Who Deserves God’s Globe? Rethinking Honor in the Church

It’s that cinematic celebration time of year again, as we approach the Oscars. I recently watched its precursor, the foreign press’s Golden Globes. Did you tune in? I enjoy these cultural events because there’s always something worth noting. This year was no different—it came from the words of George Clooney. His thoughts on success and recognition got me thinking about honor in the church and where it truly belongs.

George Clooney’s Take on Success

Picking up his prestigious Cecil B. DeMille award, Clooney told the elite gathering that they were all “winners.” He described how the nominees would be congratulated at the red carpet coming in, only for four out of five to be labeled “losers” on the way out. To this, he rebuffed:

“If you are in this room, you caught the brass ring. You get to do what you always dreamed to do and be celebrated for it.”

He cut through the noise, didn’t he? Clooney’s words reminded the crowd that they were already privileged, celebrated for doing what they loved. It was a powerful moment—a recognition of success that transcends the trophy itself.

But it stirred a deeper question in me: Where does honor lie in the church?

Rethinking Honor in the Church: Who Gets the Spotlight?

In North America’s ecclesial circles, who do we celebrate? The answer likely varies from church to church and mission to mission. I’m not here to critique your church culture specifically. But in general, honor seems disproportionately placed at the top.

How often do you hear things like:

• “Wasn’t that message amazing?”
• “What a great church service we just had.”
• “Look at what our pastor did this week.”
• “Our pastor is better than your pastor!”

Let’s be honest—too much attention goes to the pulpit. The buzz over the sermon and the service often misses the greater story. The Bible doesn’t center on church services; it highlights the movement of the gospel through everyday believers.

What Should the Church Celebrate?

Should the sermon and the creative team’s production be the focus of the celebration? Or should it be the faithful, everyday gospel work happening beyond the church walls?

The book of Acts is filled with Spirit-led gospel movement—not stage performances. Yet today, we’ve created a church culture that celebrates the platform more than the people. No wonder so many gospel carriers feel overlooked, unsupported, and unappreciated.

In Clooney’s language, have we not all, as torchbearers for Jesus, received the brass ring? Or did only the pastor get one? Whose message is a better gauge of church vitality—the pastor’s message on Sunday morning or the people’s testimony during the week?

Rethinking Honor in the Church: Shifting the Dynamic

Am I being too harsh? When was the last time you saw members brought on stage to share their story of gospel impact? How often do we celebrate outreach efforts happening beyond the church walls?

It reminds me of a moment from the 2012 London Olympics. Gymnast Aly Raisman, after winning the coveted all-around gold medal, walked over to her coach and placed the medal around his neck—a rare and beautiful gesture of honor.

This is the kind of honor we need in the church. We need to celebrate the body’s gospel impact and appreciate the leaders who equip them for the mission (Ephesians 4:15–17). That’s biblical leadership—empowering the church to engage the world, not just admire the stage.

The Movement That Should Have Won the Globe

The movement that should have won the Globe didn’t. The true work of the gospel—lived out in neighborhoods, workplaces, and communities—rarely gets the spotlight. But maybe it’s time that changed.

Let’s lift our eyes beyond the platform and start celebrating the mission happening through God’s people every day. Because in God’s kingdom, the real winners aren’t the ones holding the mic—they’re the ones carrying the gospel into the world.

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Key Takeaway: Honor in the church should reflect biblical priorities—celebrating the body’s mission, not just the pastor’s message.

What’s happening in your church? Are the gospel carriers in your community being celebrated? Let me know in the comments!