Rejecting Fame on the Road to Legacy

I find that most Christians under age 40 haven’t heard of Dr. Robert H. Schuller, even though he was the world’s most widely watched televangelist from 1978-2006. Among historians he is known for his role in helping to end the Cold War. Architectural enthusiasts consider his church building, The Crystal Cathedral, an architectural wonder. He is significant to me because he is my grandfather.

Dr. Schuller was once spoofed on The Simpsons – a fun fact I point out to 30-somethings when pressed to identify my lineage: Do you remember Homer’s naked rear screeching across a glass church during a sermon? Nod. He’s the preacher in the robe with the white hair.

My world famous grandfather’s growing anonymity makes me feel proud that he pursued legacy over fame. Legacy-driven leaders might become famous, but fame is not their goal. They know that while fame fades, a well-developed legacy can positively impact generations to come.

We live in a culture thirsty for fame. Americans are so envious of fame that housewives exploit their own children on national television in search of media attention. The Church is not necessarily a refuge from fame. It is perhaps our leaders who are most susceptible to its enticements -- prestige, promotion, and the occasional free vacation.

Mega-church pastors draw crowds by the thousands. They are greeted in public with celebrity status and have the bodyguards to prove it. Worship leaders and youth pastors amass their own social media fan base. Nearly every minister, myself included, wrote a book that they want to hit the NY Times Bestsellers list. Even pastors of small local congregations sometimes feel like rock stars.

Let’s face it… Christianity is a breeding ground for fame. I would know. I was reared in a famous religious family. As a young adult, I had convoluted ideas about faith and fame. I thought that I could only please God if I was famous like the men in my life, and ministering on a massive scale. I overcame that erroneous mindset, and now spend the majority of my time counseling women and writing. It’s not glamorous.

Fame is a distraction from God’s calling on a leader’s life. Young leaders may be tempted as I was, to think that fame could measure their success. For others, fame is a leadership challenge that arrives later in a leader’s career, after one has acquired the limelight.

Fame itself is not wrong; but as with money, it’s the love of the stuff that creates problems. At its worst, fame fosters competitive jealousy, pride and other traits inconsistent with godly leadership. Ultimately, rejecting the thirst for fame is a growth process that stems from the heart.

Here are 5 ways to tell whether you are pursuing legacy or fame:

This list is not intended as a checklist to evaluate other people’s behavior. Rather, it is a springboard for our next conversation with God.

Fame-Driven Leaders:

1. Seek recognition: Leaders who want to be famous will say nearly anything to be admired.
2. Thrive in the spotlight: Leaders who want to be famous are on their best behavior, but only when everyone is watching. They get excited about sharing their opinion, drawing a crowd, and having a solo performance.
3. Ignore the little people: Leaders who want to be famous can’t remember the names and faces of people who aren’t worth their networking energy.
4. Court the press: Leaders who want to be famous make sure that other people are making them famous. 
5. Feel they have arrived: Leaders who want to be famous, believe they are famous. Once they feel they have arrived, they will revel in it.

Legacy-Driven Leaders: 

1. Graciously accept recognition: Leaders who value legacy will accept appropriate recognition, and thank those who helped in their success.
2. Thrive in relationships: Leaders who value legacy shine the spotlight on others. They get excited about connecting with groups, helping people, and making a difference.
3. Love unconditionally: Leaders who value legacy notice individuals who live in the shadows – those who are often ignored by others. They love even the people who can’t help them climb the ministry ladder.
4. Live to serve: Leaders who value legacy are mindful to serve others, and they don’t expect anyone to notice.
5. Never feel they have arrived: Leaders who value legacy never feel that they have arrived. They consider salvation in Christ to be the ultimate gift, beyond which no other success can compare. Every ambition is filtered through this lens.

The Crystal Cathedral started at a drive-in movie theater in the 1950s. My grandfather preached from atop a snack-stand while my grandmother played an organ affixed to a trailer. Religious peers criticized his innovation because drive-in movies were associated with “the world” and “the devil.”

My grandfather wasn’t distracted by naysayers. He focused his energy on the people he wanted to reach, and created a slogan they could relate to: “Come as you are, in your family car.” My grandfather’s legacy is his love for God and people. Fame was simply a by-product.

You may never be famous for your leadership role, but that doesn’t mean you can’t leave a powerful legacy that helps generations to know God’s love. And should you acquire fame, be sure to always check the intention of your heart. As the Psalmist prayed, “May the mediation of my heart be pleasing in Your eyes.”