Do As I Say, Not As I Do

Kidology Theorem #26 Several years ago I was serving at a major children’s ministry conference, and as a speaker/exhibitor, I had the opportunity to give out some drawing slips for some really cool prizes the conference was giving away to its attendees. We could give them out any way we wanted, but were encouraged to make it fun. Oh, the things kids pastors would do to get these drawing slips! One fellow came back to our booth seeking another drawing slip and since he had already played our silly game, I decided to go easy on him. He was wearing a t-shirt with a Bible verse on it, so I said, “Close your eyes and tell me the verse on your shirt.” He admitted he had just bought the shirt so he didn’t know the verse. Fair enough, so trying to keep it easy I said, “That’s fine, just quote me John 3:16.” I could tell by the look on his face he had no idea what I was talking about. My intention wasn’t to embarrass him, so I hinted, “For God so loved the world…” His awkward blank expression continued. Now I felt bad, so trying to help him save face I said, “No worries, just…

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Introducing Kidology Theorems

Before the website, Kidology started with the launch of my first book, The Kidology Handbook – then came the Kidology University Conference (we did 15 in 3 states!), and then the website in 1994. It all began with the Study of Kidology – studying how kids think, relate, communicate and learn – and their world! For over 25 years Kidology has grown, the Handbook has been updated, the website has grown, new resources and curriculum have been added, but the study of kids has never stopped! For 2022 I’m returning to that initial focus with a weekly THEOREM on the Study of Kids! Our new Thursday newsletter will focus on just ONE of the Kidology Theorems. If you didn’t get it today, be sure you are subscribed at Kidology.org/newsletter – or check them out in the Kidology Theorem Zone. May the learning continue on how to Reach and Teach kids for Jesus! I launched this week with Kidology Theorem #40: Check it out at: Kidology.org/theorem40

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Kids Church Rules and Rewards

I like to keep rules light-hearted and fun, but effective. So for my outdoor themed children’s church, The Outpost, I use Trail Tips and every service a “Super Adventurer” is chosen and awarded who best follows these tips. Here is what the Tips and Certificate look like. The Tips: The Certificate: Over on Kidology, All Access members get full sized samples they can use to modify to fit their ministry as well as ones with Karl’s logos and name removed. Check it out at Kidology.org/trailtips

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Connecting with Today’s Digital Kids!

It’s no secret we live in a digital age! Take home papers are no longer the most effective ways to reach kids between Sundays. So how DO you connect with today’s digital kids? Pastor Karl Bastian, founder of Kidology.org talks about his three favorite ways to connect with kids in today’s digital world. Paper take-home handouts are no longer the best tool. You’ll love these modern options! See complete show notes and iTunes link at: Kidology.org/kidmintalk155

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When Teaching a Large Age Range

I was reading a discussion over on the Kidology.org forums* about how to teach to a wide age range and there were some comments suggesting different age ranges to aim for. Some were suggesting “aiming for the middle” or “targeting the older kids” so as not to bore them, whereas others thought it better to teach to the younger ones so as not to lose them. I’d like to suggest a different approach after having taught over 1,000 children’s church services to first through sixth graders for over twenty-five years. It’s a rather simple suggestion: AIM FOR EVERYONE! The key in a large group with a large age range is to shift your focus constantly. The secret is to be highly visual and to be physically moving and animated to keep the younger ones tracking with you (don’t stand still and never sit, meaning you the teacher) and use humor constantly to keep a connection with your audience. Think about it: Senior pastors preach to a wide audience range of age and intelligence and education and world view and learning styles and they can do it! They don’t break their audience into groups! How do they do it? It isn’t…

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