Healthy Ministry Zone

The greatest threat to a kidmin leader's spiritual health can be ministry itself.

We go into children's ministry because of a Calling to reach and teach kids for Jesus. But soon we can find ourselves buried in administration, recruiting, policy-writing, event planning, budget management, program running, and so much more. Our walk with God and the health of our family and other key relationships can suffer.

This Zone is dedicated to resources to help you keep healthy spiritually as you serve the Lord!

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Level Title Topic
Plus Three Questions for a Healthier Children's Ministry

Here's a few questions to help you gauge the health of your Children's Ministry.

leadership
Plus Through the Eyes of a Child

12 short but meaningful tips on how to be a thoughtful teacher of children.

Relating to Children
Plus Toxic Church? Take These Steps!

If you're in a toxic church environment, here are some steps you can take to improve or remove yourself from it. 

Toxicity in a Church
Plus Training Kids to be Truthful and Kind

Are your kids meat-eaters and bone-spitters? We need to train them in clarity and charity. 

Truth and Kindness
Starter Training Session: Cultivating a Teachable Spirit in Ourselves and the Children We Lead

A teachable spirit is essential in children’s ministry—not just for the kids, but for us as leaders. 

Teachable Spirits in Leaders and Children
Free Training Volunteers in the 21st Century

Don't have time for volunteer training? Think again. Use these tips to fit it into any schedule...and get a great turn out too!

Volunteer Training
Plus What a Difference a Smile Makes!

Do you smile enough? Do you smile at the kids in your ministry enough? Read here about the benefits of smiling...for you and those around you.

Smiling, Divorce
Starter What Children's Ministry Will Look Like in 10 Years

With the growing use of technology, how could children's ministry look 10 years from now? 

Technology and Kidmin
Plus What do you think of when you think about God?

How do we disciple kids in such a way that they love Jesus more as a result?

Gospel, Gratitude
Plus What Makes You Cry?

Do you cry? You should. Read why.

Crying Righteous Tears
Plus What Type of Kids' Pastor Are You?

Kids Pastoring
Plus When Should the Significant Other Start Disciplining the Kids?

Many children's pastors and children's ministry volunteers want to help single parents and families. Here's helpful advice on who should discipline and how.

Divorce, Single Parenting, Discipline
Plus When You Say 'Easy', They Hear 'Unimportant'

Are you making it too 'easy' for volunteers? Maybe it's time to challenge them. 

Recruiting, Training Volunteers
Plus When You Wake Up On the Wrong Side of the Bed

Did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed this morning?

Divorce Ministry
Starter Who Are These Kids?

Do you know how to connect to today's device- and media-saturated kids?

Connecting with Today's Kids
Plus Why I Never Liked January

Since when are goals only for January? You can set goals any time of year... like now!

Goal Setting, Leadership
Plus Why Isn't It Working?

Despite all our best efforts, the kids in your ministry sometimes still stray from the faith. How can we as leaders help keep kids on the right path?

Salvation, Evangelism
Free Why Online Church is Not Church

Is church still church if it's online?

What is the Church?
Plus Your Worst Teacher is Better than the Best Video

Videos are fun, but live teachers are better... even the bad ones!

Teaching
Starter Supporting Kids with Special Needs in Your Children's Ministry

We are entrusted with the incredible privilege of loving and leading God’s precious children. Some may need a little extra care and support due to special needs or behavior challenges.

Special Needs
Starter The Scriptural Mandate for Children's Ministry

Children are not merely the future of the church; they are a vital part of it now.

Investing in Children
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
Starter Shape Your Kids' Spiritual Lives!

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

Bible Basics
Starter Oh, You Sexy Document!

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

Document Management
The Kidmin Covenant Recruiting Tools - Fishing KidCheck YouthCheck Guitar 2025 FUNtastic Bible Activity Book PastorKarl.com Andy and the Ants My Awesome Adventure Prince Caspian The Great Adventure Cards Kidology Online Training
Kidology Curriculum

Kids Church Lessons
written by the Kidologist!

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