Presenters

Karl Bastian is the founder of Kidology Inc. and the Children's Pastor at the Village Church of Barrington (Barrington, IL). As the "Kidologist", Karl brings the Gospel to children in a creative and energetic way. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Bible Theology from Moody Bible Institute and a Masters in Children's Ministry from the Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.

Kidology.org
VCBKids.org
ToyBoxTales.com

Bill Allison is the founder and executive director of Cadre International (Sycamore, IL), a ministry whose mission is to assist local churches in becoming the greatest volunteer training organizations in the world. You may say that Bill's mission in life is to have fun making those around him wildly successful! Bill and his wife Stacy have six children ages 3-14. (Some work in a children's ministry, others live in a children's ministry!)

CadreMinistries.com

Jim Austin is a Christian magician (Des Plaines, IL) who has been entertaining churches across the Midwest for over twenty-five years. Currently residing in the Chicago area with his wife, Kris, Jim provides a unique mix of educational entertainment to audiences of all ages. His background includes a BA in Speech Communications and Drama from North Park University.

JImages.com

Kimborah Bobb is the Children's Pastor at Grove City Church of the Nazarene (Grove City, OH). Her upbeat style and enthusiastic joy for the Lord allow her to minister to kids on a relational level. Kim's true passion is leading kids in worship. She leads the kids praise band, Straight & Narrow, each week in the 3rd through 5th grade kids' church service.

KidsMatterMinistries.com

Dick Crider has been a Christian Education Consultant for more than 20 years and has trained over 50,000 teachers. He has led workshops throughout the United States and Canada at national conferences and local churches. Dick has served as a Children's Pastor and Director of Christian Education in three churches. He is a recipient of the INCM "Excellence in Ministry to Children" award and says his passion is seeing teachers and leaders come alive when they gain an understanding of how God can use them in the lives of children. Dick is currently a Christian Education Consultant with Discipleland Curriculum.

Discipleland.com

Ron Fugle is a Children's Entertainer (Island Lake, IL) with a focus on juggling, balloon art, and magic. A member of the Fellowship of Christian Magicians as well as the International Jugglers Association, Ron's enthusiastic approach engages kids as he teaches. He has conducted workshops for AWANA, Kidology University, and other events showing how these talents can be combined with a strong Biblical message to keep kids on the edge of their seats.

MasterRon.com

Kal Gilchrist is the Children's Pastor at Living Hope Church (Elk Grove Village, IL). She brings innovation to children's ministry through her work with Slime Time, a program based on messy games, video clips, prizes, and other adventures. Kal's Kidz K.I.C.K. Church format also embraces a small group model, where she oversees groups of volunteers who teach, train, and help kids know Christ.

KidzKick.org

Mary Rice Hopkins and Darcie Maze have teamed together to combine music and puppetry in family ministry. Mary has served in family music ministry for 25 years, capturing the hearts of both children and adults. With over 20 albums, multiple videos, and curriculum to her name, Mary has recently focused on working with Christian educators regarding their important role in the lives of children. Darcie helps provide creative teaching-training seminars to those who work with children. She is best known for designing her own distinctive line of puppets that are found in over 150 countries.

MaryRiceHopkins.com
AmazingHealingWings.com

Mary Rice Hopkins is celebrating 30 years in family music ministry, capturing the hearts of children and grown-ups alike. Mary is also known for keynote speaking and leading worship at events such as MOPS, Moms In Touch Int'l, Women's Retreats, ACSI, CPC, and more.

MaryRiceHopkins.com

Darcie Maze has captivated the hearts of children and adults with her exceptional gift of puppetry for over 30 years. Her vision is to train teachers for children's ministry and supply resources that are easy to use. After studying Child Evangelism at Christ for Nations Institute in Dallas, Texas, and Life Bible College, she became an ordained minister.

AmazingHealingWings.com

Susana Orellana will be leading the first-ever Kidology University Spanish track of workshops. She resides in the Chicagoland area with her husband and has a background in children's ministry.

Henry Zonio is the Children's Pastor at Redwood Park Church (Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada). When he surrendered his dream of being a pediatrician to become a children's pastor, those who knew him best said, "Well, finally!" Henry has been in children's ministry for nearly half of his 29-year life, and has been a children's pastor for five years. Through his relational style of ministry leadership, Henry's passion is to encourage parents to lead their children in a growing relationship with Christ and to influence churches to expand their vision to involve kids in the entire Body of Christ.

RedwoodKids.org