Have you ever found yourself coasting in your faith—doing all the right things on the outside, but sensing a spiritual flatline on the inside? I have, and so have many of the Christian leaders I’ve talked with over the years. It’s easy to become a cultural Christian—someone who wears the label of faith but lives more by habit than by conviction. I understand this struggle because I’ve been there, too.
But something changes when you cross the line into becoming an authentic follower of Christ. That shift doesn’t just affect your personal walk—it transforms how you lead. It recalibrates your values, your motivations, and your mission. If you’re a leader in the marketplace or ministry, this transformation may be the most important one you’ll ever make. It’s a journey of growth and transformation that holds immense potential for your leadership.
What Is a Cultural Christian?
A cultural Christian is someone who identifies with Christianity but hasn’t allowed it to shape every part of their life. It’s a faith that’s comfortable. Familiar. Respectable. You might go to church regularly, drop a check in the offering plate, or even lead a team. But if someone scratched below the surface, they’d find a life that runs more on personal goals and cultural norms than on God’s Word and Spirit.
Jesus had strong words for this kind of faith. He warned the church in Laodicea, “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot… So because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth” (Revelation 3:15–16). That’s not exactly the affirmation we hope for when leading others, is it?
As leaders, we’re especially prone to this drift. We learn how to project strength, make strategic decisions, and gain respect—but without deep, daily surrender to Christ, it’s just performance dressed up as faith.
What Does an Authentic Follower Look Like?
An authentic follower of Jesus isn’t perfect, but they are surrendered. Their relationship with Christ is the foundation, not the garnish. Their leadership stems from an intimacy with God, not just insight gained from leadership books.
Think about Peter. He started off bold but was still spiritually shallow. When pressured, he denied even knowing Jesus (Luke 22:54–62). But later, filled with the Holy Spirit and fully surrendered, he stood up and preached to thousands (Acts 2:14–41). His transformation wasn’t about more confidence—it was about deeper conviction.
Authentic followers lead with integrity, humility, and courage because their identity is rooted in Christ—not in their title or success.
How the Shift Transforms Our Leadership
When you move from being a cultural Christian to an authentic follower, your leadership changes in profound ways:
- Purpose shifts from building your platform to advancing God’s kingdom.
- People become more than employees or team members—they’re souls God has entrusted to you.
- Decisions are filtered through Scripture and prayer, not just strategy and ROI.
- Courage grows because your worth isn’t tied to performance—it’s anchored in Christ.
- Failure becomes a tool for growth, not a threat to your identity.
I’ve seen this shift in my own life. There was a time when corporate benchmarks and personal ambition defined my leadership. But when I began pursuing God with wholehearted devotion, He began reshaping not just what I did, but how and why I did it. That transformation has made all the difference.
Living It Out: From Cultural Christian to Authentic Follower
Before we wrap up, let’s pause for a moment of honest reflection. Becoming an authentic follower of Christ isn’t just a mindset—it’s a daily surrender. These five steps aren’t items to check off a list—they’re invitations to realign your heart with God and lead from a place of authentic, Spirit-led faith.
- Do a heart check. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas where your faith has become cultural rather than Christ-centered. (Psalm 139:23–24)
- Return to Scripture. Let God’s Word shape your values, behaviors, and leadership decisions.
- Find accountability. Surround yourself with people who challenge and encourage you in your walk with Christ. This sense of community and shared journey will provide the support and strength you need to stay on the path of authentic followership.
- Obey quickly. When God prompts you to act—whether in generosity, humility, or boldness—say yes without delay.
- Pray for transformation. Don’t just ask for wisdom—ask for a heart that beats in sync with God’s.
Conclusion: The Call to Step Forward
The move from cultural Christianity to authentic followership doesn’t happen overnight—but it begins with a decision. You choose to surrender. You choose to seek Christ more than comfort, and obedience more than applause.
As Christian leaders, we can’t afford to stay on autopilot. The world is watching. Our teams are watching. And more importantly, our Lord is calling us to a deeper walk and a higher standard. Let’s lead from that place—not with religious appearance, but with authentic dependence on Him.
Action Steps for Leaders
These practical steps are designed to help you move from cultural comfort to authentic conviction in your leadership.
- Take a Personal Faith Inventory
Set aside time this week to evaluate your spiritual habits. Are they rooted in routine or relationship? Be honest—and invite God to show you what needs to change. - Prioritize Daily Surrender
Begin each day with a simple prayer: “Lord, today I want to follow You, not just represent You. Lead me, and I will follow.” - Align Your Leadership Values with Scripture
Write down your top five leadership values. Then compare them to biblical values like humility, servanthood, integrity, and justice. Where’s the gap? - Invest in Spiritual Community
Join a small group or start a regular meeting with a few trusted Christian peers. The journey from cultural to authentic isn’t meant to be walked alone. - Lead by Example
Be the leader who models what it means to follow Christ—consistently, humbly, and boldly. Let others see that your faith isn’t just your title—it’s your foundation.
Discussion Questions for Groups or Reflection
Use these questions to reflect personally or guide a leadership team discussion.
- In what ways have you seen cultural Christianity show up in your own leadership journey?
- What do you think prevents leaders from making the shift to authentic followership?
- How would your team describe your faith based on how you lead?
- What specific area of your leadership do you sense God calling you to surrender more fully?
- What would change in your organization if all Christian leaders led from a place of authentic discipleship?
More Articles
I have written several articles on this topic. You can find them by typing “Purpose/Passion” in the search bar. Meanwhile, here are a few of my favorites.
- #637: 6 Lessons from Caleb: The Overlooked Leader of Unshakable Faith
- #587: Uncover Your Path to Success: The Why and How Connection
- #585: Navigating Life’s Storms: Timeless Wisdom from the Hall of Faith
- #501: Does God Expect Everyone to Be Engaged in Full-Time Christian Service?
- #466: Your Calling is A Gift to Receive, Not A Masterpiece to Create!
Join the Conversation
As always, we welcome questions and comments. What steps are you taking to become a consistently authentic follower of Jesus?
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Category: Personal Development | Purpose/Passion
This reminds me of Franz Jägerstätter, an Austrian farmer who refused to join the Nazi army during World War II, was imprisoned, and beheaded. Terrence Malick did a beautiful film about him called “A Hidden Life.” The man left behind a wife and children and idyllic life farming in Austria. Talk about faith!