S1:E2 Vanessa Coburn
Guest Introduction
The first time I saw Vanessa Coburn in person she was leading worship, and her husband, Tim followed with a sermon. Tim spoke of Augustine, Teresa of Avila, Dallas Willard and other writers I had grown to know and love. Vanessa’s presence on stage wasn’t a performance, but simply an invitation to join her in a space where we can be truly known.
In my interview with Vanessa for this podcast, and over the coffee dates that we have shared, I have discovered that this is what Vanessa does. It is who she is and what she was born to do. To walk into the dark spaces, hurried spaces, and cluttered spaces to bring the Light of Jesus there.
Since the beginning of time, that Light has been ordering the darkness and creating beauty out of chaos. That Light found Vanessa as a young girl and illuminated her gifts.
That space between her and the Church? That’s the space she is called to make beautiful. A place where she uses her gifts to bring the Church back to center; where we can find our true selves in the Light of God’s love.
Guest Bio
Vanessa Coburn’s life is dedicated to creating space for the presence of God. There, she shares her gifts of music, art, poetry, authenticity, and leadership to bear prophetic witness to God’s love.
Vanessa is the Co-Founder and Senior Pastor of Society Church Portland, which is officially launching in the Spring of 2025. She has served the Church for more than 20 years as a Worship Pastor, Spiritual Formation Director, Church Planter, and Co-Senior Pastor.
She is an Ordained Minister, a Certified Spiritual Director, and belongs to the lay monastic order; "The Order of the Mustard Seed".
Vanessa holds her degree in Worship Theology and Leadership, and is continuing her education at the Renovare Institute for Spiritual Formation.
It goes without saying, Vanessa loves deep conversation, laughter, and good coffee. She shares this beautiful life with her husband Tim, their three boys, and Society Church in Portland, Oregon, where she was when we spoke.