Welcome to Karl Bastian's Blog

The Gospel is #1. Tell it often. Tell it well.

The Gospel is #1. Tell it often. Tell it well.
Nothing is more important than sharing the Gospel. Nothing. I remember like it was yesterday. I was in seminary (not ‘cemetery,’ as kids often call it) with a room full of potential pastors. I was the only kids pastor. The rest were in training for much “higher office,” aka Lead Pastors. The professor in the front of the room described a horrible situation in graphic detail that I’ll spare you. In short, a man had been in a terrible car accident and was dying on the side of the road. In this hypothetical situation, he said that we happened along...

Feedback is Your Friend

Feedback is Your Friend
In any professional setting, even ministry, maintaining open communication with your boss is not just a good practice; it’s essential for personal growth, team success, and organizational effectiveness. Working in a church is no different. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your ministry career, understanding the importance of transparent dialogue with your lead pastor can significantly impact your career trajectory and overall job satisfaction. Few things can sap your joy more than not getting along with “the boss.” So let me suggest some ideas for working on that relationship. Importance of Open Communication: Clarity and Alignment: Open communication...

Fostering Camaraderie: Building Friendships in Church Volunteer Teams

Fostering Camaraderie: Building Friendships in Church Volunteer Teams
In any community endeavor, the strength of the team often determines its success. This rings particularly true in the context of church volunteer settings, where individuals come together driven by a shared purpose. However, beyond mere cooperation, cultivating camaraderie among team members is crucial. Camaraderie not only enhances productivity and efficiency but also fosters a sense of belonging and support, ultimately enriching the volunteering experience. Let’s delve into the significance of building camaraderie within church volunteer teams and explore practical strategies to transform teammates into genuine friendships. What is Camaraderie? Camaraderie is the intangible bond that forms among individuals bound...

New from KidCheck… Introducing YouthCheck!

New from KidCheck… Introducing YouthCheck!
The Only Check-In System Designed for Youth! Kids in your organization grow up fast, and as they mature, they have different needs and requirements when participating. Teens and young adults want independence, desire autonomy, and are fluent in using technology. They attend independently or are dropped off and usually check themselves in on their own. YouthCheck meets these changing needs. YouthCheck is a full-featured check-in system with a youth-driven design that offers the same ease of use and extensive security features as KidCheck’s children’s check-in. It’s engaging and age-appropriate while encouraging accountability and connection. As a leader, you’ll love it...

Making the Complex Simple and FUN!

Making the Complex Simple and FUN!
For as long as I can remember, one of my favorite jokes has been, “I’m not a prophet. Nor am I the son of a prophet. In fact, I work for a non-profit organization!” Obviously, it works better verbally than in print. As we head into Christmas, one of the greatest evidences for Christianity is the number of prophesies that Jesus fulfilled when He came as a child and the many more He fulfilled throughout His life and ministry and, of course, in His death and resurrection. Over the years, I heard countless times, “Jesus fulfilled over 200 prophesies!” But...

A Lesson without a Story is an Incomplete Lesson.

A Lesson without a Story is an Incomplete Lesson.
In Bible College I learned that the theological definition of faith is ‘active belief’. This means that to believe something is not enough; you must act on that belief in order for that belief to be transformed into faith. Therefore, if you want to put your faith in Jesus, you can’t just believe in Jesus, you need to act on that belief by putting your faith in Him. That active belief becomes faith. I could now go on with various biblical references to unpack this concept from James, John, and the Apostle Paul, but instead – let me shift to...