Kidologist.com: Karl Bastian’s Personal Site and Blog
Archive for Conferences
June 16, 2009 at 1:57 pm · Filed under Children's Ministry, Conferences, Kidology, Leadership, Spiritual Growth, Yosemite
Don’t miss the video at the end of this post!
I’m still feeling the effects of Yosemite Summit 2009. It is difficult to describe this event to someone who has not gone; it is truly a wonderful trip on so many fronts. But it is my prayer that some descriptions, some pictures, quotes from the guys and a video might help you get a glimpse of the unique experience Yosemite Summit is for the guys who take the time away from ministry to invest in their walk with God and a few other good men who share their passion for children’s ministry.
After the neat group of guys God brought together for the first Summit, I honestly was a little worried that the second year might feel different, but again God brought together a group of men who all got along great and seemingly instantly we were like old friends. I now get to pray the same for 2010!
There is simply no way to describe the grandeur of the vistas at Yosemite National Park. Pictures can’t even come close to capturing the awe of looking out from one vista to another across the sprawling valley below. It is like you can reach out and touch the presence of God.
One of the highlights of Yosemite Summit is getting some time alone in magnificent places to think, pray and journal your thoughts. All the usual distractions of life are hundreds of miles away… and somehow God’s voice is just so much clearer, if not louder.
Thanks so much for an awesome week! It was a real joy to hike with fellow CPs. I was blessed by each guy sharing each night and energized by the encouragement and new ideas shared. The spiritual challenges from Karl, were spot on and a great tool for God to work in my life. I look forward to continuing our new friendships. God Bless each one of you and may your lives and families and ministries never be the same!
We often were together as we hiked, but then had times to split up for some solo time as well. The balance between fellowship and solitude is not managed strictly, but seems to just naturally unfold as we hike at different paces, regroup at the most spectacular sites, and gather for meals along the trails.
How do you describe the feeling of standing at the top of a mountain? While we always stayed a safe distance from truly deadly or dangerous drop offs, you are often near places where the ground soon gives way to sky where hawks and eagles drift by. To be looking straight across at a water fall that is pouring hundreds of feet to a valley below you is awe-inspiring. While the falls seem distant, often you can still hear their roar as they crash into rocks thousands of feet away below and across the valley.
While much of what is experienced in Yosemite remains here or in our memories, the time invested in journaling helps take much of what God stirs within us back home. I love rereading from my Yosemite journal and then closing my eyes and remembering the place where I wrote those words.
Yosemite Summit met all my expectations and I came away feeling like it was one of the best things I could have done for my relationship with the Lord and my ministry. I love the idea of allowing retreat, re-create times to rekindle my love for God, my family and my ministry.
Because of today’s technology, it is wonderful to be able to have worship music playing in head phones as we hiked, journals, or just relaxed. At other times, walking in silence and allowing God’s creation to be the sound track was equally beautiful. With the distant roar of countless water falls, the chirping of birds, rustling of leaves and the occasional scurry of an animal broken only by the steady plodding of our footsteps, Creation offered us the most fitting background music.
I never in all my 20+ years of ministry had taken a “real” break away where I could focus on my relationship with Christ. Because of my time at Yosemite, I have committed that I would take a break regularly because of the impact this has had on my ministry, family and my relationship with Jesus. Yosemite Summit gave me the opportunity to refresh my soul, to renew my spirit and to come back home with a new resolve to fall in love with Jesus more, to serve him with a wiser focus and to honor him with the way I lead my family and my ministry. - Tom
I loved seeing the guys relaxing and can’t help wondering, how often do they truly get to relax back home - where they totally and completely let go of everything and just enjoy the presence of God?
There is nothing like the opportunity to get away, on your own, with no distractions while you listen to God’s voice. The memory will not quickly fade. Jesus made many different times to get away. He even took 40 days before beginning his ministry. How much more do we need to get away and just be with God? Yosemite Summit is this strategic opportunity. - Steve
One of the ways I worship is through the lens of my camera. While no film can capture the majesty of this place, it sure is fun trying. At least you get to take glimpses of it home to enjoy over and over again. Around every turn is yet another “perfect shot” that for some segments of the trip, I had to simply put my camera away and soak it in knowing that being there is better than any picture from there.
While we don’t do any ‘real’ climbing with ropes and gear, there are plenty of rocks that whisper, “Climb me!” And once ascended offer either a better view, or simply a satisfying feeling of having accomplished something worth relaxing and soaking in.
Nothing makes the heart pound like being near the edge of a cliff. And while our wives may fear our curiosity, we were always safe and looked out for each other. But nevertheless, sitting near an edge is a profound way to realize one’s humanity and to appreciate every day God grants us to worship and serve Him!
One of the highlights of Yosemite Summit is a hike that will most likely be included every year, the Mist Trail. There is a stretch where you’d get drenched to the bone if you didn’t wear a poncho! The mist from the thundering waterfall becomes so thick it is almost blinding and the sound of the water fall thrilling. Plus, realizing you will soon be standing at the top at the very edge (behind a railing!) makes the countless stone stairs worth every step.
This is Taft Point, one of the highest vista look out points in Yosemite (and one of the few with a railing) where you can peer straight down over 3500 feet! It was while hiking back from here that I was nearly stuck by lightening in a hail storm that rushed in on us!
The time away at the Yosemite Summit gave me the encouragement I needed, the time I needed to confront the hard issues I had been pushing back, and the conviction to embrace who I truly am in God’s eyes.
Yosemite Summit is an event that will recharge you as a child of God, a husband of your wife and a father of your children. The investment is worth it because the event will impact your walk with God and your relationship with your wife and kids. I can tell you that this single week will have an impact on the rest of my life.
Yosemite Summit 2009 may be over, but it’s impact will last a life time. It is now time to start praying about whether God would have you join us for Yosemite Summit 2010!
Yosemite Summit was a huge blessing and a very worthwhile investment in helping me be refreshed in my relationship with God and helping to keep me centered in my relationships with my wife, kids and my church. Walking by yourself part of a day through towering Sequoia trees praying to God and enjoying his handiwork after having spent time being encourage by and with 8 Christian guys is priceless! - Scotty H.
2009 Highlight Video:
The song in the video is Stop the World, by Matthew West, on the CD Something To Say
May 22, 2009 at 9:50 pm · Filed under Conferences, Kidology, Yosemite
Well, I’m back from Yosemite Summit 2009. It was an incredible week! I’m slowly beginning the process of returning to civilization and responsibility. I have 4,517 photos from all nine guys to edit, sort and highlight, so there will be more to tell in the weeks ahead, and of course, a highlight video. But for now I can say that GOD SHOWED UP and each of us had an incredible time connecting with God through his amazing creation and through the fellowship of a band of brothers who are now lifetime friends.
Brent, Scott, Matt, Pat, Karl, Steve, Tom, Scott and Marc.
We journeyed through a process each day reflecting on some key questions for thought and prayer but also simply being open to what God wanted to communicate to us when we were listening to a degree not often possible in “real life.”
Here was our mission statement for the week: (this was a bookmark I provided)
Each day we had a KEY WORD for reflection:
- REMEMBERING what we had forgotten
- Identifying how God is REFINING us
- Seeking to REFOCUS on what matters most
- Determining a RESOLVE to take home with us.
We also look at four primary callings we have:
- To walk with God
- To love our wives
- To lead our kids
- To shepherd our ministries
Of course, there was a lot more to these as we unfolded them each day, but it was awesome to see how God weaved through the events of the week, the focused thought and questions, and what God was already doing in each of our lives that brought us to Yosemite.
Coming down Sentinel Dome where there was
still some snow on a warm day!
The weather was fantastic, the views incredible, and the fellowship rich. God revealed Himself to us in a variety of ways, provided for our needs and reminded us often of His love and care for us throughout the week. It’s hard to believe the second Yosemite Summit is history. It was once again an incredible life-changing event for each of us who took the time to get away and give God some focused attention in a place He seems to have created just for that purpose!
I stopped in Colorado for a day on the way home and soon will be catching up on all the e-mails and voice mails and even snail mail that I know awaits me. But until after the weekend… I’m still on retreat!
By the way: It’s not too late to start thinking and praying about joining me next year for Yosemite Summit 2010! Only eight men can join me… perhaps YOU will be one of them!?
May 16, 2009 at 11:15 pm · Filed under Children's Ministry, Conferences, Kidology, Technology, Yosemite
This is my last blog post until AFTER Yosemite Summit! No more Facebook, no Twitter, no e-mail, no cell phone, no work! I’m disconnecting for an entire week. I’ve been praying, planning and preparing for a year and its so exciting to see the eight guys that God brought together for this amazing week in Yosemite. They’ve been coming in over the last two days, and tonight we all gathered for our first meal all together before hittin’ the road in the morning.
Steve, Matt, Tom, Scott, Karl, Scott, Marc, Brent, Pat
(Canada, TX, PA, SD, IL, CA, VA, OK, OH)
Please pray for each of these guys that God would really do a work in each of our lives during this next week. We each come from a different state and one from Canada. Each is leaving family and ministry behind to focus on their walk with God. Each understands that the best thing for their ministry isn’t another idea or resource but a closer walk with the Lord. Pray for safety and for an openness to what God has in store for us. I can’t wait to get started! So time for me to sign off and shut down. No worries, I’ll be blogging pictures and stories afterward! Until then,
Over and Out!
March 31, 2009 at 11:09 am · Filed under Children's Ministry, Conferences
You Might Have Attended Too Many Conferences If You…
Pass out a daily itinerary to your family.- Insist on your spouse handing you an outline before you have a conversation.
- Make your kids wear name tags.
- Often introduce yourself to your family at dinner and tell them where you are from.
- Fill out a weekly evaluation form on your spouse.
- Ask your family to put their contact information in a fish bowl.
- Explain household chores with a PowerPoint presentation.
- Enter your house and expect to be handed a welcome packet.
- Allow book publishers to sponsor your family meals.
- Try to sell family vacation videos to your kids
I thought this was too funny. It was written by Roger Fields, one of the cleverest guys I’ve ever known.
Reprinted from K! Magazine (with permission)
February 19, 2009 at 10:26 am · Filed under Children's Ministry, Conferences, Sport Stacking
I have have beat the world record holder, and stacked against an NFL player but I hold no “official” standing other than being Sport Stacking’s biggest fan. It’s time I competed in a real competition!
For the first time ever, I will finally be going to the 2009 WSSA World Sport Stacking Championships, April 18-19 at the Denver Coliseum!
PLUS, I will be LIVE REPORTING from the event via my blog, twitter, facebook and LIVE broadcasts! So you can experience this ultimate Sport Stacking event from anywhere!
Here is some official info:
You should consider going, teams are forming now! Early registration ends Friday, April 3rd
Don’t miss this opportunity for your students to join more than 1,000 stackers of all ages from around the world in beautiful Denver, Colorado for the world’s premier sport stacking event.
Registration packets are available online now at www.WorldSportStackingAssociation.org
Stackers may compete in eight events:
Three Individual Events (3-3-3, 3-6-3, Cycle)
Two Doubles Events (Age Division & Child/Parent)
One Timed 3-6-3 Relay
Two Head-To-Head Relay Events
Plenty of stacking records on the line in every age division with trophies, medals and 2009 collector participation lapel pin for all stackers.
New this year! StackFest Saturday featuring free interactive stacking stations for the whole family! Now’s The Time To Get The Word Out To Your Students. It’s As Easy As 1-2-3!
Spread the word! Download this flyer, copy and distribute it to all your students.
Form teams! Help parents and students form teams of four. Download Registration Packet, copy and distribute to each team parent Coach.
Send in registrations! Gather up completed forms and fees from each Coach and send to us.
Go to www.WorldSportStackingAssociation.org for all the details.
Questions? Contact Mark Lingle, WSSA Director
303-962-5672 or mlingle@WorldSportStackingAssociation.org.
February 15, 2009 at 11:49 am · Filed under Children's Ministry, Conferences, Entertainment, Leadership
Hey Everybody,
The Merry Hearts Clowns are hosting a workshop with two of the most talented, sought after kids entertainers in America right now. The workshop will be held on Sunday, March 29, 2009 from 2 - 5 PM.
It will be held at New Life Church, 3205 Cannonball Trail, Yorkville. You can register for the workshop by going to www.TimAndBarrysWorkshop.com. Your Creative Entertainer hosts will be Tim Sonefelt and Barry Mitchell or Barry Mitchell and Tim Sonefelt depending on which one you like more.
Join these guys for as much magic, creative thinking exercises, stage presence tips, and laughter as they can pack into several hours. Think of it as two workshops for the price of one. You receive inspiration to spark more of your own creativity and practical tips and tricks to improve your entertainment abilities.
Plus you get the benefits of two leaders who both have half a brain. Barry and Tim are known for funny family entertainment products, storytelling effects with morals, and inspiring creativity among entertainers. You’ll laugh, learn, and leave with more than you could possibly get from just one workshop leader.
What makes this workshop different from other touring entertainers:
- Two speakers for the price of one
- Audience tested routines for family audiences
- Creative thinking exercises with audience involvement
- Practical tips that may be applied immediately
- FREE DVD Product for everyone who pre-registers (up to $45 value!)
You will not want to miss this great workshop. I have been in workshops that each of these guys have taught and they are tops!! Hope you can make it. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Debbie George
The Merry Hearts Clowns
630-553-022
630-204-5521
www.merryheartsclowns.com
February 4, 2009 at 11:01 am · Filed under Children's Ministry, Conferences, Kidology, Spiritual Growth, Yosemite
Guys, we’re at the critical spot - there are ONLY THREE spots left for Yosemite Summit. If you have thought about this retreat, prayed about it, perhaps dreamed about it - don’t let it slip by! Register ASAP as it will soon be too late to join us for 2009, and there is no guarentee of next year. I hope to do this every year for the rest of my life, but I can only promise one year at a time.
There are not words to describe just how incredible this week is. Of course, I have tried on the Yosemite Summit site many times to describe both the natural and supernatural impact of this trip. But with only three spots left, let me share with you what some of last years guys wrote to me after getting home from Yosemite Summit:
It was great to begin new friendships and gain valuable ministry perspective from the stories of those in our group. Furthermore the times I did get alone with God were especially rich and meaningful.
I needed a vision for the finishing of our new Children’s Building, God gave it to me on this trip. I had a couple of other unanswered prayers and areas I needed direction on and I got them on this trip. It gave me time to get out of the business of ministry and listen to what God had to say to me.
If you are having a hard time spiritually and personally, you need this trip. It is a great time to be forced to get away from the business of ministry and life to listen to what God has for you. We get so overwhelmed with the work/business of the ministry, doing it under our own power, we forget about relying on God. God is our source of power, and strength. There is no place better the Yosemite to see God’s power, strength and creation. And there is no better group of people to share this with than guys who share your pain and blessings!
When I got back and met with my Senior Pastor he said he could see a level excitement and new enthusiasm.
The Yosemite Summit, exceeded everything I dreamed. As I walked through God’s creation, I could sense his presence more and more. Taking time away from everything and focusing on my spiritual health will only strengthen my daily walk, my family, and my ministry. It was a financial investment for my family to attend, but they have already said it was well worth sending me on. I cannot put into words how grateful I am to have been a part of the first Yosemite Summit. I know in my heart I will never really leave it.
Perhaps it will be YOU soon describing what an incredible week you had. Register today!
January 26, 2009 at 12:24 am · Filed under Children's Ministry, Conferences, Kidology, Leadership, Spiritual Growth, Yosemite
Guys? Buzz off!
Ladies - I know how hard you work, and how incredibly needed you are in your ministries - I’ve worked with the best of you for my entire ministry. But sometimes, you need to take care of yourself, and take a well deserved break!
When I started inviting men to Yosemite Summit in 2007, I got many e-mails from women asking me to offer the same thing for women - that they need it too - that they need it more, a few suggested! Well, obviously, I can’t personally provide a retreat for women (not sure my wife would appreciate that!) so I went to the best female children’s pastor in the country, Kim Bobb, and asked her to prayerfully consider putting together a similar event for women, and she responded to my invitation, and the need, for an event for women to disconnect from ministry, and focus on their walk with God while enjoying the fellowship of other women who share the same passion for ministry to children.
The event is called Unbridled, not because you’ll be riding wild horses, but because it it time to throw off all that is tying you down, even if only for a few days, to enjoy some fun, fellowship, laughter and meaning conversations with God and some other women who share your struggles, your joys, your frustrations, and your needs.
Let me encourage you to prayerfully consider joining Kim Bobb on this once-in-a-lifetime event. This may be the only year this is offered, so don’t miss out assuming you can go some “other” year.
Please visit YosemiteSummit.org and visit the WOMEN TAB at the top of the page. You’ll be glad you did, and it may be just what you need to get some peace and sanity back into your life. You will be glad you did, and so will your family too!
And Guys, if you are stil snooping and reading, maybe it is because you need to come join ME on the men’s retreat… it will be amazing.
January 21, 2009 at 9:22 pm · Filed under Awesome Products, CPC, Children's Ministry, Conferences, Internet, Leadership, Online Resources, Parenting
I got an e-mail yesterday with a request from a senior pastor who will soon be speaking to a gathering of children’s pastors from around the country. He asked me:
If you were a denominational Christian Education Director who oversaw the children’s ministry for all the churches in a given state or region:
1. What 10 recent books would you read or tell other directors about?
2. What 10 web-sites would you share with other directors?
3. What 10 experiences, conferences or resources would you tell other directors about?
My response, “Sounds like a great blog post!” So here it is:
The Kidologist’s Top Ten Books for CM
- Transforming Children Into Spiritual Champions by George Barna
This is a must read for senior pastors as well as children’s pastors. Barna finally supports with research what children’s ministry leaders have known for decades.
- Rock Solid Kids by Larry Fowler
The best biblical case made for church to prioritize ministry to children and to engage parents in the process rather than trying to do it for them.
Raising a Modern Day Joseph by Larry Fowler
Just released, this follow up to Rock Solid lays out a very doable strategy for the entire church to intentionally focus on raising up kids who stand strong against the culture.- Parenting is Heart Work by Scott Turansky & JoAnne Miller
The parenting book that finally address the heart, not behavior. For too long have books and seminars focused on helping kids behave, rather than shaping hearts. Applicable to the church as much as the home.
- Building Faith at Home by Mark Holmen
One of three books by Holman that lay out a strategy for engaging parents to take the lead in raising up children in the Christian faith.
- Lead the Way God Made You by Larry Shallenberger
Instead of modeling your life after a leader you admire, Larry will show you how to lead the way you were meant to lead. Larry profiles me in one chapter exposing my weaknesses to the world!
- The Fabulous Reinvention of Sunday School by Aaron Reynolds
While “reinvention” may be an overstatement, it IS a fresh presentation of creative teaching that will make a difference in kids lives. Challenges thinking and is loaded with tips and examples.
- Grow, Minister and Lead by Bill Allison
Everything from Cadre Ministries is concise, on target, and loaded with practical advice and encouragement that builds the leader as much as his leadership.
- The Kidology Handbook by Karl Bastian
Called by many their manual for ministry, this PDF book is a blueprint for relational ministry, creative teaching and can serve as a teacher training resource as well.
- Running on Empty by Fil Anderson
While not directly a children’s ministry book, it is one I wish I’d read years sooner and that many other overachieving children’s pastors may find pivotal in how they approach life as well as ministry.
The Kidologist’s Top Ten Websites for CM
- Kidology.org
Since 1994 the leading children’s ministry website with more features than can be listed in a single sentence. If you could only have one site, this would be it. However, since you can have more:
- CMconnect.org
The newest CM site, like Facebook for Children’s Ministery leaders.
Children’s Ministry University Online
Earn a children’s ministry degree online. Excellent courses!- TodaysChildrensMinistry.com
Primarily articles but offers some affordable training tools as well.
- BiblicalParenting.org
The best place for resources for equipping and supporting parents in the church. Fantastic e-mail newsletter with parenting tips you can pass on in your own communication.
- ChildrensMinistry.com - Children’s Ministry Magazine
The standard bearer of children’s ministry with a battalion of resources from its standard magazine, professional edition, books, resources, curriculum and conferences.
- KidzMatter.com & K! Magazine
Creative media teaching resources and the new K! Magazine provides a fresh perspective from many new voices.
- HarvestBooks.org for books, curriculum & more
The trusted source for discounted children’s curriculum from all major publishers plus nearly any book you may be looking for. Known for the personal attention they give their customers.
- JellyTelly.com & JellyBits.com
The latest online video channel from Phil Vischer (Creator of VeggieTales) and a place where you can purchase videos to use in your own ministry.
- ToyBoxTales.com Toys Teaching Biblical Truths
Karl never imagined this teaching tool he created for the kids of his own church would gain a cult following and end up having videos being shown in hundreds of churches across America.
HONORABLE MENTION: There has been an explosion in recent years in children’s ministry related blogs, there is simply no way to list them all, or choose just one, to put in a “Top Ten” list. (Visit mine!) Rather than merely being a place for helpful content, the Internet is now interactive as children’s ministry leaders connect and share information peer to peer. Facebook is rapidly growing as is Twitter.com were you can network in real time with others who share your passion for children’s ministry. (I’m on both!)
The Kidologist’s Top Ten Experiences for CM
- Sunday Worship (See your church website for details)
There is no substitute for regular weekly worship with your local Body of Christ. You are a Christian before you are a leader. “Do not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing…” (O.K., getting off the soap box!)
Children’s Pastors Conference
The #1 children’s ministry conference. Often imitated, never duplicated. CPC is the first major conference any children’s ministr leader should attend. No other conference offers an Exhibit Hall packed with resources like CPC.- Conspire Conference (Willow Creek)
Amazing corporate worship, “big name” speakers, and a wide variety of breakouts. Plus, it’s in Chicago!
- Orange Conference
The conference with the most “buzz” due to speaker line-up and a unified message and challenge to creatively adapt ministry to a new era. Strong focus on partnering with parents.
- D6 Conference (NEW!)
A brand new conference from D6family.com championing a comprehensive approach to children and family ministry inspired by Deuteronomy chapter six.
- How 2 Conference (NEW)
Group’s regional conferencing promising to help children’s ministry leaders get organized and then be prepared to train their own leaders back at their home church.
- One Way Street Conferences
Puppet Festivals and creative art conferences around the country and as entertaining as they are practical.
- Kidology Coaching
If you can’t travel to a conference, a seasoned personal coach can guide you through helpful materials customized to your ministry at your own pace while responding your current needs and struggles.
- Kidology.org Online Training
Leadership Development right on your computer that also equips you to turn around and train your own leaders and volunteers. Conferences are great, but when they aren’t possible, focused training is still possible.
- Yosemite Summit
The UNconference for children’s ministry leaders. No workshops - Just worship; No resources - just relationships; No networking - just God working. Spend four exhilarating days hiking in the spectacular Yosemite Valley with other children’s pastors. It may be that the best thing for your ministry, is to disconnect from ministry, and reconnect with God.
Forgive me for including some of my own resources/events, but hey, it’s my blog and I think they are in the top ten, even if I am a little biased. Of course, anytime you make a list - you can’t include everything - and nothing negative is inferred by the absence of any resource, ministry or event not included. It was difficult to keep it at ten.
However, my list need not be final! PLEASE use the comments to let me know of any books, websites or events/resources not listed above that you would include in YOUR “Top Ten” list!
January 14, 2009 at 10:26 pm · Filed under Awesome Products, CPC, Children's Ministry, Conferences
If you missed CPC Nashville, it’s not too late to WIN SOME FREE GO FISH STUFF FROM ME!
Also, I did SIXTEEN POSTS featuring some of the best resources at CPC, in case you missed any, here they are again:
TimbukDUDES
The F.U.N. Group
Teaching Kids the Truth
The Harvest in Plentiful
The Art of Being Creative
Have a Bible Blast!
MY FAVORITE DISCOVERY:I’m a D6 Dad
Let’s Go to Children’s Church
Footsteps - Tools for Learning
Bible Story Murals!
A Bed in Need is a Bed Indeed
BIG God, BIG Worshippers!
WIN FREE GO FISH STUFF!
POOF! A New Laflin!
Super Church!
YES! We can do that!
It’s not too late to join me in San Diego at the second CPC of 2009:
Discount Deadline for CPC San Diego – January 21, 2009
Register for the San Diego Children’s Pastors’ Conference (CPC) 2009 and save $30!!! Register Today!
San Diego Hotel Discount Deadline – January 19, 2009
Make your reservations by January 19, 2009 to get the discounted rate. Lodging Info
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