Kidologist's Zone

Newspaper games that help teach about sharing the Gospel.

Newspaper games that help teach about sharing the Gospel.

Let the kids choose the lesson order to learn about choices!

A popular game used to teach kids the Bible Books

A fun game show gone amuck helps teach kids the meaning of worship!

Using children's love of candy to demonstrate that worship is a show of worth!

Take off your top hat and let someone else tame your ministry’s time-sucking “lions” so you can shepherd children. But how can we keep the main thing — shepherding young hearts —the main thing?

Karl gives some insight on how he lobbied for administrative support from a senior pastor who was trying to be "fair" to all his staff.

This object lesson visually demonstrates the change that happens to a person when they become a Christian - they change from ordinary to something very special!

This is Karl Bastian and Michael Chanley's workshop at CPC 2011.

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

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.

Karl reviews the KidCheck Church Check-In System

Karl provides an overview of his VIP Ministry and exclusive resources related to Family Ministry and D6 Conference.

Jesus in My Neighborhood? - Part 3 of 3: This is a FREE lesson and video download (for All Access members) on JESUS IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD. The video features Jesus visiting a boy for his bedtime prayers and giving him a surprise answer to prayer!

Jesus in My Neighborhood? - Part 2 of 3: This is a FREE lesson and video download (for All Access members) on WHO IS MY NEIGHBOR. The video has puppets answering the question, "Who is Your Neighbor?"

A puppet show between a giant pen and a giant pair of sun glasses discussing the need to praise God during prayer.

Jesus in My Neighborhood? - Part 1 of 3: This is a FREE lesson and video download (for All Access Members) on WHO IS JESUS. The video has puppets answering the question, "Who is Jesus?"

An illustration that teaches total surrender. Originally written for a lesson on work/service.

This is a great ice-breaker game that also can be used as a lesson on self-control.

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...

We don't get our lives pure of sin by picking out sin in our life! We get our lives pure simply by pouring more of God into our lives, and GOD WILL PURIFY US.

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

Member Exclusive Sneak Peek at Object Talks from DiscipleTown Unit #3 Due out November 20th!

If we're really going to make a lasting impact on children, we need to do more than just create programs for them. We need to make a connection with them that transcends the things that we teach them.

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?

Are "FIC" (Family Integrated Churches) really better? Or are we merely trading one ineffective extreme for another?

Everywhere around us, we are hearing a growing call: The spiritual formation of children must be done by parents, not for parents. The church’s role is shifting from one of serving and supporting parents to one of empowering, equipping, and encouraging parents. How can children's ministry leaders respond to this call?

What do you bring to the table when it comes to partnering with parents? Maybe it's time to renegotiate your terms.

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

I have no doubt that children's ministry leaders and volunteers will keep "Christ in Christmas" during this season. I am more concerned about whether we will keep a relationship with Jesus at the center of our life and ministry. Christmas serves as a perfect object lesson on this topic because Christ slips away from our ministries the same way He slips out of Christmas.

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.

Commentary on how Christians should approach Philip Pullman's The Golden Compass.

Why do you need the Kidology Handbook? Maybe it will help you solve the Rubix Cube or Catch a Crocodile!

This is Karl's 'Super Hero' song that is referenced in several Kids Church lessons.

This fun rap/chant/song will be a powerful worship tool in your ministry  

The Kidology Report reviews Ivy Beckwith's book, Postmodern Children's Ministry, and provides practical ideas on how to reach this emerging generation.

Thoughts on Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, a film NOT recommended for use in children's ministry.

The Kidology Report reviews the book, Children's Ministry that Works!, which gives valuable insight on how to shape a complete ministry by some of the best-known minds in ministry: Jim Wideman, Christine Yount, Craig Jutila, Sue Miller and several others. In a way, this book is the mentor you never had!

The Kidology Report reviews George Barna's book, Transforming Children into Spiritual Champions, and emphasizes the importance of churches catching a vision for kids' ministry.

The Kidology Report interviews Andrew VanDerLinden, Children's Pastor at Aurora First Assembly of God (Aurora, CO)

The Kidology Report reviews Larry Fowler's book, Rock Solid Kids, and discusses the need for churches to give "Children's Ministry" back to parents.

The Kidology Report tackles the "Top 10 Trends in Children's Ministry" that will impact your ministry in the years ahead.

A four-lesson unit on the virtue of fairness

This object lesson was written for an Awana Grand Prix devotional to be used while the judges were determining the winner.

This trick will make it look like you can read kids' minds! However, you can then talk about how only God can really read our minds.

A spin-off of the paper bag commercials for Fandango.com this Dosango Unit is a fun unit that updates the WWJD concept with a fun beach theme!

A Kids Church unit with five lessons on determination using Paul, noah, Moses, Caleb and Joshua as examples of people who were determined to keep serving God despite many trials.

Camp experience, thanks to the Kidology Foundation

Relive the excitement and training experienced at Kidology University Chicago 2005!