Value Add: Conversations and Reflections that add value to your life.: Recent Episodes
Lars Coburn
I used as a resource for crafting this reflective sermon on lament: https://www.anewliturgy.com/no-7-lament
This is a great resource from Aaron Niequist, I've used the Examen liturgy for years now and this is one I will add to the rotation as well for my own personal prayer times.
In my adaptation I used a blank paper with six boxes to respond to the different poems and prayers of lament. I introduce the concept of lament by sharing Psalm 13. I hope that by introducing personal practices of lament in public worship settings we can begin to explore what public lament looks like. Which is the domain of prophets like Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Isaiah.
Hopeful Imagination series continues as we look at the Book of Jeremiah. I really love the video resources available at thebibleproject.com and highly recommend taking a look at their Exile and how to read the Prophets and Biblical poetry videos.
This was originally shared as a Facebook live video. These Friday reflection podcasts are going to continue being this way.
What's your personal mission statement? Do you have values you want to be known for? What clutter in your life keeps you from being able to focus on creativity and leadership?
The start of a new series of sermons on the perspective of the Old Testament prophets and psalmists who had in the words of Walter Brueggemann a "Hopeful Imagination."
This was a Facebook live video of the launch of our Improving Leaders YouTube channel. Learn more about what Improving Leaders is by visiting improving leaders.org
I've preached this message before for New Years but enjoyed sharing it slightly differently with the Franklin Christian Church. Every year is a new beginning, and probably better for us than resolutions we are going to end up abandoning or feeling like we missed out or failed, what if we chose to consider living our normal routines with intentionality. Perhaps that means adding a new one or two but maybe instead it's just a new way of looking at things we do every day like eating meals together.
One of the most common New Years resolutions for Christians is to start a "Read the Bible Cover to Cover in a Year" plan. And if you're anything like me getting started was fun, Genesis is captivating with big story arcs like Creation and fascinating stuff about towers, languages, floods, and then familial drama throughout all of Abram's kids and grand kids. But then you get to Leviticus and either get bogged down, skip it, or quit all together. In this recorded sermon for a small rural church I spend the week after Christmas and before New Years to explore the big theme of holiness throughout this very underrated book of the Bible.
Third and final installment in the advent series at Franklin Christian Church. We talk about the Magi and the idea of presence.
I've been listening to a lot of perspectives about spiritual deconstruction so I took a chance to review some resources and a book I read about the Bible as Christian Scripture. This may be a little rambl-ly but I hope it may spark some curiosity and questions you might want to explore.
A conversation about honesty.
Apologies for no intro and outro music. I have an issue with my main computer system and haven't resolved it yet.
Sermon at Franklin Christian Church where I am speaking every Sunday while they wait to formalize a search for a pastor. It's a very small and rural church. I worked with my good friend Jason Swick on the theme and shared ideas back and forth for this mini series on Advent.
No time like the present to get back into the swing of things. Take a listen for the updates to the Coburn family and also some Advent thoughts I've had.
Hoping to post more frequently. Would love to hear from you and do some Q/A and deal with topics and questions you are interested in! Email me lars@valueaddconversations.com
We come to the end of the 30 day devotional series. I hope it hasn't been a waste of your time, my intention has been that anyone watching these would be able to say "that added value to my life." I hope the intentionality, questions, mentoring, and rhythms I've talked about has done that in some small way. You can find more about Centering Prayer/Contemplative SIT on my blog, link in bio. Stay tuned for some other content regarding my book. You can find the book "Follow the Way" on amazon and my blog. I'll sign the copies from my blog and website - plus it helps me out if you buy direct from me.
Thanks so much friends. This has been fun! I'm sure I'll continue doing some videos here and there.
Let's be grateful people. Reviewing our day, week, month, year, season, covid-19 Quarantine with thanksgiving and looking ahead with hope. Check out my blog for my adapted prayer of Examen guide. Link in bio.
You may not be familiar with the Benedictine Monastic Rule, but you probably have some rules you follow about your life. A beautiful metaphor I heard used was that of a trellis or grape arbor. We want our lives to be trained up so they produce good fruit. Check out my blog, link in bio for a more detailed look at rhythms and a way I suggest go about writing your rule of life.
What are your rhythms? Music requires a rhythm, a beat to keep time and enable the creativity and beauty of the sound and words to evoke mystery and awe. May our lives have a rhythm to it that points people to say "Thank you God."
Index cards. Goals. Accountability. Physical, Relational, and Spiritual - this is mentoring. We get to come alongside each other.
Mentor groups center around story-telling but there's another side to the coin, we also need to be people who are good story-listeners if the stories we tell will actually change our lives and churches. Find my whole mentor groups guide on my blog, link in bio.
Want to lead your own mentor groups at your church? These next few videos to round out the week will focus on just that. Let's be good story tellers!
Check out my blog for the mentoring guide. Link in bio. valueaddconversations.com
Mentoring is not a “top down” approach where old mentor the young or the learned teach the inexperienced. Mentoring is a mutual endeavor, where we are all transformed by the Spirit of God found in each us.
Who is a mentor in your life? What do we want to be learning from others? This week we'll reflect on the Fruit of the Spirit and how we can "follow the Spirit" by being intentional with the relationships we have.
Where do I fit? Do I belong? Let's think through this very important question that helps us locate ourselves.
Join the conversation, link in bio.
From - "when are we going back to 'normal'" - to "when is dinner gonna be ready?" We want specifics on when things are going to take place. We like to know the date and time, even of things like our death. How does Jesus treat the when question?
From - "when are we going back to 'normal'" - to "when is dinner gonna be ready?" We want specifics on when things are going to take place. We like to know the date and time, even of things like our death. How does Jesus treat the when question?
Ask me why, one more time...Perhaps you've been annoyed by the curiosity of a child who pesters you with why questions. They are developing their brain and reasoning skills. We all could grow from asking why, just one more time.
What makes a good question? How do you ask it? What are you trying to do? How will you go about it? These essential questions help ground our lives. Jesus masterfully uses what and how questions to help others reflect. I would love to hear what you think makes for a good question, comment here or join the conversation on my blog. Let's learn together by asking good questions of each other and God.
Happy Easter! Our second week is about questions. Jesus asks a lot of questions in the Gospels, join me this week as we reflect on how questions can help add value to our lives. I would love for you to add to the conversation the questions you find valuable, what are some good questions we need to ask of each other and God?
What if eating and drinking was a moment of intentionality? "Do this in remembrance of me" "for when you eat this bread and drink this cup you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes." Let's be people who continue eating and drinking as we wait for the coming of our savior, Jesus.
We used to memorize a lot of things, phone numbers, addresses - then we got smartphones. What things do you still memorize? What if the things you memorized could help you pray during times when you don't know what to pray? Times like Covid-19.
Learning to listen to others is great, but how do we learn to listen to God? What does cultivating humility in our relationship with God look like? Take a breath.
Join the conversation, valueaddconversations.com
Jesus' modeled intentionality in the virtues in his life. Possibly the most evident is that of humility. From the humble beginnings in the manger to the humble obedience throughout his life all the way to the Cross - Jesus lived humility. How do you cultivate humility in your life?
Join the conversation on valueaddconversations.com
Intentionality is about creating habits and seasons of our lives where we live into intimacy with God and our families. This means the point isn't goal setting and accomplishing our to do lists or burdening ourselves with routines, but it does mean we evaluate and reflect on practices and habits that do point us toward intimacy.
Join the conversation www.valueaddconversations.com
Joshua and the people of Israel were getting ready to ford the river Jordan...what lay ahead was a lot of difficult tasks. During this season we can feel overwhelmed by what lays ahead, even just waking up is something we must "conquer." Living with intentionality doesn't mean we win every battle but it does mean we create markers to remind us of when God has shown up. For Israel, there were 12 stones that marked the miraculous "God showing up" moment of crossing the Jordan on dry ground. What marking stones do you have in your life?
Join the conversation, valueaddconversations.com
The first conversation is INTENTIONALITY. There is no such thing as a “normal” day, week, year. The important in our lives is constantly at risk of being crowded out by the immediate. Intentionality acknowledges this tension and realizes grand goal making can leave us beaten down and discouraged when we fail to live up to our goals. Things like family meals every night, reading through the Bible in a year, nightly routines, rest, and vacations all are subjects discussed by blog articles, self help books, and sermons by well meaning pastors and leaders. But what if there was something more important than the idealistic plans we make? What if we cultivated an environment of intentionality so that even the mundane and ordinary of our days was value add?
An introductory week to my 30 day devotional series. This first week I look at lent and the disruptive nature of Covid-19. Then in the next four weeks we look at 1. Intentionality, 2. Questions, 3. Mentoring, 4. Rhythms as key conversations that add value to our life.
Add to the conversation at valueaddconversations.com
An introductory week to my 30 day devotional series. This first week I look at lent and the disruptive nature of Covid-19. Then in the next four weeks we look at 1. Intentionality, 2. Questions, 3. Mentoring, 4. Rhythms as key conversations that add value to our life.
Add to the conversation at valueaddconversations.com
An introductory week to my 30 day devotional series. This first week I look at lent and the disruptive nature of Covid-19. Then in the next four weeks we look at 1. Intentionality, 2. Questions, 3. Mentoring, 4. Rhythms as key conversations that add value to our life.
Add to the conversation by visiting my blog valueaddconversations.com
An introductory week to my 30 day devotional series. This first week I look at lent and the disruptive nature of Covid-19. Then in the next four weeks we look at 1. Intentionality, 2. Questions, 3. Mentoring, 4. Rhythms as key conversations that add value to our life.
An introductory podcast to my April 2020 30 Day Devotional. We'll talk through four conversations: 1. Intentionality, 2. Questions, 3. Mentoring, 4. Rhythms throughout the month of April. Each week I'll share a passage of Scripture with you and walk through a 5-8 min devotional. Connect with me and share your thoughts here as comments or on my blog www.valueaddconversations.com
Guest host Larry Coburn guides a fun father & son conversation with Lars about leadership.
In this part one of a four part mini-series on Ephesians Lars shares some insights on reading the Bible, doing theology, interpretation, and wisdom. Lars looks at three key aspects of interpretation: 1) asking good questions, 2) using good tools, 3) and making wise application.
Lars sits down with Dr. Ron Cox from Pepperdine and father of four boys. They discuss raising kids as an academic who cares deeply for faith and the church. Creating space to wrestle with the questions, disorientation, but also creating a deep love for the Scriptures and the Lordship of Jesus.
Author of We Need To Talk a book on creating space for healthy conversations about sexuality, Adam Mearse sits down with Lars at Pepperdine University. Adam earned his Ph.D in education from Trinity International University, been in ministry to children, teens, and families for twenty years all over the world. You can connect with Adam on instagram, facebook, and twitter | @adammearse and on his blog www.adammearse.com
Looking out on the Pacific Ocean, Lars sits down with Joel Foster to discuss the quiet time devotions from So Cal Teen Camp and other spiritual practices. Joel is the Graduate Apprentice at the University Church of Christ in Malibu on Pepperdine University's campus.
Zac Luben returns for another conversation. This time Zac and Lars tackle the conversation regarding deconstruction. What happens when our faith is questioned or we are exposed to things that cause us to question or doubt? The conversation takes place in the setting of So Cal Teen Camp and the lives of students.
A conversation with Lars' mentor Jack Williamson. They discuss their shared love for the Northwest, youth ministry, Fuller Theological Seminary, and Dallas Willard. Jack shares about raising three kids while being their youth minister and having a healthy life and ministry balance. Jack is the Spiritual Formation minister at the Conejo Valley Church of Christ in Thousand Oaks, CA you can read and learn more from Jack on his blog: http://jackedupthoughts.blogspot.com
Four preachers get together and discuss 20 ideas in 20 minutes different concepts regarding preaching. Gregg Strawn is the pulpit minister at Circle Church of Christ in Corvallis, Larry Coburn is Lars' father and was the interim preaching minister at the Eugene Church of Christ, and Jason Swick was the Campus Minister at Circle Church of Christ and now the preaching minister at the Prineville Church of Christ. All three are mentors of Lars' and have over 100 years combined preaching experience. They talk about shifts they have made in preaching and what it means to people of faith.
A reflection from this past Fall on the conference LIVE 2 LEAD in Eugene, Oregon. Lars and Larry will be bringing LIVE 2 LEAD this year to Glendale, CA on October 19th. Get your tickets online at https://leanlarry.ticketspice.com/live2lead-glendale and learn the art of the shift from experts like John C. Maxwell and others. There will be a live podcast after the 4 modes afternoon workshop.
Something that inspired me to begin this Value Add project was the understanding that each one of us, all people, are made in the image of God. In Genesis 1 God creates and it climaxes with humanity as created to create with God. Another continual concept I keep running back to is the tension between what seems to be a driving force in my life: to lead or become a great leader. I have this desire, but in Scripture and throughout my sitting at the feet of wise people (Henri Nouwen's writings come to mind) I am convicted that perhaps we are called to follow the Way and not be or lead the way.
I sit down with Janel back in December 2017 to chat about what it means to be the spouse of someone in ministry. We chat about her desire to inspire others and how she does that through teaching and coaching.
Lars sits down with Dusty Breeding the Youth and Campus Minister at the University Church of Christ in Malibu, California located on Pepperdine University's campus. The conversation is about Dusty's recent Master's degree thesis on Post Traumatic growth. Dusty and his wife Cecily are Crossfit trainers, mentors, Lulu Lemon ambassdors, and great leaders for Christ. You can follow Dusty on his website www.dustybreeding.com.
Janel and Lars sit down with one of their favorite Northwest Christian University professors. The podcast explores Doyle's testimony, awesome facial hair, memorization, and other ways communication adds value. Dr. Doyle Srader Ph.D., University of Georgia, M.A., Baylor University, B.A., Baylor University teaches public speaking, interpersonal communication, listening behavior, and other public address and interpersonal communication classes. He brings over 18 years of teaching expertise to the classroom. Doyle has authored numerous publications and writings including “Performative Listening,” which appeared in the International Journal of Listening, and “Before, after, during: Michael Chertoff’s post-Katrina arguments,” which appeared in Argumentation and Advocacy. Doyle is participating and mentions the missions trip to Cambodia that NCU campus pastor Troy Dean leads every year and that Lars and Janel both participated in during their time at NCU. Their primary partner in Cambodia is AIM, Agape International Mission. You can find out more and join the fight against Human Trafficking and Child sex slavery by visiting their website and supporting the many facets of their work.
Practical Theology, dialogue, group process, anxiety, maturity...Drew helps us think through these things. Drew Poppleton is a PhD canidate at Fuller Theological Seminary and a Teaching Assistant there. Lars and Drew explore the question of how you go about doing practical theology and not just writing a project or coming up with a program. The critical question to answer is "how will we be together?" Drew is also a contributor in the book Learning Change by Jim Herrington and Trisha Taylor.
These episodes are personal reflections on topics that add value to your life. This first series is on three spiritual core values: Humility, Gratitude, and Simplicity. Gratitude is something you choose to do. It takes time and discipline to do "all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him" as Paul puts it. Lars spends some time riffing about being thankful. The opening of the podcast has a series of scriptures read consectutively. If you are curious here are the references and order: 1) Psalm 100, 2) Mark 8:1-9, 3) Luke 17:12-19, 4) Matthew 26:26-30, 5) Colossians 3:12-17, 6) Ephesians 1:15-23, 7) Colossians 4:2-6, 8) Philippians 4:4-8, 9) I Corinthians 15:54-57. All passages quoted are from the NIV. Lars mentions the article "Gratitude: Pathway to permanent change" http://www.christianity9to5.org/gratitude-pathway-to-permanent-change/ and recommends the spiritual practice of Examen (https://www.ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the-examen). Two resources for audio led versions of the Examen, 1) http://store.anewliturgy.com/album/no-6-the-examen-extended-edition and 2) on the https://pray-as-you-go.org app.
To be a follower of Jesus, what do I have to believe? What do I have to know? What do I have to do? I once heard that the essentials of any good youth ministry are couches, pizza, games, and lock-ins. I don't buy pizza for events, our couches are hard, my games are lame, and I avoid lock-in's as often as possible. Do I sound like a youth ministry failure to you? Somewhere along the way running a program and ministry elevated itself to being essential. But is it?
Lars gets a California geography lesson, what does it mean to be a Church of Christ Youth Minister, from football player to Student Minister...How do you raise your kids while in ministry? Jordan Coss is the Student Minister at the Campbell Church of Christ near San Jose.
Zac Luben is the Youth and Family Minister at the Culver Palms Church of Christ in Culver City, California. Zac has been in youth ministry for over 10 years and has been a mentor and friend since I moved to Southern California. We talk seminary degrees, ministry longevity, speed reading, and our friendship. We recorded this podcast at the Fall Middle school retreat called IMPACT.
These episodes are personal reflections on topics that add value to your life. This first series is on three spiritual core values: Humility, Gratitude, and Simplicity. Genuine humility is not a status you receive it is a lifestyle you cultivate. Humility is hard. Lars takes time to riff on humility. The opening of the podcast has a series of scriptures read consecutively. If you are curious here are the references and order: 1) Matthew 18:1-5, 2) Luke 10:25-37, 3) Luke 18:9-14, 4) I Peter 5:5b-7, 5) Matthew 7:1-5, 6) James 4:1-17, 7) I Thessalonians 5:12-24; 28. All passages are quoted in from the NIV. Lars mentions a book that has had tremendous impact on his understanding of humility and is the source for many quotes shared on this episode. We highly recommend reading: Murray, Andrew. Humility. Minneapolis, Minn: Bethany House, 2001.
A conversation about haircuts, diversity, valuing everyone, faith, and church while Lars gets his haircut at District One Barbers. Check out Shawn's shop and book your appointment on https://dob.youcanbook.me.
Part two of the conversation around the table at Fuller Seminary with fellow student Austin Tannous. This conversation zeros in on worship. Is worship music just an extension of the sermon? Are the songs we sing telling us what to believe about God?
Ever wondered if going to seminary will actually add value to your life? Are you listening to podcasts that stretch you? How does a music teacher approach theology? Join two students as we reflect on the things forming us. Part one gets the conversation going, part two will be coming out next week more pointed on worship.
What? Why? How? Followup? These are important questions. Much of the different patterns of problem solving utilize a basic four mode pattern. Join this important conversation between me and my dad Larry Coburn, a leadership consultant and expert in Lean philosophy as we explore how you can add value to your life through using this approach as a way of thinking in all parts of life. Want to connect more with Larry, check out his website: www.larrycoburn.com.
Why a podcast? Why Value Add? Who is Lars Coburn? What do you want in life? What is the meaning of life? All questions we consider in this short podcast. Well maybe the answer to the last question is not contained here but exploring the purpose behind the podcast is the goal of this episode. Gain some insights into how Lars thinks and the aim of the podcast in general.
Larry Coburn joins Lars for a father and son reflection on time spent in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Larry worked 27 years for Nike. Three different times being posted overseas in Southeast Asia. The experiences were rich, especially the final one from 2003-2008 in Vietnam. Lars was in High School. This episode focuses on the experience of worshiping with New Life Fellowship Church: the hotel, the shutdown, and house churches.