Home Articles posted by Kidologist

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. Welcome to the Narnia Curriculum Series, where you’ll journey alongside your children into the world of C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia. These downloadable companion studies will help you plan, organize, and teach the spiritual truths woven into these classic tales. The first stop on your adventure? The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, where good battles evil in an unforgettable story of courage, sacrifice, and redemption. Through this curriculum, kids will discover parallels to the Gospel, the power of Christ’s sacrifice, and the triumph of good over evil. This beloved story sets the stage for deeper biblical conversations, providing not…

Continue reading

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 a full-time children’s pastor, so I deal with the challenges you are facing week-in and week-out, firsthand. I’m in the trenches with you. Enjoy this quote from the leader pictured here, who stepped into her first role in Children’s Ministry and found the Toolbox an invaluable guide. (Notice the bookmarks!) She sent me this recommendation: As someone that was new to Children’s Ministry but with a background in organizational development, I was thrilled to have had an opportunity to read Karl’s, “Ultimate Children’s Ministry Toolbox”. It’s a rare gem that seamlessly blends practical advice with theological insight. Even complex operational…

Continue reading

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 Season! Each day in December, families can remove one link from the paper chain, read a Bible verse, have a short discussion, and reflect on the meaning of Christmas. It’s a beautiful way to turn a fun countdown into a daily family devotion, deepening the anticipation of celebrating Christ’s birth. As a child, I loved making paper chains with my family, cutting strips of colored paper and linking them together to mark the days until Christmas. Kidology has taken that idea and added a spiritual twist! Each chain link includes a scripture and short devotional, leading up to the best…

Continue reading

You Are Going to CRUSH Your Next BIG Event!

Few things are as scary as being in charge of a large church event! I remember when I had just been hired at a new job and my new boss-pastor said (I think maybe jokingly?), “You’re on probation until after the first big event… last year’s event was a disaster!” Planning and managing a large church event can feel overwhelming. Between the endless details and the expectations for a successful outcome, it’s easy to get lost in the whirlwind of endless logistics. But don’t worry — help is here! With an All Access Membership to Kidology.org, you can gain instant access to a wealth of resources, including the Ministry Management Series. One of the most valuable sessions in this series is Event Management, which breaks down the essentials of planning events that can take your ministry to the next level. Whether it’s a small in-house event or a massive community outreach, the Event Management video covers everything you need to know before, during, and after your event. It explores the critical “Why, What, When, Where, Who, and How” of event planning, giving you clear, actionable steps to ensure that nothing falls through the cracks. Pastor Karl often reminds leaders that…

Continue reading

Got Training? How to Recruit and KEEP Volunteers!

Are you finding it difficult to keep your volunteers motivated and equipped? You’re not alone! One of the biggest challenges in children’s ministry is not just recruiting new volunteers but retaining and continually training the ones you already have. In fact, research shows that consistent training can reduce volunteer turnover significantly, helping to build a more committed and capable team. Kidology’s Volunteer Training Videos provide a simple solution. These short, powerful videos can be downloaded and sent to your volunteers, or you can share a secure link with a password for easy access—no technical hassle involved. Whether your team needs a reminder, encouragement, or new skills, these videos are designed to meet those needs without taking much of their time. Did you know that on-going training not only helps retain volunteers but also empowers them to serve more effectively? A well-equipped volunteer is a confident volunteer. Plus, every volunteer you KEEP is one you don’t have to recruit again! Instead of always scrambling for new helpers, why not invest in the ones you already have? A monthly video can do wonders to keep your team refreshed, motivated, and aligned with your ministry’s mission. At Kidology, our MISSION is to Equip…

Continue reading