4 Ways of Becoming a Teaching Hospital

Become a “teaching hospital”? HECK YES! This vision of leadership was shared with me by a mentor of mine a few years ago. Michael Fletcher, the Senior Pastor of Manna Church, is one of the best leaders I’ve ever been around. He passionately encouraged me to not just think of leading others but leading THROUGH others. The difference between them is found in the difference between hospitals and teaching hospitals. 

If you do some research on what a teaching hospital is, it’s doctors doing medicine through up and coming doctors. I consider this exponential medicine and I think our leadership should look a whole lot more like that.

Here are 4 ways to becoming more of that kind of leader:

1. Don’t Be the Hero, Be a Hero Maker.
   A couple years ago, Dave Ferguson tweeted this statement and it’s 100% on point. So often our insecurity as pastors is the main issue with why our churches stall out and get stuck. We think, “I need to be needed”…really?!? Please stop…just stop. Get a dog or  a cat or something, but let go of this “need” idol. It’s holding you and your church back. Church Leadership is not about YOU being the hero or the next keynote at Exponential.

2. Commission the Common.
   Create a culture that says, you can do this. If your organizational culture implies you have to get more education (which isn’t a bad thing) or have to have everything in your life together or have to be on the C-Suite to make an impact, you will never become a “teaching hospital” kind of organization. We need to commission the common. One of my favorite things I’ve heard lately comes from the more tropical Mission Church out in Ventura, CA. The Lead Pastor, Mike Hickerson says, “Tell me what a volunteer can’t do?” He goes on to emphasize that with adequate training and time, there is NOTHING a volunteer can’t do. This is brilliant leadership and one of the best ways we can become more of a teaching hospital.

3. Resist Perfectionism.
   This one is really tough for me. I have a high value on doing things well because I’m of the persuasion that “excellence honors God and inspires people.” Here’s the deal…if we’re not careful that can reduce the amount of people we raise up and mobilize our leadership through. If you’re waiting for someone to do it as good as you do it, you might be waiting the rest of your life. One of my favorite principles comes from Wayne Cordeiro when he said, if someone can do it 80% as good as you, let them do it. Right now, who can you apprentice to do what you are currently doing?

4. Adjust Your Speed.
   One of the reasons we don’t lead THROUGH others is because we’re maniacs. Ok, I’m a maniac. I run so hard and so fast that those we’re apprenticing pull their hammies trying to catch up. I’m not advocating ½ hearted work or effort, what I am advocating for you is that you might want to slow the heck down. To become a “teaching hospital” kind of church we have to learn how to walk with others. Last time I checked, Jesus, the greatest leader of all time, said “come follow me” not come run with me.

I’m not sure what the vision is of the organization you lead but this metaphor of becoming a “teaching hospital” is one of the best I’ve come across. Leading others is good, leading THROUGH others is great. Let’s resist the urge to be the hero and instead give our lives to becoming “hero makers”. 

P.S. If that term “hero maker” creates intrigue, you can order Dave’s book here …a recommended read for sure.