Lars Coburn
Improving Leaders and Value Add Conversations is a collaborative space for me to share what I am learning about life, leadership, ministry, theology, and communication.
About Lars
B.S., Bushnell University
M.A., Fuller Theological Seminary
Student, Ph.D., Regent University
Lars is the Director of University Relations in the Office of University Advancement. “I grow Bushnell University’s reputation by story-telling and raising money through media and church relationships.”
Lars is also an adjunct faculty member teaching in the Master of Arts in Leadership, where he teaches Financial Stewardship and A Biblical Theology of Leadership courses.
Lars was a pastor for eight years and is the author of Follow the Way. He lives with his wife, Janel, and daughters Ashlynn and Sloane in Eugene, OR. He loves sleeping in, playing golf, hiking, being with family, and doing life with God in the neighborhood.
Profile
Husband. Father. Follower of Jesus.
Enneagram
Type 3, called the Acheiver.
Myers Briggs
ENFP. Extravert, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving
Strengths Finder
Belief, Responsibility, Futuristic, Communication, Arranger
Five Voices
Connectors are always finding new ways to collaborate.
Education History
Born 40, his cousins say, Lars is a lifelong learner. Currently studying communication as a doctoral student at Regent University.
Current Student, PhD Regent University
Estimated graduation date 2029 Communication Studies, Virginia Beach, VA
2023 FCEP
Fellow in Charitable Estate Planning Credential by the Charitable Estate Planning Institute, Nashville, TN
2022 Database Admin
Fundraising and Raiser’s Edge NXT Database Administrator Certification by Blackbaud University, Instructor Led Online Training
2018 MA Fuller Seminary
Master of Arts in Theology, emphasis in Youth, Family, and Culture, Pasadena, CA
2015 Adv. Cert. In CM, INCM
Advanced Certificate in Children’s Ministry from the International Network of Children’s Ministry & Bethel Seminary, San Diego, CA
2014 BS Bushnell University
Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Eugene, OR
2009 NOS, Nike, Inc.
Lean training graduate of NOS Core Program, Nike’s Apparel Innovation and Training Centre at MAS Holdings, Sri Lanka
Work History
Lars has worked in construction, youth and family ministry, fundraising, and consulting.
2021 – Present | Bushnell University
Director of Church Relations & Planned Giving (Eugene, OR)
-Lead annual fundraising efforts, planned giving officer, and strategic planning
-Public Relations and communications with the community and media
-Donor relations including responsibilities with database, website, cross campus partnerships, and external relations such as church relations and hosting events
-Estate Planning and stewardship of legacy society
2021 – Present | Adjunct Professor
Adjunct Professor, Bushnell University (Eugene, OR)
-Teaching courses in Master of Arts in Leadership, MBA, and undergraduate online
-School of Business, Leadership, and Technology
2020 – Present | Improving Leaders
Director of Programs & Development (Eugene, OR)
– Improvingleaders.org leadership resources and consulting
– Video creation and writing
2016 – 2020 | Glendale Church of Christ
Director of Family Pastor (Glendale, CA)
– Coordinate ministries to children, youth, and young adults
– Preaching and teaching
– Vision casting, outreach, and involvement ministry
2017 – 2018 | Blair High School
Assistant Girls Volleyball Coach (Pasadena, CA)
– Assisted my wife who is the head coach for the program
– Junior Varsity coach
– Ran study hall and conditioning program for both Junior Varsity and Varsity
2014 – 2016 | Canyon View Church of Christ
Youth Minister (San Diego, CA)
– Coordinate Middle and High school ministry
– Preaching and Teaching Rotation
– Event Leadership: Summer Camp and Youth Rally Director
2012 – 2014 | Eugene Church of Christ
Youth Minister (San Diego, CA)
– Organize weekly and monthly events for youth, ages 12 to 18
– Preach Monthly, sub for adult Bible classes regularly, direct annual Youth Rally
2011 – 2013 | Access Control & Construction
Laborer (Eugene, OR)
– Laborer for Access Control Unlimited, concrete work
– Construction laborer, freelance residential addition work, demolition, flooring, tile work
Courses Taught at Bushnell University
My four years of adjunct teaching have been a joy
Most Taught Course
LSHP 610 – Stewardship of Financial Resources
This course covers the responsibilities of leaders within an organization as it pertains to stewardship and financial resources. It will cover both internal and external perspectives for both established organizations as well as startups. Topics include fundraising, grant writing and resources, responsible financial planning, strategic organizational budgeting, and facilities.
Favorite Course
CHL 610 – Biblical Theology of Leadership
This course surveys Biblical texts in search of a theological foundation for understanding Christian leadership. A theology of leadership begins with a study of God as ‘leader’, initiator, and primary agent. Special focus is given to Proverbs, Jeremiah, Matthew, Acts, and Ephesians providing a framework for critical reflection and application of leadership principles in ministry contexts. A Biblical theology of leadership pays primary attention to God’s leadership and then evaluates how to use leadership principles and practices to participate with God’s activity.
Leadership
LSHP 520 – Leadership Self-assessment & Self-care
This course invites you to explore who you are as a leader and how you can lead more effectively and sustainably. Together, we will engage with personality assessments, reflection practices, and leadership frameworks that highlight the importance of self-awareness and self-care. Through papers, discussions, and personal practices, you will not only analyze leadership concepts but also apply them directly to your life and leadership journey.
Business
ACTG 510 – Fundamentals of Accounting
This course explores the use of accounting tools as a source of data for managerial decision-making including cash flow, general accounting ledgers, income, financial position, cash, receivables, investments, inventories, liabilities, reconciliation, and financial statements.
Business
BUS 450 – Managerial Finance
This course surveys the financial problems associated with the life cycle of a business and with personal finance needs. Topics covered include financial analysis, financial planning, capital budgeting, cost of capital, the sources and uses of business funds, and the instruments utilized in raising funds.