Victory Church: Paul Daugherty – Best Days Podcast | Season 11 Episode 3 Episode Date: April 8, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode brings listeners behind the scenes of Victory Church’s 2026 Easter production, "The Great Forever." Hosts John Arvin (A) and Arvin (B) discuss the creative journey, music, storytelling, church culture, and the eternal perspective that inspires Victory’s creative ministry. They explore the production’s themes, share personal reflections, and address the significance of blending creativity and faith.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Heart Behind the Podcast & The Victory Confession

• The podcast focuses on behind-the-scenes experiences at Victory Church, highlighting the confession: “Our best days are right in front of us.” (00:23)
• Reflection on 11 seasons and gratitude for Pastors Paul and Ashley’s vision, especially for the ambitious Easter production. (00:10-00:22)

2. Overview of “The Great Forever” Easter Production

Original Easter Songs:

• "Change My Forever" – Focuses on transformation and resurrection.
• "What Does It Mean to Be Great" – Explores true greatness through the Gospel. (01:02)
• "Love That Never Dies" – Resurrection through the lens of Lazarus.
• "Eyes of Fire" – Connects Apostle Paul’s mentorship and the centurion’s journey.
• Finale: Victory worship original, "Joy," written by Dom DeMaio. (01:59)
• Throwback: “Above All” sung by Pastor Sharon, a Michael W. Smith classic. (01:39)

Song Selection Process:

• Songs are crafted specifically to guide listeners through Jesus’s ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection, seeking a powerful build in both lyrics and music. (02:10-03:19)
• Pastor Paul personally evaluates music for gospel clarity and impact, occasionally suggesting changes for spiritual resonance. (02:58-03:19)

Quote:

"The song needs to have the gospel in it... Everything builds to that resurrection moment."
— John Arvin (02:10)

3. Scriptwriting Inspired by Eternity

• The idea for the script was deeply influenced by the deaths of John’s grandmother and Wayne Cates, both of whom lived with an eternal mindset. (04:03-06:03)
• The question, “Is this building the kingdom of God?” guided both financial and creative decisions. (04:55-05:05)

Quote:

"She was nickel and diming Victory, in order to keep us sharp on budget. And her one question: 'Is this building the kingdom of God?'"
— John Arvin (04:52)

• The theme of the 2026 production centers on eternity and life after death, with an emphasis on intentional living. (06:26-06:51)

4. Creative Choices: Biblical Inspiration and Artistic License

Core Storyline:

• Main character Atticus is inspired by the Catholic legend of Longinus—the centurion who pierced Jesus’s side, was healed, and became a believer, ultimately martyred for his faith. (07:02-08:22)
• The show blends multiple gospel soldier stories into Atticus for dramatic impact, while maintaining spiritual integrity. (08:28-08:42)

Quote:

"We based Atticus off of Longinus... he was a soldier; upon stabbing Jesus in the side, his poor eyesight was healed... and it changed his life."
— Arvin (07:12)

Responding to Criticism:

• The team welcomes theological critiques, emphasizing that creative adaptations serve broader engagement while upholding biblical truth. (08:55-10:31)
• Past controversies over story details reaffirm openness to dialogue but also a focus on reaching all types: “I like Pharisees, and I appreciate them … I really like the godless people who are, like, hungover at church on Sunday. I’m so glad you’re here.” — Arvin (10:05-10:31)

5. The Power of Memory and Storytelling

• The goal is to create impactful memories that influence people’s choices long after the production—citing Gospel Bill as a powerful example that stuck with John through adulthood. (12:11-13:13)

Quote:

"Memories are monetary... if someone can have a memory of something that you created, you now have a special place in their mind. You have real estate."
— John Arvin (12:11)

• Storytelling is not just about entertainment, but about embedding eternal truths through narrative and music. (13:14-13:29)

6. Easter Eggs & Layers in the Production

• Hidden details and “winks,” such as:
  • The pinky promise between Timothy (originally misstated as Thomas) and Jesus, a running theme symbolizing childlike faith and trust. (15:30-16:38)
  • The character Timothy suggests a tie-in to Apostle Paul’s Timothy, a subtle nod for theology buffs. (17:20-17:38)
  • The spear-to-cane transformation, symbolizing surrender, character growth, and personal testimony. The broken spear becomes the old man’s cane, representing a changed life and a “story etched into your life.” (17:44-20:03)

Quote:

"If you break that off … God will write a story on your life if you will just surrender the things you’re actually relying on to Him."
— Arvin (19:24)

7. Creative Philosophy: Rewarding Attention

• The importance of crafting content that rewards the attentive viewer, as opposed to dumbing down for casual audiences. (22:53-23:24)
• The currency of the modern age is attention—Victory aims to steward it wisely. (23:24-23:31)

Quote:

"Reward the person who is paying attention."
— Arvin (23:19)

8. Volunteer Culture and Excellence in Ministry

• The cast and crew are all volunteers; no one is paid—people serve out of calling and eternal purpose. (31:21-32:00)
• Excellence is a cultural value, balanced with kindness; volunteers are called to a high standard but also encouraged and appreciated. (33:21-34:05)
• Rehearsals are demanding, with late nights and sacrifice, yet people serve joyfully because they believe in the eternal impact. (34:24-34:47)

9. Impact and Takeaway

• Living and working with eternity in focus transforms an ordinary job into a ministry opportunity.
• Personal stories emphasize the significance of attaching eternal purpose to all aspects of life, even seemingly mundane roles. (35:44-36:50)

Quote:

"Do everything as you would do it unto the Lord."
— John Arvin (36:50)

Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• The pinky promise motif: strong emotional connection signifying Jesus’s trustworthiness and childlike faith. (16:36-16:43)
• On handling criticism: "Thanks for watching ... I'm glad that Pharisees have a place to go." — Arvin (09:01-10:05)
• Rewarding attention: "Attention is the currency of the age right now." — Arvin (23:24)

Important Segment Timestamps

• Introduction and Theme (00:00–00:43)
• Easter Production Overview (00:43–02:09)
• Song Selection & Theology (02:09–03:27)
• Writing with Eternity in Mind & Personal Stories (04:03–06:03)
• Inspiration from Legend of Longinus (07:02–08:22)
• Responding to Theological Critique (08:55–10:31)
• The Power of Memory & Creative Impact (12:11–13:13)
• Easter Eggs & Symbolism: Timothy, Spear, Cane (15:23–20:03)
• Rewarding the Attentive Viewer (22:53–23:24)
• Volunteer Excellence & Rehearsal Stories (30:54–34:47)
• Living with Eternal Purpose (35:04–36:50)

Tone and Language

Conversational, honest, reflective, and sometimes humorous. The hosts are candid about creative tension, passionate about storytelling, and earnest in their call to connect production to eternal significance.

In Summary

"Best Days Podcast: Season 11, Episode 3" offers rich insights into the spiritual and creative energy behind Victory Church's Easter production. Through heartfelt discussion, clever storytelling, and a commitment to eternal purpose, the episode reveals the faith, sacrifice, and thoughtful craftsmanship that underpin Victory’s ministry—inviting creatives and believers alike to live and create with eternity in mind.