuels their passion and keeps their focus on the eternal rather than the temporary.

4. Gratitude

Grateful leaders exude a sense of joy and contentment. They understand that every success, every opportunity, and every moment of impact is a gift from God. Gratitude keeps their hearts grounded and prevents entitlement from creeping in.

5. A Sense of Calling

Finally, healthy leaders see ministry as a privilege. They know that God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. This perspective keeps them reliant on Him rather than their own abilities or strategies.

Building the Right Kind of Stage

As leaders, we’re all building something. The question is, whose stage are you building? Is it one that glorifies God and empowers others, or is it one that elevates your name and ambitions?

I encourage you to reflect on these questions honestly. None of us are immune to the temptations of pride or self-promotion, but with intentionality, we can course-correct. Let’s strive to be leaders who minimize our own platforms so that others—and ultimately God—can shine.

In the end, the stage isn’t ours to claim. It belongs to Him. Let’s steward it wisely.