I was just on the radio in the Capital of Canada this morning on CHRI Christian Radio in Ottawa. You can listen to the interview here: tinyurl.com/karlonCHRI
The occasion is that next week, I’ll be heading up there to the frozen lands of Canada to serve as the keynote speaker for the VAULT Children’s Ministry Conference.
I’m really looking forward to this conference! I’ll have an opportunity to speak at a breakfast for pastors with their children’s pastors on the secret to longevity in ministry, and I’ll be doing a Family Fun Night Magic with a Message show. At the conference I’ll be speaking on:
YOU, the Missing Piece in a Child’s Spiritual Puzzle
Making Your Discipline Problems Disappear
The Stories of Ministry
During the first session, I will reveal my “secret” relational ministry tricks for connecting with kids – those tips that draw kids in and then double the impact of my teaching.
The second session will introduce a completely different approach to discipline that at first surprises people. By the end they’re praying not for less discipline problems but for more (seriously!) so that they will have more kids they can truly impact. You’ve just gotta be there to experience it.
The final session is new, and I’m excited about it. Too often we talk about how to build and strengthen and lead ministries and programs, but we forget that Jesus didn’t send us into all the world to build programs but to make disciples. Programs don’t make disciples; other disciples make disciples. The best a program can do is connect disciples to each other. If we don’t have stories of young disciples, we aren’t truly ministering. This session will challenge the way we minister within our programs.
What happens when God brings two dreams together? A new amazing ministry forms that has the potential to impact hundreds of children’s leaders and volunteers and therefore thousands of children!
YES! THIS IS KIDOLOGY’S BIG ANNOUNCEMENT- I’m leaking it a day early on my blog to give you the “back story.” It will “officially” to announced tomorrow in a Kidology Newsletter and at the Children’s Ministry Expo in Lexington, Kentucky – an event I’d love to have been at, but I’m speaking at camp this week!
Pastor Marty Martin
Pastor Marty Martin is a good friend and fellow CP I’ve known for a number of years, in fact, I blogged about my visit to his church a few years ago and and how impressed I was with his ministry there. So when Marty called me recently and shared with me that he felt God calling him to take a break from active children’s ministry and asked me for some advice – I asked him what he wanted to do. He shared with me a “crazy” dream – to travel the country with his wife and five boys in an RV, and yet he still had a desire for some kind of equipping ministry. What
Marty and Karl
Marty didn’t know, was that I had already completely written up and laid before the Lord a dream of a ministry that would go out across our country and get into churches – to provide training and encouragement right where people are. I had even presented the vision to one ministry I thought might be able to take my idea and run with it, but it wasn’t what God was calling that ministry to do, and yet, it wasn’t something Kidology was able to do on its own, or that I was able to do in this time in my life. I was honestly baffled why God would give me a such a complete vision and business plan for a ministry I had no way of fulfilling. So I committed it to quiet prayer and said nothing to anyone. Months went by. And then one day, Marty calls me. His dream plus my vision for a mobile children’s ministry of equipping and encouraging – were a perfect fit! We were both in awe of God’s working in our lives!
Marty continued to pray about it – I took it to my board of directors, and we both got confirmation that God was calling us to partner – so the Martins and Kidology are joining together to bring Encouragment and Kidmin Training to churches across America and Canada. Marty and his family will be enjoying a unique family experience they’ve been dreaming about for years, and enjoying a ministry to churches at the same time! Kidology is delighted to play a role in helping make their dream come true.
And it’s gonna be fun! If you know me, you know I love technology! I’m equipping Marty with a Mac, an iPhone and even a Webcam so he can report live on his journey to those who want to follow via the KidologyToGo.org website, the @KidologyToGo Twitter account, and via Facebook.
Here is a SNEAK PEEK of what you might see via his Webcam when he begins his journey this fall:
For complete details, be sure to check out our brand new website KidologyToGo.org – which of course, just gives the basics right now, and will have more and more info as the details unfold in the weeks ahead! There are details there on how to HOST a Kidology to Go event, how to have information there on on your ministry if you are a Resource Provider, and how to contact Marty Martin if you have any questions.
I am more excited about this new ministry of Kidology than I have been about anything in a long time! While we have literally thousands of visitors to our website each and every day, Kidology to Go is going to enable us to fulfill our mission “on the ground” – in churches, face to face – right where people are. And I am planning on making some surprise guest appearances at some of the events, I can’t wait!
So the BIG NEWS is out! “Kidology to Go” is no longer just the name of our seminars when I travel to speak, or when we sent a Kidology representative – it is now the official name of a two and have year endeavor to send Marty Martin to every state in the Union, across Canada – even to Alaska and Hawaii. (still working on how we are going to get the RV to Hawaii!)
If you would be interested in helping to financially support the Martins monthly on this ministry venture with tax deductible support – we’ll be looking to build a support team, pray about whether God might lead you to play a small role in this way.
I’m looking forward to hearing your feedback in the comments here, on twitter and over on KidologyToGo.org
Kidology is ready “TO GO” where the “Rubber meets the Road!”
We spent a beautiful day in Toronto, Canada today with my brother and his wife and their new boy, Hayden. We went to Toronto Island Park and then Sara and I went to the rotating 360 Restaurant at the top of the CN Tower to celebrate our 17th anniversary – it was very cool! (Especially the glass floor!)
Here are some photo highlights from the day. If you see an emphasis on the Blue Jay’s Roger’s Centre, it is because my brother, Jordan Bastian, covers the team for MLB.com. (Tomorrow I’ll be going to a game with some Canadian friends!)
Reminder: Clicking on any image on my blog loads a larger view.
Luke arrives in Toronto!
Luke checking out the Canadian National Tower! (CN Tower)
Luke and Mommy on our walk to Toronto Island Park
Luke enjoys the Ferry Ride
Luke is quite used to putting up with all Daddy’s pictures!
But-cha gotta admit, this is one cute kid!
Contemplating the Vast Needs of the City
A Steeple Pointing Toward the Answers from Heaven?
Once on the island a Car Ride is discovered!
So is a high flying lift across the park!
But later Luke says his favorite ride was Uncle Jordan’s shoulders. Awwww.
Rainy weather sends us home, but soon clears up.
Soon Daddy and Mommy head out on a date!
The shadow of the Tower looms over the city!
As a Blue Jays game is played BELOW us!
They play into the evening as we eat and the restaurant rotates!
I decide on a possible side job!
The outside observatory is spectacular!
(and extremely windy!!)
Soon we are walking home. Babysitter said Luke will be put out in the hallway at midnight whether we are back or not! (Jordan!) Seriously, they were awesome, they took him to the park while we were at the top of the CN Tower. (First two pictures of this post were taken while we were up there!)
Looks like Luke had a great time with his Uncle Jordan!
And Aunt Kelly! Just for fun, here is this train yard from up above:
Yup, we were 1150 feet above them as they played below us!
And then there is one of my favorite pictures of the day. We were walking home from Toronto Island Park when I saw these giant orange letters and I said to the gang, “Hey, we have to go back! There is a giant “H” we have to pose Hayden peeking out from behind the giant “H!” We did get a good solo shot of him, but before first getting one of him with his favorite uncle:
I’m excited to be heading to Canada in May for the Kid Builders children’s ministry conference in Ontario. It is looking to be a wonderful gathering of practical trainers bringing a wide variety hands-on skills for leaders and volunteers who are in the trends of ministry to children. If you are one of the many who have e-mailed us asking when the next Kid U is, this will have the feel of a Kidology University in the quality of speakers and desire to provide real help to children’s workers. I’m honored to be a part of this event.
Friday Evening, May 7th – Family event, open to the public! Come experience the humor, comedy and story telling of Karl Bastian live! Lions and Bears and Fire, OH MY! (The Power of Story why TODAY is the Best Day of Your Life!)
Saturday Morning, May 8th, General Session – Kidology 101 – Shooting Straws and Other HIgh Tech Ministry Techniques!
Saturday Afternoon, General Session – YOU! The Missing Piece in a Children’s Spiritual Puzzle
Saturday Eventing (Leaders Only) – Putting the “Pastor” Back into your Job Description
Sunday Morning Worship Service, May 9th (open to the public) Shepherding the Hearts of God’s Children
I hope that you will be able to join me and the other wonderful speakers that will be gathering a Kid Builders in May – it is shaping up to be a fantastic conference! Don’t miss this first annual event! There is just something exciting about having been at the first one. Years from now, you can say, “I was at the first one!”
TONIGHT AT 7pm Eastern you can watch (Live via U-Stream) the LAST $1000 BEING RAISED FOR LEUKEMIA RESEARCH!
A Kid Making a Difference
Cam is the son of a woman I met at CPC last week:
Heather and Me @ CPC Nashville 2010
I first ‘met’ Heather when she e-mailed me via Kidology.org and told me about the amazing and moving testimony on YouTube by her pastor’s 19 year old son just ten days before he died of lymphoblastic leukemia last August. He died on Wednesday and her team needed to lead VBS in the midst of their grief knowing that Ben, who had once been a prominent leader at such events, was now with Jesus. His story is both sad and yet moving and wonderful at the same time. I was moved to tears hearing of how it has impacted their church and was delighted to meet Heather after one of my workshops.
I then got to hear about the “Ben Ripple” – how Ben’s life and testimony has been impacting the children since he died, including Heather’s son, who announced to her recently that he would be hosting a concert to help others survive what took Ben’s life.
Why did I title this post “The Last $1000 Needed for Leukemia Research” ? When Cam was at the Canadian Cancer Society setting up his event so they could accept donations, he said to them “Wouldn’t it be awesome if this were the last $1,000 that needed to be raised for leukemia research?” I love the faith of children! I think it would be AWESOME if it was the last $1000 needed!
Cam at the Keyboards Practising
I was so moved by this boys desire to make a difference and I was disappointed I couldn’t be there for the concert, so I gently pushed Heather to live web-stream the event and guess what, she is doing it!
So let me encourage you to DONATE, even a little. Here’s the scoop:
If Cam raises $1500, his dad has to shave his head! I don’t think his dad was counting on a guy with a highly read blog helping his son, so let’s make sure his dad goes bald folks!
And, if you want to bless them a little more, drop in for the concert, as you’ll be able to chat during the concert too. I’ll be there, so let’s encourage this young boy.
I’ve always said, kids don’t yet believe they can’t make a difference – so we need to encourage them!
UPDATE: The event is over, here is a video hightlight, enjoy, it only 50 seconds:
While I’ve been to fourteen different countries, and included Canada in that list, I had only been to Niagra Falls, and I’m not sure if that really counted. (Probably not) So I was excited to be invited to Sarnia, Ontario this past weekend for several days of ministry. My first surprise was that after flying to Flint, Michigan we drove straight East, rather than North, as I expected, as Canada juts down into the US quite a bit between Detroit, MI and Buffalo, NY.
(Click any images for larger view in new window)
Getting across the border proved a little challenging, “And why are you coming?” But most of the delay was us waiting in the wrong line. (oops) But once I dropped my brother name, we threw through like a Blue Jay. (Not sure that had anything to do with getting through, but hey, it was worth a try! “My brother covers the Blue Jays for MLB.com! You have to let me across!)It was a full but fulfilling weekend! I did a family program on Friday evening, a Kidology To Go on Saturday, and spoke on Sunday as well before heaing back to the good ‘ol US of A. And fortunately, the US immigration let me back!While it was fun to learn some Canadian lingo, eh, and that one dollar coins are called Looneys and two dollars coins are Tooneys, there really wasn’t much different. (Granted, this was a “border city.”) But one of the cool things unique to Sarnia are Fry Trucks along the shore:
There is me and Steve Bourque before ordering some very unhealthy but delicious fries to enjoy on a windy but clear day in Canada.Steve has only been a full time children’s pastor for a year, but at the church for four years, with his hours gradually increasing to full time. (My first ministry went 12, to 20 to 30 to full time – notice they just call it “full time” when in reality the number goes higher than 40!)He’s already got a great foundation laid and is building a solid ministry. The name of the ministry is LEDGE, based loosely on Rick Warren’s Purpose Driven PrinciplesL: Love God (worship)E: Encourage Others (fellowship)D: Devote to Jesus (grow)G: Give (service)E: Express Jesus Love (missions)(Steve, let me know if I got these wrong, I didn’t write them down, and I will edit this post!)Of course, I was very pleased to see that they use Awesome Adventure to disciple their kids:
The logo for the children’s ministry is pretty cool, here is a close up:
And the theme is followed through on the names of each class room:
Nursery is “Base Camp” and then once they can walk up to two years old is “Explorers.”(How perfect!)
Then its up to the “Scrambers” for 3 and 4′s, followed by:
“Back Packers” for Kindergarten and Grade 1, and finally…
“Cliff Hangers” for the oldest kids. Notice the simple but effective decoration too.
Their Sunday format is two identical service, so they start with some free time where kids can play and set out a bunch of fun stuff to encourage early and on-time attendance, and then they open in worship, followed by a lesson and small groups.They are currently using G-Force from LifeWay and are trying a cool experiment. (Not sure if this is recommended in the curriculum or not), but they are inviting parents to come for the last ten minutes of the children’s service to experience the conclusion with their kids.
I’m curious how that goes, I think it is a fantastic idea.Of course, all the ministry stuff aside, the highlight for me is always the children – I am still a children’s pastor at heart after all!
Our hosts daughter took to me (and my props) right away.
Being just under Luke’s age, she was much needed medicine for this home-sick dad! She even learned my name by the end of the three days and just before leaving for the airport fell asleep in my arms. (You can say it, “awwwwwww”)
She took to Gus too! She was such a sweet and pleasant girl, but then, of course, her name means “a pleasant sound.” (Can you guess her name?)
I tried to wrap this sweet girl up (and her doll) to take home as a souenir from Canada.
I thought of just adopting this whole family – each of them gave me the sweetest good-bye cards with their pictures… it’s amazing how you can connect with children in such a short time if you take the time to let them in. Duncan, their oldest was an assistant during my magic show and even came to part of the Saturday seminar, and I see a lot of myself as a boy in him, crazy creative energy and an eagerness to serve the Lord. The makings of a future children’ s pastor no doubt! (Seems creativity runs in the family, their dad is a published improv comic, link coming when I get it!)
The only rough part of the weekend came when after telling a story about a sword in my message, a member of the church brought in her fencing gear! (Yes, a girl!)
Suddenly Steve, thinking his kids were in danger, attacked the stranger, apparently not realizing it was ME!
Using my vast Jedi fighting skills I was able to subdue him and pin him to the ground in self defense…
but not before he lunged his sword into me and ran away! No worries, I am healing up fine. What a fantastic weekend! Eh?
I am personally convinced that one person can be a change catalyst, a “transformer” in any situation, any organization. Such an individual is yeast that can leaven an entire loaf. It requires vision, initiative, patience, respect, persistence, courage, and faith to be a transforming leader.
~ Stephen R. Covey
