As college students, we did some wacky things. To be sure, there were limits. After all, we were “Bible College students.” Loosed from the bonds of our parents, we thought we were adults. If a man could volunteer to die for his country, wouldn’t you agree that people should recognize him as an “adult?” I have heard this argument expressed by three generations. I am not sure it began, or was unique, with the Baby Boomers and Viet Nam.

Following graduation ceremonies at the end of my freshman year, a flippant suggestion by one person sparked a spontaneous escape to a local bar and grill for burgers and Pepsi. Rushing down the stairs of the administration building, the college president frowned and shook his head as we roared away in cars and on motorcycles. We escaped before he could intervene. Burgers were great. No, we did not have anything to drink other than Pepsi. But then, who could keep track of the crowd of students in a dark bar? Yes, I was underage. Hope the statute of limitations does not exceed 45 years.

Change characterizes all college students. Some of the change is mindless; some seems to be very rational, but without aged perspective. On one occasion, a few of our students wanted to demonstrate their humility in serving Jesus. I am sure those well-founded theological students had Jesus’ teaching on seating arrangements at a banquet (Luke 14:7-11) in mind as they prepared their worship service. In order to demonstrate their humility, they led the worship service from the rear of the church sanctuary. They thought that by being in the front of the sanctuary they might exalt themselves. The result? We did not have a service that led us into the presence of the Lord. I think we arrived in His presence accidentally. We stood or sat, not really knowing our direction or destination. We looked towards the front and saw no one. No one seemed to be leading.

Recently, a not-for-profit organization asked me to speak at a gathering of schoolchildren. The adult leader stood in the back and off to the side where she issued lack luster commands. Watching the kids and staff, what I saw did not surprise me in the least bit. The kids really did not participate. Well, they did participate to some degree. Some wiggled. Others squirmed and a few leaned over their chairs until the long arm of a teacher “reached out and touched somebody.” To be fair, a few stood perfectly still … doing nothing. Yes, there was singing, more like mumbling with no enthusiasm.

Effective leaders do not lead from the rear. Effective leaders lead from the front.

Each summer that I attended Vacation Bible School as a kid, a vivacious mother led our opening time of music, prayer and announcements. Kitty, a Louisiana homegrown girl, knew what she was doing. She loved Jesus and did not mind getting excited. Her voice boomed with enthusiasm as she led us in the pledges of allegiance to the American and Christian flags, and to the Bible. With arms moving and legs rapidly carrying her back and forth in front of us, her animation motivated us to be involved in everything. She made no allowances for lack luster worship. Her God was alive and so was she. She was up front and she was the leader.

Kitty intentionally included her audience in worship. With flags and a Bible in front of us, our leader picked three children to come forward to lead us in the pledges. On occasion, one of us prayed for the day. She appointed kids to receive the offering for missions work. Our hearts pumped causing the blood to pulsate rapidly through our arteries, veins and capillaries as she led us in songs with plenty of action. It is a wonder some of us did not have a stroke or heart attack during one of these song sessions. She slowed us down moving into the throne room of God as we prepared to pray. Every head bowed; every eye closed. At least I think they were. My eyes were closed 99% of the time. Maybe only 98%. When she spoke, we listened. When we spoke to her, she listened to us. When someone read God’s Word or prayed, she expected everyone to listen. Kitty called on us to take up the offering, clean up the sanctuary and sing out with gusto for our Lord and our parents. She effectively led from the front, never the rear.

The short fireball was not alone in her up front leadership. Joining her in the front of the sanctuary was Joyce, one of our church pianists. Joyce willed her fingers to move with lightning speed over the ivory keys on a piano, changing tempo and range as Kitty led the music. This was before the days of keyboards. At Kitty’s direction, teachers scattered themselves among the kids getting involved in the music as well as the actions. No one stood still. The adults, who were very visible, led; the kids followed; together, we worshiped Jesus.

It seems like a lifetime ago.

Thirty-five years later, as a missionary preparing to transition back to America, I enrolled in several graduate classes at Lincoln Christian University hoping to complete the MDiv. While Dr. Frankland unveiled concepts that previously eluded me in liturgical worship, she spent a great deal of time reiterating that which Kitty taught me as a child and teenager. Basics are basics. Effective leaders lead from the front. Not only do leaders know where they are going, they also motivate others to go in that direction by their up-front leading and enthusiasm.

Those early influencers in my leadership development laid a foundation so that we could build something fruitful for the Kingdom of God. What follows is a partial list of leadership foundational stones that we learned as children and now practice as adults.

• Lead with enthusiasm, animation and excitement. Please note, however, that a leader does not have to “go crazy” in front of people. On the other hand, be aware that out of “respect,” people may not walk out on a “dead” leader. However, silently and consciously, they will change allegiances during the funeral. Their feet may not evacuate the premises immediately, but their brains will find and board the first lifeboat leaving the sinking ship.
• Speak up so that all might hear and understand that you are leading. People will follow the leader who exhibits confidence with empathy. Without being arrogant, or proud, be bold to lead where others dare not go. Leave no doubt in people’s minds that you are in charge.
• Build a team that supports your leadership. Surround yourself with people that do things well. While God may have multi-gifted you, He did not create you with the ability to do everything. Ask people to help you in your weak areas. Ask people to help you identify your blind spots. Acknowledge their contributions by thanking and praising them in front of others and in private. Acknowledge their contributions and their needed usefulness by praying for them.
• Command respect by respecting others. Empathize with people. Listen without interruption when people speak with you. If someone uncovers a weakness or blind spot, willingly acknowledge the possibility. With diligence and patience work to firm up weaknesses by finding someone who can assist you in doing so. Seek advice from trusted co-workers to help you overcome blind spots.
• Lead with a plan. However, make sure the concrete does not harden. Apply heat wisely. When you don’t know something, admit it. Just say those three simple words. “I don’t know.” Say it aloud now. “I don’t know.” It is OK to not know. It is wrong to remain ignorant.
• Involve people as you develop them to be future leaders. Like a watchman, look for meaningful ways that people may contribute to the progress of your program, project or ministry.
• When you speak on God’s behalf, always place the Bible between you and your audience. Let people argue with God, not with you. God has much broader shoulders. However, be prepared to give a loving sound biblical reason for your thinking, actions and directions.
• Lead by serving others. If you wait for someone to ask you to serve, then you have missed the point of service. It is easy to say, “Call me if you need anything.” Turn that around. “I’ll call you to see what I can do for you.” Don’t wait for the call. If you serve others, they will follow you.
• Remember. Leaders lead from the front; never lead from the rear.

How successful was Kitty in fulfilling her ministry to assist in equipping us for future roles in the Kingdom of heaven? Honestly, she did not bat a 1,000. Those who remained faithful to the Word of God found themselves scattered across the world. Deacons and elders, spouses of deacons and elders, preachers and preacher’s wives, missionaries in far-flung fields of opportunity (Albania, Bosnia, India, Mozambique, Papua New Guinea, Russia and South Africa), Bible college professors, academic deans and a Bible college president, and yes, even some who became “normal” citizens in America, living out their Christianity before the eyes of the watching world.            

Effective leaders do not lead from the rear. Effective leaders lead from up front.