Welcome to Karl Bastian's Blog

Kidmin Covenant #12: Real Success is Obedience

Kidmin Covenant #12: Real Success is Obedience
Order the New Kidmin Covenant Reflective Guide, companion to the Kidmin Covenant series. One day, we’ll all stand before Jesus—not as leaders, organizers, or storytellers—but simply as servants. What will matter most won’t be the size of our programs or the polish of our presentations. It will be whether we were faithful with what He gave us. This covenant is my way of making sure I keep that day in mind. I want to lead in a way that pleases Him—not just in what I do, but in why and how I do it. Covenant Commitment #12: I will measure...

Kids Around the World… with ALL their toys

Kids Around the World… with ALL their toys
Years ago I stumbled upon a powerful collection of photos of kids. It explored a global photo project where children from around the world were photographed with all of their toys. The striking contrast between abundance and scarcity serves as a thought-provoking springboard for teaching kids (and ourselves) about contentment, gratitude, and generosity. Through personal reflection, biblical insight, and the invitation to use these images in ministry, readers are encouraged to shift their perspective from materialism to meaningful compassion. View all the pictures and download them at: Kidology.org/kidsaroundtheworld to use in your ministry to show our kids just how blessed...

PRE-ORDER The Kidmin Covenant – It Will Change Your Life

PRE-ORDER The Kidmin Covenant – It Will Change Your Life
Be the FIRST to get my new book – but it’s more than just a new book, it is a Reflective Guide for Children’s Pastors – and I believe has the potential to change your life. Kids Ministry is HARD. Harder than most understand. It is the largest administrative job – second only to Lead Pastor, as it shares all the roles of a pastor, teaching, team-building, administration, but also usually manages the largest number of volunteer staff, number of weekly classes and programs, and minutia of other details most never even know about. The secret to survival lies not...

10 Reasons to Send Your Kids to Camp

10 Reasons to Send Your Kids to Camp
Ten Reasons You Should Send Your Kid to Camp          And One Reason You Might Want to Go, Too! By Pastor Karl Bastian, Kidology.org   There’s something almost magical about summer camp. The crackling campfire, the chorus of frogs at night, the sound of kids laughing as they run between cabins and canoes. But it’s not just the scenery or the s’mores that make camp so valuable—it’s what happens in kids while they’re at camp. If you’ve been on the fence about sending your child to summer camp, here are ten compelling reasons to make it happen this year. It’s...

Kidmin Covenant #11: Leading While Healthy

Kidmin Covenant #11: Leading While Healthy
Order the New Kidmin Covenant Reflective Guide, companion to the Kidmin Covenant series. I want to look back on my ministry one day and know I served faithfully—not perfectly, but faithfully. I want to know I lived and led in a way that honored Jesus and shaped lives for eternity. This covenant is my roadmap for that kind of life. Rooted in Scripture and refreshed by grace, it keeps me focused on becoming the kind of leader who pleases the Lord and bears lasting fruit. Covenant Commitment #11: I will honor rest as a gift from God, not as an...

Kidmin Covenant #10: Sharing the Spotlight

Kidmin Covenant #10: Sharing the Spotlight
Order the New Kidmin Covenant Reflective Guide, companion to the Kidmin Covenant series. Every child I minister to is watching more than they’re listening. They’re learning how to follow Jesus not just from what I say—but from how I live. That’s why this covenant matters. It helps me lead from authenticity. If I want to help kids grow into healthy disciples, I must be one myself. These commitments help ensure I’m modeling a faith worth following. Kidmin Covenant #10: I will pass on any praise I receive to those who helped, inspired, guided or assisted, and ultimately to Jesus. One...