I’ve been reflecting on the leadership styles that Leonard shares in Leading from the Middle and how they have influenced my life. In the book and at our conference last week, he explained that there are three types of leadership: from the Front, from the Back, and from the Middle. Jesus did them all.

I have definitely benefited from strong leadership from the Front. I am drawn to leaders with a clear, articulated vision. I devour excellent Bible teaching. I decided to follow Christ, in part, because I heard a youth camp speaker powerfully speak on the crucifixion of Jesus. Leadership from the Front matters, and it impacts lives.

Looking back over the years, I have fond memories of people who compassionately led from the Back. I struggled with anxiety attacks for a season, and leaders powerfully prayed over me on three separate occasions. Their prayers made a difference. I have been fortunate to have received wise counsel from pastors multiple times. I have been ministered to by gifted therapists, too. Leading from the Back matters, and it impacts lives.

The clearest memories and deepest emotions come when I remember those who have led in my life - from the Middle. The memories with these leaders fill chunks of time in my life – mostly years. They are voluntary mentors who took it upon themselves to be present, invite me in, challenge me, and share their power. These are people who have expressed belief in my God-given abilities and then backed up that belief by giving me real responsibility – sometimes at their own cost. Leading from the Middle matters most of all – I would not be where I am without these people.

The Middle leaders showed that high school girl (me) what following Jesus looked like – even before I said, “Yes!” to following Him at the youth camp. Before their presence in my life, I thought God was distant and uninterested in me. By being near and interested in who I am, they showed me Jesus.

It was the Middle leaders who, by their ongoing commitment to me, spurred on the healing and growth that the prayer warriors, pastors, and therapists initiated. Their grace and patience in me helped till the soil for the change to continue.

Now, there are some key people in my life who have led from the Front, the Back, and the Middle. We all lead from all three places, and all three places are needed. I am seeing, though, that it is Middle leadership that ties all three styles together. It’s Middle leadership that drives the impact of the Front and Back.

Now, it’s your turn. Reflect on your life. Who has led you well from the Front with their vision, teaching, preaching, & decision making? Who are the leaders that led you from the Back, offering counsel, healing prayer, or consoled you in grief? And who are the Middle leaders – the mentors – the ones who got their hands dirty in helping you develop your gifts, the ones who showed you Jesus?