Kidologist's Zone

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!

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!

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

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 just a funny LEGO video to the song Dragostea Din Tei by O-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".

A video I made on vacation after a morning devotional walk, so those too wimpy to join me for morning walks could experience it....

This AWESOME video of the names of Jesus travels through space. You MUST see this!

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 video is from a Kids Church workshop - it shows the 'behind the scenes' at the Kidologist's Kids Town set.

This PowerPoint introduces the discipline of thanksgiving to children. We live in a greedy world – kids will be challenged to develop an attitude of gratitude.

This PowerPoint introduces the discipline of solitude to children. We live in a busy world – kids will be challenged to ‘turn off the busyness’ and seek God.

This lesson introduces the discipline of thanksgiving to children. We live in a greedy world – kids will be challenged to develop an attitude of gratitude.

This lesson introduces the disciplines of fasting and simplicity to children. We live in a prosperous country – even our poorest are rich by the worlds standards. Kids will be challenged to think about how they can simplify their lives and focus better on God.

This lesson introduces the discipline of solitude to children. We live in a busy world – kids will be challenged to ‘turn off the busyness’ and seek God.

This lesson introduces the discipline of worship to children. Worship is more than singing and praying, it is anything we do to show God His worth to us. It is a Show of Worth.

This lesson introduces the discipline of worship to children. Worship is more than singing and praying, it is anything we do to show God His worth to us. It is a Show of Worth.

This PowerPoint introduces the concept of service as a spiritual discipline.

This lesson introduces the concept of service as a spiritual discipline.

This PowerPoint introduces the concept of giving as a spiritual discipline.

This PowerPoint introduces the discipline of prayer to children. While we often talk about HOW to pray with children (I hope), this lesson focuses on how to develop the discipline of prayer.