What does it take to make a Vacation Bible School (VBS) unforgettable, effective, and evangelistic? In this episode of the Empowered Podcast, hosts Paul Spurlin, Caleb Sampson, Jerry Elder, and Caleb Norwood break down VBS models from across the Church of Christ, sharing real-world ideas, hilarious moments, and impactful ministry strategies.

🔥 From Jedi Academy themes to lifeguard-based parables (Ezekiel 33), and even inflatables + pizza nights, this roundtable hits every angle — teaching, decorating, teen involvement, and most importantly: spiritual follow-up. Whether you’re a minister, youth leader, or passionate parent, this episode gives practical tools to turn your next VBS into a true disciple-making opportunity.

🎯 Find out what actually works and what’s fading, and rediscover why VBS is still one of the most powerful outreach tools the church has.

🎧 Empowered is part of the Ministry League Network.

👉 Visit www.ministryleague.com and download the Ministry League app for more content.

⏱️ Chapters (Timestamps)

00:00 – Welcome to Empowered

01:10 – Meet the Hosts

02:20 – Why VBS Still Matters

03:30 – What’s the Deal with “Booster”?

05:10 – Caleb Sampson’s VBS Recap (Moses Theme)

08:25 – Norwood’s Lifeguard VBS Theme (Ezekiel 33)

11:45 – Jedi Academy VBS: Star Wars Meets Scripture

16:30 – Themed Rooms, Costumes, and Teaching Identity

19:10 – Rotations, Crafts, Puppets, and Giant Trees

22:15 – Hosting Youth Groups for VBS & Community Impact

24:40 – Best Follow-Up Practices After VBS

26:15 – What We Miss from Classic VBS Days

28:20 – Final Reflections: Make It About Jesus

🔑 Keywords (under 500 characters)

Vacation Bible School, VBS ideas, Jedi VBS, Church of Christ VBS, Star Wars Bible School, youth ministry, children's ministry, Ezekiel 33, discipleship, ministry tools, Ministry League, Paul Spurlin, Jerry Elder, Caleb Norwood, Caleb Sampson, church outreach, Bible class, VBS decorations, follow-up, summer Bible programs

🏷️ Hashtags

#VacationBibleSchool #VBS2025 #YouthMinistry #MinistryLeague #EmpoweredPodcast #ChurchOfChrist #ChristianParenting #StarWarsVBS #LifeguardVBS #BiblicalDiscipleship #FamilyMinistry #GospelOutreach #ChurchGrowth #JesusFirst #CreativeMinistry

Episode 4

In Episode 3 of the Empowered Podcast, hosts Paul Spurlin, Caleb Sampson, Jerry Elder, and Caleb Norwood tackle one of the most critical elements of church leadership—volunteer engagement. From flipping the 80/20 rule to real talk about burnout, this conversation offers practical steps and spiritual insight into how to find, train, and retain volunteers in every area of church life.

Whether you're a youth minister, elder, church leader, or ministry volunteer, this episode is packed with real tools, honest talk, and gospel-centered encouragement to help your ministry thrive.

🎧 Brought to you by Ministry League — Equipping the next generation of leaders and faithful families.

✅ CHAPTERS (Timestamps):

00:00 – Intro: What is Empowered?

01:49 – Why Volunteers Matter in Ministry

03:00 – The Real Cost of Doing It Alone

04:18 – Intergenerational Ministry Starts with Volunteers

05:25 – Staff Can't Do It Alone

08:35 – The Don’ts of Volunteering

13:20 – Church Events That Rely on Volunteers

15:58 – How to Plug In New Volunteers

18:21 – Why Preparation Matters

20:44 – The Do’s of Volunteering

24:00 – A Powerful Story About Letting People Serve

27:29 – Final Thoughts & Encouragement

✅ KEYWORDS:

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how to lead church volunteers

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Paul Spurlin podcast

Caleb Sampson Empowered

Jerry Elder church leadership

Caleb Norwood Empowered

✅ HASHTAGS:

#ChurchLeadership #YouthMinistry #VolunteerTraining #EmpoweredPodcast #MinistryLeague #FaithfulFamilies #MinistryBurnout #ChurchVolunteers #ChristianLeadership #Discipleship

Episode 2

Welcome to the very first episode of the Empowered Podcast.

In this kickoff conversation, hosts Caleb Sampson, Paul Spurlin, Kaleb Norwood, and Jerry Elder lay the foundation for what Empowered is all about — equipping the Church to rise. Together, they share their vision, their passion for ministry, and the urgent need to pour into parents, leaders, and the next generation like never before.

You’ll hear stories from the trenches of ministry, moments that shaped their calling, and real talk about the challenges and victories that come with leading in today’s world. This is more than just a podcast — it’s a movement to awaken leadership and ignite faith.

• Why now is the time for bold spiritual leadership

• The heart behind the Empowered Podcast

• Challenges facing families, churches, and young leaders

• How we can equip each other for the battle ahead

Subscribe, share, and join the mission.
This is just the beginning.

#EmpoweredPodcast #ChurchLeaders #FaithInAction

🔑 Topics in This Episode: