Home Articles posted by kidologist (Page 47)

Ask for Guesses, Not Answers

Years ago in an inner city ministry, I had a little boy in my class named Trevon. No matter what the lesson topic or Bible story, any time I asked a question his hand shot up and he was eager to answer. The only problem was, no matter what I asked, he always answered with an enthusiastic, “Moses!” Some teacher must have hit it out of the park telling Trevon the story of Moses. Feeling badly for him always being wrong, one Sunday I thought I’d be smart and “rig” the Q and A time for little Trevon. Though it had nothing to do with my lesson, I asked, “Who did God give the Ten Commandments to?” Of course, Trevon’s hand shot up again! I smiled as I called on him knowing he would finally be right! Instead, he hesitated and then timidly answered, “Jesus?” I was as dejected as Trevon when I had to say, “No, Trevon, it was Moses.” I felt terrible. I thought I had set this little guy up for success, but instead, I had caused him to fail yet again. I shared this story with a mentor that week who told me, “Karl, that’s because…

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Karl in CA at Servant’s Conference

If you are in Southern California, I invite you to join me at the Children’s Ministry Servants Conference March 27 and 28, 2015. I’m excited about this conference because it reminds me so much of the Kidology University conferences I did for ten years (15 events in three states!) and the spirit behind them that was exactly why I did those. The founder of the event, Stef, wrote: The vision for Children’s Ministry Servants Conference was born out of my own experience in Children’s Ministry. I was “thrown into” CM without any training, when I think of that now, I cringe. I decided that no one should ever experience what I did those first few years of leading the ministry. After prayer and conversation with the senior pastor, we decided that this would be a good thing to offer others. So in 1999 our first conference took place. This year will mark our 16th anniversary. The theme this year is “Passing It On – Reaching the Millennial Generation” Attendees are from non-denominational as well as denominational churches in the So Cal area and nearby states The training team for the conference is as diverse as those who attend it. From…

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Happy Birthday, Buckaroo!

Luke is 9. WOW, I can’t believe it. So proud of this kid. He is smart, kind, considerate and never lacks energy. He makes friends well, and has a caring heart. He must get all of that from mom. Yeah, I make music videos of my kid. I keep them on my iPad for when I travel; I love to watch them. Here are two of my favorites that I posted on my blog years ago, but decided to post on YouTube today, as I celebrate 9 years with this awesome kid. This one is my favorite, made in 2008: And this one I made as a night-night song for him in 2007: If you want to read more about this cool kid, here are a few of my favorite blog posts about Luke over the years, or just click on the Luke Category! These feature some cute pics of him growing up: How to Raise a Dew Baby! Watermelon Boy The Adventures of Illinois Luke Luke and Touch-a-Truck Rest Stops in Life Luke Turns Four! Yelling Out the Window Frustrating My Father Doctor Poncho Just Thinking About Kids and Behavior Dads iPhone Camera Tells it All The Perfect Birthday…

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Kidology Coaching Better Than School

Perhaps you have considered Kidology Coaching. Perhaps it has never crossed your mind. Either way, I think the letter below from one of our recent graduates will best describe the dramatic difference coaching can make in your ministry. I know there are many children’s ministry leaders out there who will relate to Jennifer’s story, shared here, with her permission. See if you don’t see yourself in the note below. Then consider what coaching might just do for your ministry. There is honestly no other kidmin coaching program available that provides the experience and results that Kidology Coaching does. Karl, After just completing Kidology Coaching Program, I want to thank you for all that this program has offered to the growth of my ministry and myself.  When I started this coaching program in November of 2011, I was very intimidated by other “Giants” in Children’s Ministry around me.  Children’s Ministry seemed very unfocused because I was bouncing all over the place putting out little fires of things that needed to be done (just not by me). When I began in Children’s Ministry I was very overwhelmed. I did not go to Bible School or Seminary, and my only experience working with children…

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The Cure for Smart Phone Addiction

Last Sunday, our pastor continued a series called Satisfied. He shared some amazing statistics about Americans and their cell phones: 66% of Americans feel anxious if they are separated from their device. 58% do not miss one waking hour without checking their smart phone. 59% of Americans check email as soon as comes in. 89% of Americans check their device every single day, even on vacation. 80% of teenagers sleep with their phone! 84% of Americans believe they couldn’t go a day without their phone. The average cell phone user checks their phone 150 times a day! In fact, many people check their cell phone first thing in the morning and as the last thing they do before going to sleep. They go to bed and wake up checking their smart phone. While some people are worse than others, all of us, I believe, probably check their phone more than necessary. There is no doubt that we live in a world where our smart phone is now practically a part of our body. How many times have you been in a room filled with friends or family and everyone is on their device rather than enjoying each other? Well, I…

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