You teach a little by what you say. You teach most by what you are. – Henrietta Mears We minister today on the shoulders of those who came before us. There are leaders who paved the way, set an example and inspire us to devote our lives to the evangelization and education of children. My mother will always be my greatest influence in children’s ministry – but a woman who had a profound impact on my mom was Henrietta Mears, and so by extension, my ministry is a continuation of the ministry soil she broke, sowed and watered. Let me tell...

Kidology Lab Notes: Albert Einstein: From Curious Child to World-Changing Physicist Albert Einstein is widely regarded as one of the greatest scientific minds in history. His name is synonymous with groundbreaking theories, profound discoveries, and a legacy that continues to inspire generations. However, before he became a household name as the physicist who developed the Theory of Relativity and won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921, Einstein was a curious, unconventional child whose early experiences profoundly shaped his later achievements. His story not only offers insights into the development of genius but also provides valuable lessons for those who...

Happy Birthday, Mom Celebrating Patti Eileen Bastian: A Legacy of Faith and Joy Today marks the birthday of my incredible mom, Patti Eileen Bastian. Though cancer took her from us far too soon, (1996, age 53) her impact on my life and countless others remains immeasurable. She was not only my mom but also my first mentor and the reason I dedicated my life to children’s ministry. Her unwavering belief in my potential and her passion for making faith fun and engaging have become the foundation of my life’s work. As a young boy, I once told my mom that...

The Story of Kidology: From Internet Beginnings to a Global Ministry In 1994, the Internet was still a mystery to most people. There was no eBay, PayPal, YouTube, or Google, and Amazon had just barely launched. It was that year during Christmas break while discipling a tech-savvy kid that I was introduced to this new digital frontier. My first website featured a space-themed background of stars with Star Wars images and movie sound bites. Discovering Community Online My second webpage, “Kingdom Karl,” was a quirky idea for connecting people who spelled “Karl” with a “K.” To my surprise, the site...

  In today’s fast-paced world, finding time for meaningful family moments around the table seems nearly impossible. Between school, sports, work, and tech distractions, many families struggle to connect — not only with each other but also with God’s Word. That’s why Kidology.org created Family Table Talkers, an easy-to-use, reproducible tool designed to help families disconnect from their screens and reconnect with each other and God. These conversation starters are perfect for busy families who may not have the time for daily devotions but still want to make mealtime matter.   Each month, your Family Table Talker provides a theme,...

I can still remember being the Lumberjack in the Sunday School Christmas Play and watching my mom direct the play. Her clipboard in one hand and her flashlight in the other, she guided the children through their different roles at rehearsals until the Big Night, when we performed the play for the entire church. Of course, my favorite part was the Cookie Reception after the play! Of all the plays she wrote and directed, my favorite was the one where she took the simple story of God’s Trees and transformed it into a Christmas Play. I still feel a little...