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Category: Children’s Ministry

TODAY is the Day!

TODAY Is the Day By Pastor Karl Bastian Every children’s ministry leader has a shelf labeled “Someday.” Someday we’ll launch that parent night. Someday we’ll start that special needs initiative. Someday I’ll write that curriculum. Someday we’ll fix check-in. Someday I’ll call that volunteer who could be amazing. “Someday” is a comfortable word. It asks nothing of us today. But momentum in ministry doesn’t begin with someday. It begins with a decision: Today is the day. Not necessarily the day you pull off the event. Not the day you execute the full plan. But the day you move it forward. Scripture reminds us, “Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day…” (2 Corinthians 6:2). God works in the present tense. While we dream about tomorrow, He invites obedience today.  The Myth of the Perfect Moment We often wait for ideal conditions. When things slow down. After Easter. Once the budget stabilizes. When we get more volunteers. When we feel more confident. Ecclesiastes 11:4 gently warns, “Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.” If a farmer waits for perfect weather, no seed ever hits the soil. Children’s ministry leaders can…

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Winter Camp – Time Travel! 2004-2005

Going through some old DVDs I found my Arctic Blast Highlight Videos DVD! Ripped it and uploaded to YouTube! Most of these kids are now grown up and some are married! This is from Village Church of Barrington. ENJOY! 2004 Highlight Video: 2005 Highlight Video: THIS is why it is always worth the time to make a highlight video. Need help? See Kidology.org/highlightvideos

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The Ultimate TOOLBOX for Kids Ministry!

Kidology’s Ultimate Toolbox for Children’s Ministry is PACKED with helpful tools – it’s not just a book – it interacts with Karl’s website to provide all the templates and forms shown in the book! Read what others are saying about this book: “This book is a gold mine of information on how to build a God-honoring children’s ministry from the number one expert on the subject. I have experienced first-hand Karl’s practical wisdom and contagious enthusiasm for reaching and teaching children. Whether you have been in ministry a long-time or are a newbie, I guarantee you will gain tools you can put to immediate use. Thank you Karl for sharing what God has taught you over the years!” — Dan Huffman, Pastor of CompassKids The Compass Church, IL “Kidology’s Ultimate Toolbox isn’t a toolbox you grab for one little job. No, there’s an entire garage full of tools in this book! Karl has gathered all the critical lessons he’s learned over his decades in kidmin and presented them in concise nuggets. You’re getting the essential information – short and sweet – regarding just about every topic related to children’s ministry that you can think of. The colorful pages, extra space…

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Be like MOSES!

When Moses Learned to Delegate — and Why You Should Too If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by ministry responsibilities, you’re in good company. Even Moses—yes, that Moses—hit his breaking point trying to do it all. In Exodus 18, Moses’ father-in-law Jethro watched him spend an entire day listening to the people’s problems, one by one. At the end of the day, Jethro essentially said, “This isn’t good. You’ll wear yourself out!” (Exodus 18:17–18). It wasn’t that Moses was doing bad work—he was doing important work. The problem was that he was doing work others could do. Jethro offered wise counsel that still speaks to every leader today: “Select capable men… and appoint them as officials” (Exodus 18:21). In other words, delegate. Step 1: Know What You’re Doing Before you can delegate, you have to know what you’re actually doing. Many leaders feel overwhelmed but couldn’t clearly list all their regular responsibilities if asked. Start by writing them down. Every meeting, every prep task, every errand, every “quick favor” that somehow lands on your desk—get it all on paper. Seeing it laid out in black and white can be both humbling and freeing. You can’t decide what to give away until…

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Pastor Karl’s Recommened Kids Bibles

Hello Parents! Pastor Karl here. I’m asked often, “Which Bible should I get my child?” Here are my recommendations for Bibles and some other tools to help your kids get excited about God’s Word! EARLY CHILDHOOD The MY AWESOME GOD Story Book Bible is ideal for parents to read the key stories of the Bible to their young children. Includes a topical index as well as helpful discussion questions to spur some spiritual conversations. LEARN MORE OR ORDER HERE  YOUNG ELEMENTARY As your kids start to read on their own, it’s important to get them a Bible they can read and enjoy. Please, if you want your child to learn and grow from God’s Word, don’t buy them one with tiny print, no pictures in an ancient translation. I recommend The NIrV Adventure Bible! The NIrV is the young readers edition of this fun, interactive Bible that helps children learn about what they are reading through helpful info presented throughout the Bible. LEARN MORE OR ORDER HERE UPPER ELEMENTARY Your preteen children can really start to master the Word of God! Here are some exciting options for them! The Action Bible is the entire Bible presented in very cool comic…

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