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