Administration Zone

How do you evaluate kids Bible knowledge? Schools test kids, why not at church? People are often surprised to learn that the Kidologist had quarterly testing in his Sunday School. Here he explains why and how.

Don't let the church suck you dry - that isn't God's Will for those in ministry. When the church is killing your joy, you are doing more than God is asking of you and it is time for drastic action. Now. Stop making excuses.

This is Karl's contribution to the Greg Baird / Kidmin360.com series. Download the COMPLETE book below.

Karl Bastian was selected by Group’s CM Magazine as one of kids ministry Top 20 Influencer’s – but who were his “Top Influencers?”

What the Kidologist, Karl Bastian, suggests as the "Top Ten" books, websites, and events for children's ministry leaders.

Karl answers Greg Baird on what is the ONE THING that is most important aside from his walk with God.

Karl, the Kidologist has had a note from Phil Vischer's mom up next to his desk for over 15 years... find out why!

Karl explains Facebook & Twitter and how they can help you in ministry! Taught at CPC in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

An evaluation worksheet that can be used to help gain feedback as well as help volunteers evaluate their performance.

Become more relational with your volunteers while recruiting.

A simple fun way to recognize new or super volunteers! Just add a pictures and some interesting facts and post outside the room they serve in!

A tragedy is happening! The Bible is a rare object in most children's ministries today. What are the steps for action that we need to take?

Karl Bastian, the Kidologist, made this contribution to the book What Matters Now in Children's Ministry.

An inspiring story from Karl about at 67 year old that is not making excuses when it comes to ministry.

Using Halloween as a case study in conflict, this article rises above that issue to provide insight into how Christians should deal with controversial topics, such as Halloween.

No matter how early you start to plan, how much you delegate, or how many volunteers show up, why does it always seem that you can't get ahead on all that needs to be done? If you've ever asked this, then you're in the right place!  

This is a sample of a year-end interview form to use with teachers at the end of the year.

I hear it often... "I'm having trouble recruiting." May I be so bold as to suggest your problem isn't recruiting. If you focus on something far more important than recruiting, you'll have all the volunteers you'll ever need. You may even have extras! Read on for the secret to building the largest team in the church!

This is a guide on how to prepare a written salvation testimony with the Kidologist's as a sample. Written for kids, but good for all ages. See the PDF for printing and the sample.

You'll never gain fame or glory in children's ministry. So are YOU called?

this is a children's ministry promotional peice from my church that is requested whenever I mention it at conferences. You are welcome to adapt the idea for your own church.

It is a common children's ministry myth that you need a media release for pictures to be taken of kids in your ministry. This comes up often in social media conversations, so Karl answers this question here.

Pastor Karl's Children's Ministry Manual from his church in Colorado (updated 2022)

On my palm pilot I keep a simple file I use for self-evaluation. It is posted here because it is requested often after I mention it in workshops.

A sample recruiting e-mail to parents attending regularly to your church, but not yet serving on any ministry teams to demonstrate how to be positive while making the case for why they should serve.

The strength of the team often determines its success. This rings particularly true in the context of church volunteer settings, where individuals come together driven by a shared purpose. However, beyond mere cooperation, cultivating camaraderie among team members is crucial. Camaraderie not only enhances productivity and efficiency but also fosters a sense of belonging and support, ultimately enriching the volunteering experience. Let’s delve into the significance of building camaraderie within church volunteer teams and explore practical strategies to transform teammates into genuine friendships.

Welcome your Kindergartener's into kids church with a special event designed just for them (and their parents)!

Not everything in ministry is self-evident. Some things that seem true—or effective—can produce substandard results. Read these tips on how to be most effective in your ministry.

If you work (or have worked) on a multiple member staff at a local church, you know that it is not always easy to maintain unity and cohesion among the team. Much of the reason for that includes some of these common mistakes made by church staff members.

Exciting ways to raise money for your Children's Ministry and get others involved.

Fall is right around the corner, and we have to be ready! Prepare now by keeping the following tips in mind.

Do you have a prayer team for your children's ministry? One of the most powerful tools believers have in ministry is prayer! Here are ten ways to build a prayer team for your children's ministry.

How to deal with behavior problems with kids in your ministry

Every kidmin faces discouragement, this article gives you ten ways to overcome it.

Make your staff/volunteer meetings more productive and focused.

Do you need an anxiety detox? Take 15 minutes and help yourself with these steps to decrease anxiety.

Many children’s ministry leaders do things that keep their ministry average at best. Here are a few of the ways I’ve seen that churches  maintain average instead of healthy and excellent.

Phrases that everyone should refrain from saying in front of any Children's Pastor.

Have you ever used "Extreme Language"? We all have. The trick is to become aware when we're doing it, and put an end to it. Otherwise, we might start to believe it. 

You don't have to be in a church to do ministry.

Two people are better than one. They get more done by working together. Ecclesiastes 4:9

In charge of ministry? You don't have to do it all!

How do you get more volunteers into your children's ministry?

What are the qualities that make a great leader?

Sandpaper can hurt. But it also smoothes out our rough edges. How will you use the sandpaper that God has put in your life?

The curriculum we use should not set the direction of our children's ministry. As a #kidmin leader, you should tell the curriculum the direction of your ministry.

What are the temptaions that new... and seasoned... leaders face? How can you overcome them?

How do you minister to the kids in your care? It shouldn't be just in the classroom. 

How do you work on improving yourself? Is it working?

Do you spend too much time in front of a screen? Find out how how you can stay engaged, even while staying plugged in.