Articles Zone

Karl Bastian, founder of Kidology.org, reflects on the passing of Apple founder and CEO, Steve Jobs, October 2011.

Have you every blown it? Here is some encouragement not to give up as you serve "On the Potter's Wheel"

Understanding ministry in progress.

Using People, not Programs

Learn a strategy that will give unique meaning and purpose to every event - rather than just planning events and tossing in some spiritual impact so it can be called ministry.

Learn how to naturally and safely invite kids to church.

Anything done in extremes isn't healthy, and parents should limit both the time and money invested in Pokémon, but like baseball cards, P.O.G.S, stickers, and anything else kids get into, it needs to be balanced, and they need to know what is real and what is make believe. God gave children incredible imaginations.... the creators of Pokémon have tapped into that in a way that baffles adults who aren't on the inside track.

If you want to be a more proactive leader – don't start your day by checking your e-mail, voice mail, or mail slot at the office. Here is what you do...

Kids and adults respond better to puppets than to almost any other creative teaching method.

Often the words Purpose, Mission and Vision are used interchangeably. What do they mean and what impact can they have on your children's ministry? A HUGE impact!

Pastor Karl addresses this critical issue that faces all of our ministries. Families visit our church, and don't return. Or, families that once were regular, fade away and we wonder what happened to them. How do we bring them back?

How can I lead relationally while maintaining respect for my position. 

I think New Year’s Resolutions are fantastic! Here's why!

A simple to plan event that both the kids and parents love.

Educators have long called it a Scope and Sequence. Every thoughtful Bible curriculum has one. If it doesn’t, you might want to re-evaluate the quality of the material or the intentionality of its creators. If there is no scope and sequence, then it is a haphazard approach to education, and that is dangerous.

Purpose, Mission and Vision are critical to a ministry's success, but without goals they are difficult to bring into reality. Evaluating your progress also becomes nearly impossible! Goals break down a grand vision into attainable action steps. Let us show you how to setup these goals.

You went into children's ministry because you wanted to be a shepherd of children – and all too soon you became more sheepherder than shepherd. What changed?

A Shepherd Guides, Provides, and Protects. We need to do the same for our children.

Encourage the kids in your ministry to repent from their sins.

Originally published in Groups CM Mag Professional Edition, Karl challenges your thinking about church communication from "How can I better get information out?" to "Why aren't they listening?"

So, did you watch the STATE of the UNION address by the President? Regardless of your political opinions, it is a good practice to stop once a year and consider the state of the union.

Helps the kids see the importance of how they represent the kingdom through a humorous object lesson.

Neat ideas on how to deal with stress.

The way we use our words can have a lasting impact on the people around us.

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.

Preschoolers are at a strategic age to learn so much about life. Creativity, compassion, patience, confidence, and cooperation are just a few of the many new qualities that begin to develop during these years.

It is much easier to teach a child to trust in a loving God when all is well. However, our children need to learn that God is present and loving even when things are difficult.

They aren’t kids, but they aren’t adults yet either. 

Grow a collection of object lessons and other resources that will help young minds better understand God and His Word!

Someone once said that the definition of grace is: God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. Because of what Jesus did for us by dying on the cross, we have all of God’s richest blessings – most importantly – we are saved by His grace from all of our sin. By His grace, God has called us...

Here is everything you need to hold a Teen Training Volunteer Session to inspire, instruct and instill confidence in your youth volunteers.

Karl says "Thanks" while giving a rare glimpse at the history of Kidology.org

Help kids understand the 'problem of evil'

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

The world of kids is constantly changing and so it takes constant effort to keep current. Learn how to minister from within the context of the culture... and see your results drastically improve!

Highly mediocre children's pastors... Do everything themselves. They would never think of delegating or multiplying themselves in others. Their self esteem relies on being a doer. They get insecure if others around them begin to demonstrate any leadership skills...

Learn how a Children's Pastor who calls himself "The Kidologist" came to Christ as a four year old, received his call to the ministry as an elementary age boy, and headed into children's ministry before founding Kidology.org.

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.

Whether or not you have ever mastered the Cube - this article will help you solve your Children's Ministry... and maybe the Cube too!

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

Devotional About the Power of Choices, both Large and Small

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

The Sunday after September 11, 2001 I arrived at church still not sure what exactly I was going to say to my children. I prayed for balance. When I arrived at church...

Learn the scoop on this toy from Lego and how to apply it to ministry!

10 Tips for leading effective games, plus a play-by-play example so you can become an expert at leading FUN games that teach a point!

Karl Bastian provides some practical tips on engaging and keeping the interest of middle schoolers when teaching. (Bonus: Comes with a sample middle school lesson.)

There are two battles raging today in children's ministry. The first battle is for the hearts and minds of our children. It is a battle that we are losing on many fronts. While in many places children’s ministry has "arrived" with its kid-friendly facilities and multi-media "edutainment" style of teaching, there is little evidence that all this "fun" and "excitement" is automatically translating into young, fully-devoted disciples of Jesus Christ. This is a battle that we are all aware of for the most part, and are trying our best to engage and win.

The WORDLESS BOOK is one of the most effective ways to present the Gospel to children! WORDLESS BOOKS can be purchased, but are very simple to make yourself.

Leadership is not about "getting somewhere" it's about getting to the desired destination and vision provides the needed roadmap. During times of change and uncertainty people are concerned about their future and desire some assurance about what is ahead. Vision provides hope and direction for those around you... PLUS lots of great quotes on Vision.