Welcome to Karl Bastian's Blog

In the heart of a hidden forest, a lone lamp post casts its soft glow, barely piercing through the mist. A wardrobe, tucked nearby, stands half-open, inviting curious adventurers to step inside. Somewhere in the distance a roar echoes — the unmistakable call of a mighty lion. High upon a hill, a castle towers in the distance, promising grand discoveries and noble quests. And just now, emerging from the wardrobe are a parent, a teacher, and a children’s pastor, each ready to embark on an Adventure of faith and discovery, guiding children through some of the greatest stories ever told....

From Lego to Loyalty: A Heart Full of Thanks!

From Lego to Loyalty: A Heart Full of Thanks!
From Lego to Loyalty: A Heart Full of Thanks Today, I pause with a thankful grin, For all the joys that life lets in. From Lego bricks, since I was three, To Star Wars tales of destiny. The works of Tolkien ignite my mind, With realms of courage, richly defined. A yo-yo’s spin, a Rubik’s twist, Simple joys I can’t resist. Great action movies or classics that amuse, Laughter and thrills, I gladly choose. Gus, my sidekick puppet since college days, Helping kids learn in engaging ways. To hiking trails and drones that fly, Through nature’s splendor and the open...

Adventure in Kids Ministry – Chapter 2

Adventure in Kids Ministry – Chapter 2
Chapters: 1 | 2 |   Chapter 2: First Sunday Behind the Curtain The morning began in stillness. Nadia pulled into the church parking lot while the sky still blushed with the first light of dawn. She parked close to the building, partly for convenience and partly because the empty lot, framed by tall oaks, felt both serene and eerie. Nadia was surprised to notice she had arrived first, even before her pastor. She stepped out of her car, holding the jangling keys the pastor had handed her earlier that week. They felt heavy—not just in weight, but in the...

This Isn’t Just a Great Tool… It’s the Whole Toolbox!

This Isn’t Just a Great Tool… It’s the Whole Toolbox!
Ever wish there were blueprints for building a successful children’s ministry? Well, now there are! Imagine having access to time-tested plans that guide you through every aspect of ministry, whether you’re building from the ground up, remodeling ministry, or trying to make much-needed repairs. The Ultimate Toolbox for Children’s Ministry is written FOR YOU by a veteran leader who has led ministries of all sizes — from a church plant to inner-city ministry to larger suburban churches. I’ve wrestled with the same issues you face week after week, and here’s the best part — I’m still in the trenches as...

Start a New Tradition with the Families in your Ministry!

Start a New Tradition with the Families in your Ministry!
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! And few things stir up as much excitement in kids as the anticipation of Christmas morning. But let’s face it — waiting for Christmas to arrive is one of the hardest parts of childhood! Why not make that waiting time a little more meaningful (and fun!) by offering families a way to count down the days to Christmas while learning more about the true story of Jesus? Introducing Kidology’s Christmas Countdown Family Advent Paper Chain — a simple, interactive, and educational way to help kids stay focused on the Reason for the...

I FORGOT!

I FORGOT!
I often say, “There are three things that happen as you get older. First of all, you lose your memory. Then… Um…. Well, what do you know? I forgot the other to!” That’s my favorite joke I tell when I am frustrated at forgetting something… again. It’s a humorous deflection to hide my irritation at forgetting something… again. How many times have you thought of something during the day—something you needed to do, should do, or would like to do—only to find yourself later wondering, What was that? You might even wish you’d remembered sooner as you replay the day...