During a recent conversation with Ruslan, a respected voice at the intersection of faith and culture, we explored the delicate balance between godly ambition and spiritual integrity. As someone who moves between ministry, content creation, and the music industry, Ruslan brings unique insights into how Christians can make a meaningful impact while staying rooted in their faith.
Understanding Cultural Impact in Today’s World
Ruslan shared a profound analogy from the business world that perfectly captures our current cultural moment. He referenced Coca-Cola’s famous “New Coke” debacle, where the company made the critical error of changing their formula to appeal to people who weren’t their core customers. This perfectly illustrates how many churches and ministries have lost their way by trying to appeal to those who fundamentally oppose their message.
According to Ruslan, there are three types of people we encounter:
The Advocates – These are your core supporters, the faithful who are ready to be equipped and released for ministry. Rather than constantly chasing new audiences, Ruslan emphasizes the importance of empowering these individuals to do the work they’re called to do.
The “Neutrals” – Though we might label them neutral, Ruslan points out these are actually the deceived – people operating under false assumptions about life and purpose. The world has skillfully taken good things and elevated them to ultimate things, creating idols out of pleasure, success, and self-fulfillment.
The Opposers – These are active resisters of the message. As Ruslan notes, trying to appease this group often leads to compromising your core message without gaining anything in return.
The Danger of Compromised Christianity
One of Ruslan’s most compelling points addressed the seeker-sensitive movement in churches. He explained how many churches attempted to make Christianity as comfortable as possible – shorter services, secular music, avoiding difficult topics. But as he observed, this approach fundamentally misunderstands what people, especially young people, are actually seeking.
“The world needs to see that we’re different,” Ruslan emphasized. “We can’t just take our mess and throw a little bit of Jesus on it and say the blood covers it.” He argues that while God’s grace is profound, it’s meant to transform us, not excuse ongoing dysfunction.
Building Better Culture Through Personal Transformation
Ruslan’s approach to cultural impact starts with personal discipline. He shared his own daily non-negotiables:
– Consistent time in God’s Word
– Regular prayer and worship (often starting his day with Fred Hammond worship music)
– Physical exercise and outdoor time (“touching grass” as he puts it)
– Family time and relationships
– Church attendance and community involvement
– Generous giving and service
What’s particularly striking about Ruslan’s perspective is his emphasis on the compound effect of these daily habits. “Everyone’s trying to get the results,” he notes, “but go after better systems in your life and the results will come.”
The Power of Intimate vs. Vulnerable Ministry
One of Ruslan’s most insightful contributions was his distinction between intimate and vulnerable ministry. He warned about the danger, especially for content creators and ministry leaders, of turning every spiritual insight into content. “There are certain things in my life that are intimate and just between me and the Lord,” he explained. “I don’t go on YouTube and talk about what the Lord revealed to me that morning in the scriptures.”
This boundary between what’s personal and what’s public helps maintain spiritual authenticity and prevents ministry from becoming performance.
Maintaining Integrity While Building Influence
Ruslan’s experience in both ministry and content creation gives him unique insight into maintaining integrity while building influence. He emphasizes several key principles:
1. Stay connected to local church community – Ruslan actively serves in his local church, even in children’s ministry, showing that no service is beneath someone with influence
2. Keep the quiet place – He stresses that public influence must flow from private devotion
3. Maintain healthy boundaries – Being clear about what’s for public consumption and what’s for personal growth
4. Focus on service over platform – True influence comes from solving real problems and serving real needs
The Nature of Godly Ambition
Drawing from his upcoming book on godly ambition, Ruslan offers a crucial distinction between building your castle and building God’s kingdom. He references 1 Thessalonians 4:11, which calls believers to “make it your ambition to lead a quiet life.” This seems paradoxical in our attention-seeking culture, but Ruslan explains how this quiet faithfulness actually leads to lasting influence.
Suffering Well in Public Ministry
Ruslan offered particular insight into handling suffering in public ministry. He emphasizes that choosing your suffering is better than having suffering choose you. This might mean:
– Denying immediate gratification for long-term impact
– Maintaining spiritual disciplines when no one is watching
– Choosing integrity over popularity
– Serving faithfully in small things before larger platforms emerge
Practical Application for Today’s Christians
Based on Ruslan’s insights, here are key steps for anyone seeking to make a godly impact:
1. Establish clear non-negotiables in your daily routine
2. Get deeply connected to a local church
3. Maintain clear boundaries between public and private spiritual life
4. Focus on serving rather than being seen
5. Build systems that support long-term faithfulness
6. Stay accountable to mature believers
7. Remember that transformation precedes influence
Looking Forward: The Next Great Movement
Ruslan expressed optimism about the future, noting that we might be on the cusp of another Jesus Movement. He sees increasing openness to spiritual truth, even among secular thought leaders. However, he emphasizes that this movement will come through authentic transformation rather than clever marketing or watered-down messages.
Conclusion
Throughout our conversation, Ruslan repeatedly returned to the theme that true influence flows from genuine transformation. In an age obsessed with platform and presence, his emphasis on quiet faithfulness, daily discipline, and genuine service offers a refreshing and biblical perspective on godly ambition.
The world doesn’t need more Christian celebrities or influencers – it needs authentic disciples who are being transformed by Jesus and helping others experience that same transformation. As we move forward, may we pursue influence not for its own sake, but for the sake of God’s kingdom and His glory.
Order Pastor Mike’s new book, Inherit Your Freedom, on Amazon today! https://linktw.in/bkCPju
Download The Breakers App to take courses and find community with believers like you! https://mikesignorelli.com/the-breakers-app/