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 attracted nine members, half from Germany! This early project opened my eyes to the internet’s global reach, even in its infancy. It was exciting to connect with others who shared my interests, and I quickly realized the internet’s potential to bring people together. As I marveled at the possibilities, I felt God nudging me to use this tool for my life’s mission: “To reach and teach as many children as possible with the Good News of God’s love and to enlist, equip, and encourage others to do the same.”
Introducing: The Object Lesson Zone
Inspired by my Life Mission, I created “The Object Lesson Zone,” a website for sharing creative teaching ideas. It featured a “Stump the Kidologist” challenge, where people could submit the name of an object, and I’d craft a lesson around it for them and post it on the website. The response was overwhelming — I couldn’t keep up with the requests! To manage the demand, I formed an “A Team” of friends to help answer questions and share ministry insights via group emails. Though tedious, this system equipped and encouraged children’s ministry workers across the globe.
The Birth of the “KidologyWeb”
In 1995, I launched the “KidologyWeb,” adding zones for Stories, Sermons, Puppet Scripts, Games and more. Using free software called GNN Press, I made the site interactive. It quickly outgrew its initial AOL home, and I moved it to its own domain: Kidology.org. The site became one of the internet’s first membership-based platforms. People mailed checks — yes, physical checks — for $12 annual memberships. Despite the manual process, letters began arriving daily from around the country and beyond.
Overcoming Early Challenges
Building the website was a labor of love, but it wasn’t without challenges. Processing memberships, sending newsletters, and maintaining the site required countless hours. At one point, I needed better software to improve the site but couldn’t afford the $600 cost of Microsoft FrontPage. I offered a special “lifetime membership” for $50, hoping for 12 takers—and received exactly that. With the funds in hand, I purchased the software and upgraded the site. A few of those Life-time memberships still use the site today!
A Leap of Faith
Despite the growth, I knew the ministry needed to “grow up.” I began praying for guidance, asking God to take Kidology to the next level. It was clear that this ministry was more than a hobby; it had become a vital resource for children’s ministry leaders worldwide. You can read about more of the miracles God did in my book, A Bright Idea available both on Kidology and Amazon.
Kidology’s story is a testament to God’s faithfulness and the power of innovation. What started as a small project on the early internet has become a global ministry equipping and encouraging those who teach children about God’s love all over the world. But the journey is far from over.
2025 and Beyond!
As we head into this New Year – I am excited about what God has in store for Kidology.org! We will be introducing some very exciting new ventures!
First of all, we are adding a NEW MEMBERSHIP LEVEL! Soon, you will see our brand new Kidology PLUS membership level! We will still have the All Access Level you are used to which will have some added perks and features, but we are adding a new more affordable mid-range option for those who don’t need curriculum or leadership tools, but simply want access to the thousands of creative ideas on the site. Kidology PLUS will cost only $99 a year for access to over 70+ Creative Idea Zones. Our desire is to make Kidology.org as affordable as possible so that any children’s ministry leader can have access to all the helpful resources on the site.
Second, there are many who don’t actually use Kidology.org because they aren’t actively in kids ministry, but they are friends of the ministry because they are friends of mine or have a passion for equipping and encouraging those who minister to kids. So we are re-introducing our Kidology Champions initiative and praying for friends of Kidology who will commit to support our ministry on a monthly basis in 2025. If that is you, visit Kidology.org/champions to learn more.
We can’t wait to tell you more about the exciting things we have planned for the New Year to Equip and Encourage those to minister to kids! If you aren’t a current member, visit the Membership Center to register or renew today, or the Champion Page to help support us so we can start the year off strong!
Because Jesus Loves Children,
Pastor Karl Bastian
aka The Kidologist
