Kidologist's Zone

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 program 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 you look, you 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.

What an amazing honor to be chosen by God to be the earthly mother and father of the Son of God – in fact, of the Creator of the universe! It is important for kids to understand that Mary and Joseph were ordinary people. There was nothing extra special about them (other than being good people) until God chose them. They were simply the kind of people God can use, and one day He did! Kids can (and should) get excited about what God might do through their life if they too are available!

Zechariah was a godly man who served the Lord well, and yet, when his prayers were answered, he hardly believed it! But it was true; his wife was to have a son and he would grow up to be the promised messenger who would prepare the way and welcome the Savior of the world! Zechariah was made speechless for his lack of faith – even though he was chosen by God for this special job of raising John the Baptist. God chooses those who are available and waiting, and even when we fail, he will still use us to do his work on earth!

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.

The Kidology Report focuses on puppet ministry with a hands-on look at One Way Street's I-Fest conference and the future of puppetry.

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 focuses on preteen ministry with a hands-on look at the SuperStart! conference.

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

Explore hope by studying the life of Daniel, who continually put his hope in God no matter what trial faced him!

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!

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.

These lessons are part of a four week class that Pastor Karl does annually at his church. The lessons cover Salvation, Baptism, Communion and Discipleship.

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

Introduction and Chapter 1 of Order of the Ancient, a novel written by Karl Bastian, the Kidologist.

This is Chapter 11 (of 11) for a series on the Spiritual Disciplines. It features "Noduh, the Wise One" and and was written for the tenth God's Team unit in the Kid's Church Lessons Zone.

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

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

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

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

This is Chapter 10 (of 11) for a series on the Spiritual Disciplines. It features "Noduh, the Wise One" and was written for the tenth God's Team unit in the Kid's Church Lessons Zone.

This is Chapter 9 (of 11) for a series on the Spiritual Disciplines. It features "Noduh, the Wise One" and was written for the ninth God's Team unit in the Kid's Church Lessons Zone.

This is Chapter 8 (of 11) for a series on the Spiritual Disciplines. It features "Noduh, the Wise One" and was written for the eighth God's Team unit in the Kid's Church Lessons Zone.

This is Chapter 7 (of 11) for a series on the Spiritual Disciplines. It features "Noduh, the Wise One" and was written for the seventh God's Team unit in the Kid's Church Lessons Zone.

In the busyness of life and ministry, don't forget your Primary Objectives, because one thing is for sure: your Enemy won't.

This is Chapter 6 (of 11) for a series on the Spiritual Disciplines. It features "Noduh, the Wise One" and was written for the sixth God's Team unit in the Kid's Church Lessons Zone.

Spoof of the Fandango.com movie ticket commericals which use paper bag characters. "Dosango" is an invented word by the Kidologist short for "Do Say 'n' Go".

This is Chapter 5 (of 11) for a series on the Spiritual Disciplines. It features "Noduh, the Wise One" and was written for the fifth God's Team unit in the Kid's Church Lessons Zone.

This is just a funny LEGO video to the song Dragostea Din Tei by O-Zone.

This is Chapter 4 (of 11) for a series on the Spiritual Disciplines. It features "Noduh, the Wise One" and was written for the fourth God's Team unit in the Kid's Church Lessons Zone.

Spoof of the Fandango.com movie ticket commericals which use paper bag characters. "Dosango" is an invented word by the Kidologist short for "Do Say 'n' Go".