The First of My "8 Fundamentals of Leadership"

One of the oldest and most enduring principles of leadership is the idea that leaders must lead from the front. This is the first of the 8 Fundamentals of Leadership—and rightly so. Without a leader who sets the pace, sets the tone, and demonstrates the way forward, teams lose clarity, energy, and direction.

In military history, generals who commanded from behind the lines often lost the loyalty of their soldiers. By contrast, those who rode at the front of the column—visible, vulnerable, and fully engaged—earned respect and inspired courage in others. Similarly, the Executive Pastor, who leads from the front, embodies the very heart of servant leadership within the church.

The Biblical Foundation

Scripture is full of examples where godly leaders led from the front. Moses stood before Pharaoh to demand the release of God’s people (Exodus 5). Nehemiah personally surveyed the ruins of Jerusalem’s wall before rallying others to rebuild (Nehemiah 2). The Apostle Paul constantly reminded the churches to “follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).

Most of all, Jesus himself modeled leadership from the front. He did not merely tell his disciples what to do—he lived it before them. He washed their feet (John 13), healed the sick, ate with sinners, and ultimately went before them to the cross. The Executive Pastor, in leading the staff and congregation, follows this same example of incarnational leadership: walking the road first and then inviting others to follow.

Leadership Perspectives

Modern leadership thinkers reinforce this principle:

• John Maxwell often reminds us that “a leader knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” The Executive Pastor who leads from the front does more than manage; he models.

• Simon Sinek teaches that leaders must “eat last”—placing the needs of others before themselves, but also ensuring they are fully engaged and visible in the trenches of ministry.

• Patrick Lencioni in The Motive argues that true leaders embrace responsibility over privilege. Leading from the front means owning the hard work, not delegating it away while hiding in the background.

These insights all converge on the same truth: leadership is not about position or title, but about setting an example and maintaining presence.

Leading From the Front in the Church Context

For the Executive Pastor, leading from the front means more than visibility; it means modeling the culture the church desires to cultivate. Staff and volunteers look to the Executive Pastor not only for direction but also for demonstration of leadership.

Here are some practical applications:

• Modeling Work Ethic: The Executive Pastor demonstrates diligence, punctuality, and excellence, showing the staff what it looks like to serve with energy and integrity.

• Modeling Spiritual Discipline: Just as Paul urged Timothy to set an example “in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12), the Executive Pastor makes it clear that character and spiritual health come before performance.

• Modeling Adaptability: Change is constant in church life. By leading visibly through seasons of change, the Executive Pastor demonstrates that flexibility and resilience are essential components of healthy ministry.

• Modeling Care: Staff culture is shaped by how leaders treat people. The Executive Pastor who listens, encourages, and invests in others demonstrates what “shepherd-leadership” looks like in practice.

The Impact of Leading From the Front

When the Executive Pastor leads from the front, the staff gains confidence—they gain confidence. People are far more likely to follow when they see their leader beside them on the road. Trust is built, culture is strengthened, and the mission advances with unity.

Conversely, if the Executive Pastor hides behind policies or simply issues directives, staff morale weakens. Ministry becomes mechanical rather than inspired.

Leadership from the front is not about doing everything or micromanaging; it's about empowering others to take ownership. It’s about being present, visible, and engaged in the life of the team—demonstrating the values the church aspires to.

Conclusion

“Leading from the front” is not a leadership cliché; it is a leadership necessity. For the Executive Pastor, it is the starting point of influence. By embodying the mission, modeling the culture, and demonstrating the values of the church, the Executive Pastor sets the pace for the staff.

As this series unfolds through the 8 Fundamentals of Leadership, this first principle serves as the foundation: before the Executive Pastor can effectively guide, direct, or empower others, he or she must lead by example.