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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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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Why Yosemite Summit?
Why did Pastor Karl start his UN-Conference called Yosemite Summit for men in children's ministry? |
Yosemite Summit |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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Take your kids to Narnia and back!
Take your kids to Narnia and back! |
Faith Adventure |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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You Are Going to CRUSH Your Next BIG Event!
Explore the critical "Why, What, When, Where, Who, and How" of event planning. |
Events |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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Foot Washing Activity
This is a fun activity for little learners to practice washing feet. |
Serving Others |
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So Much To Do!
There's a way to get MORE done in LESS time! |
Task Management |
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Keep Parents in the Loop!
Learn helpful tips to better communicate with parents in your ministry! |
Communication |
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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 |
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I asked AI to Wish Me a Happy Birthday!
"Happy Birthday, Pastor Karl, from your AI Friend!" |
Life Lessons |
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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 |
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Meet Noduh the Wise One!
Have you ever wished Yoda could lead your lessons? We have good news for you! |
Biblical Wisdom |
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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 |
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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. |
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Shape Your Kids' Spiritual Lives!
Object Lessons are one of THE most effective ways to teach kids. |
Bible Basics |
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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 |
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Oh, You Sexy Document!
Object Lessons are one of THE most effective ways to teach kids. |
Document Management |
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BLOW UP Your Object Lessons!
Object Lessons are one of THE most effective ways to teach kids. |
Impactful Object Lessons |
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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 |
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Tips and Tricks for Visitor Follow-Up
A Complete Strategy for Guest Family Follow-Up |
Family Follow-Up |
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Empower Your Ministry with Next Steps for Kids (and Students)!
This discipleship tool will prepare kids for their spiritual journey. |
Discipleship |
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Spurgeon Started It!
A Tiny Booklet with a BIG Message |
Sharing the Gospel |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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Get Kids Talking by Asking Questions!
Kid Conversation Cards get kids talking! |
Conversation, Relationships, Discipleship |
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Train Your Kids to Become Bible Ninja Warriors
It ought to be a sin to bore a kid with the Bible! |
Bible Skills |
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Oh, No! Not Another Meeting!
What is your gut response when you hear the word ‘Meeting’? Is it excitement or dread? |
Ministry Management |
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Romans Road Gospel Tool!
An updated Romans Road Gospel Tool for Kids! |
Salvation |