Kidologist's Zone

This is the place to find things written or submitted by the creator of Kidology.org, Karl Bastian.

Use Karl's creativity to your advantage! Browse his ideas, plans, games, and more. Use them as is or adapt them for your ministry!

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Membership Levels:
Guest Starter Members
Level Title Topic
Starter The IF ONLY's of Kids Ministry

Let’s be honest. Kids Ministry is TOUGH. Yes, it is full of joy, but it seems equally loaded with challenges.

Equipped for Ministry
Plus Interview Questions for a Children's Pastor

Here’s a basic list of Questions for a Children’s Pastor, designed to assess their theological understanding, pastoral calling, ministry philosophy, and practical approach to children’s ministry. These questions ensure that the candidate is spiritually prepared and doctrinally sound for the role. Adapt, add or edit according to the needs of your unique ministry. Can also be used for Ordination.

Children's Pastor Interview Questions
Starter Thriving in Ministry: Lessons Learned from Decades in Ministry

7 lessons Karl has learned that can help you sustain your ministry without losing your soul, your family, or your joy.

Ministry that Endures
Plus The Abyss Rescue Relay: A Gospel Game

A fun interactive team game that illustrates reaching others to rescue them by sharing the Good News of Jesus!

A Gospel Game
Starter Kidology Lab Notes: Abraham Lincoln - An Example for Today's Children's Ministry Leaders

5 practical applications that can inspire us to be “Honest Abe’s” for the children of this generation.

Kidology Lab Notes - Abraham Lincoln
Starter Kidology Lab Notes: A Rational Faith - What I Learned from Josh McDowell

Josh McDowell’s story is compelling. A former atheist, he set out to disprove Christianity.

Kidology Lab Notes - Josh McDowell
Free Karl Honored in Moody Alumni Magazine

Pastor Karl Bastian, children's pastor and founder of Kidology.org - and graduate of Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, Illinois, was honored in the Moody Alumni Magazine in the Winter 2025 edition.

Moody Alumni Magazine - Winter 2025
Free Why Yosemite Summit?

Why did Pastor Karl start his UN-Conference called Yosemite Summit for men in children's ministry?

Yosemite Summit
Starter Kidology Lab Notes: D.L. Moody - A Life Devoted to Reaching the Lost, Starting with Children

Dwight L. Moody is a name that stands tall in the history of evangelism.

Kidology Lab Notes - D. L. Moody
Plus Armor of God Activity Sheet + Mini Lesson

A Mini Lesson on the Armor of God featuring an Activity Sheet with BOTH a male and female soldier in the Armor of God and the armor listed (out of order) so the kids have to draw a line to match the armor name with the correct armor on the Soldier of God.

Armor of God
Starter Kidology Lab Notes: Corrie ten Boom - Lessons in Ministry Courage

Corrie ten Boom's story is a powerful reminder of what it means to live a life of faith, courage, and conviction.

Kidology Lab Notes - Corrie ten Boom
Starter Kidology Lab Notes: Tina Houser - A Creative Champion for Children's Ministry

Tina Houser was one of the most creative and prolific content creators I have ever known.

Kidology Lab Notes - Houser
Starter Kidology Lab Notes: Henrietta Mears - Pioneer of Modern Sunday School and Children's Ministry

Henrietta Cornelia Mears was one of the most influential Christian educators of the 20th century, shaping the future of Sunday School and profoundly impacting children’s ministry.

Kidology Lab Notes - Mears
Starter Kidology Lab Notes: Albert Einstein - From Curious Child to World-Changing Physicist

Albert Einstein is widely regarded as one of the greatest scientific minds in history. Could you be nurturing the next great mind?

Kidology Lab Notes - Einstein
Starter The Story of Kidology Continues in 2025!

Kidology started in 1994 while the Internet was still a mystery to most people. There was no eBay, PayPal, YouTube, or Google, and Amazon had just barely launched.

Kidology Origins
Starter The Wise Men Gave with the Future in Mind

As you think about your gifts this season, I encourage you to prayerfully consider the ministries that are making a difference for Jesus.

Giving
Starter Make Table Talkers a Part of Your 2025 Family Ministry Strategy!

Table Talkers are the perfect solution to kickstart family conversations and incorporate spiritual growth into everyday life.

Connect Families
Starter The Story of Three Trees (God's Trees)

This is Karl's version of the beautiful fable of The Three Trees. Ideal for Christmas or Easter.

Faith Adventure
Starter Take your kids to Narnia and back!

Take your kids to Narnia and back!

Faith Adventure
Plus Hate to Wait Activity + Mini Lesson

A fun, interactive activity where kids physically vote on how hard it is to wait on different things they have to be patient for.

Patience
Starter This Isn't Just a Great Tool... It's the Whole Toolbox!

The Ultimate Toolbox for Children’s Ministry is packed with practical, organized, and ready-to-use tools. It is NOT just another book — it’s a lifesaver.

Ministry Building
Starter Start a New Tradition with a Christmas Countdown Chain!

Try this simple, interactive, and educational way to help kids stay focused on the Reason for the Season!

Christmas
Starter You Are Going to CRUSH Your Next BIG Event!

Explore the critical "Why, What, When, Where, Who, and How" of event planning.  

Events
Starter Jesus Was a Zombie!

How can we encourage our kids to ask questions and truly grasp what they’re reading in the Bible?

Understanding the Bible
Starter Got Training? How to Recruit and KEEP Volunteers!

Did you know that on-going training not only helps retain volunteers but also empowers them to serve more effectively?

Recruiting
Starter A Church on the Corner is NOT Enough!

We must get outside the walls of our church to reach those who won't enter the walls of our church!

Evangelism
Starter Foot Washing Activity

This is a fun activity for little learners to practice washing feet. 

Serving Others
Starter So Much To Do!

There's a way to get MORE done in LESS time!

Task Management
Starter Keep Parents in the Loop!

Learn helpful tips to better communicate with parents in your ministry!

Communication
Starter Tips for Working with Kids with Special Needs

How do we reach out to children with special needs and behavioral challenges in our ministry?

Special Needs Ministry
Starter I asked AI to Wish Me a Happy Birthday!

"Happy Birthday, Pastor Karl, from your AI Friend!"

Life Lessons
Starter Are You Ready for the Next Crisis in Your Ministry?

In children’s ministry, crises are a guarantee. It's not if, but when.

Crisis Management
Starter Meet Noduh the Wise One!

Have you ever wished Yoda could lead your lessons? We have good news for you!

Biblical Wisdom
Starter Boost Your Volunteer Recruitment with the Back to School Checklist

The Back to School Checklist is a powerful recruiting tool for your ministry. 

Spiritual Growth
Plus T.A.L.K. Talk - The Power of Words

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

Think Before You T.A.L.K.
Starter Shape Your Kids' Spiritual Lives!

Object Lessons are one of THE most effective ways to teach kids.

Bible Basics
Plus Noduh the Wise One on the Spiritual Disciplines

Enjoy Pastor Karl's classic video series on Spiritual Disciplines starring Noduh the Wise One - not to be confused with his cousin Yoda of Star Wars fame. This 10-part series includes an introduction video.

Spiritual Disciplines
Starter Oh, You Sexy Document!

Object Lessons are one of THE most effective ways to teach kids.

Document Management
Starter BLOW UP Your Object Lessons!

Object Lessons are one of THE most effective ways to teach kids.

Impactful Object Lessons
Plus Karl's Giant Square to Circle Object Lesson

A giant object lesson illustrating how God can do the impossible - as a teacher transforms a GIANT square made of metal brackets instantly into in a giant CIRCLE!

God Can Do the Impossible
Starter Tips and Tricks for Visitor Follow-Up

A Complete Strategy for Guest Family Follow-Up

Family Follow-Up
Starter Empower Your Ministry with Next Steps for Kids (and Students)!

This discipleship tool will prepare kids for their spiritual journey.

Discipleship
Starter Spurgeon Started It!

A Tiny Booklet with a BIG Message

Sharing the Gospel
Starter You Might Not Know It Yet, But You Need IT!

Kids Need it. God’s Word has it. Now You Can Teach it!

it Bible Curriculum
Starter Can You Hear Me Now?

This video will equip you with essential tools and strategies to ensure your messages are heard by everyone involved in your ministry. 

Communication
Starter Be One of the First to Get My New Book!

Apply these theorems to your kids ministry, experiment with them, tweak them in your own laboratory, and watch as success bubbles up like you’ve never seen before.

Theorems, Ministry Tips and Techniques
Starter Get Kids Talking by Asking Questions!

Kid Conversation Cards get kids talking!

Conversation, Relationships, Discipleship
Starter Train Your Kids to Become Bible Ninja Warriors

It ought to be a sin to bore a kid with the Bible!

Bible Skills
Starter Oh, No! Not Another Meeting!

What is your gut response when you hear the word ‘Meeting’? Is it excitement or dread?

Ministry Management
Starter Romans Road Gospel Tool!

An updated Romans Road Gospel Tool for Kids!  

Salvation
PLUS Membership 2025 Kidology Theorem Book - Right KidCheck Stars 2025 FUNtastic Bible Activity Book 88 Games with 8 Objects Book Andy and the Ants My Awesome Adventure DiscipleTown Unit 10 - How to Explain My Faith ToyBox Tales Kidmin Talk Podcast
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