I am sorry for all the stupid questions - I see on the main page it shows how to configure etc even if you are not an admin - how can you change that and have the pages / topics created show on the main page?
Topic on Project:Support desk
If by pages / topics you mean actual pages, you can transclude Special:NewPages as {{Special:NewPages/25}}
Alternatively, use a proper forum software instead of MediaWiki.
Dont worry about stupid qusstions. Its what we are here for.