I FORGOT!

I often say, “There are three things that happen as you get older. First of all, you lose your memory. Then… Um…. Well, what do you know? I forgot the other to!” That’s my favorite joke I tell when I am frustrated at forgetting something… again. It’s a humorous deflection to hide my irritation at forgetting something… again. How many times have you thought of something during the day—something you needed to do, should do, or would like to do—only to find yourself later wondering, What was that? You might even wish you’d remembered sooner as you replay the day in your mind. Capturing those fleeting thoughts is essential for productivity, peace of mind, and sometimes even for responding to the quiet nudges from God. Here are some practical and creative ways to catch those ideas before they slip away: 1. The Digital Notepad Use a notes app on your phone or computer to jot down thoughts. Many apps allow syncing across devices so you can access your list anywhere. 2. Text Yourself Send yourself a quick text with your idea. You’re likely to see it next time you check your messages. 3. Email Yourself For longer thoughts or action…

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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…

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Jesus Was a ZOMBIE!

Helping Kids Understand the Bible: “Jesus was a Zombie!” By Pastor Karl Bastian, Kidology.org   When my son, Luke, was little, my sister gave him a Scooby-Doo DVD. My wife, Sara, and I had a little discussion about whether or not he was ready for something “scary.” Up to that point, he hadn’t seen any entertainment with ghosts, monsters, or vampires. We decided it might be best to hold off and save it for when he was older. But, as parenting often goes, the very next day he came home from the neighbor’s house, beaming with excitement, eager to tell us about a new show he’d discovered: Scooby-Doo! We looked at each other and laughed. Thus began the Scooby-Doo era, which would last for many years. Realizing there was no turning back, we decided to give him the DVD my sister had gifted, and the whole family sat down to watch it. Our goal was to monitor how he handled the scarier elements, ready to jump in with a discussion if anything confused or frightened him. At the end of the episode, Luke turned to me with wide, curious eyes and asked, “Daddy, what is a zombie?” I wanted to…

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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…

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A Church on the Corner is NOT Enough!

  We are blessed to serve in a time where many churches offer wonderful children’s ministries. We strive to make sure our ministries are safe, creative, fun, biblically sound, and attractive to the families that attend our church. We work hard to make sure our programs engage kids, teach them the truth of God’s Word, and provide a welcoming place for families who visit. But here’s the reality that we can’t ignore: 65-70% of American families never attend a Gospel-preaching church—and many of them never will. It’s easy to focus on how to improve the ministries we offer within our walls, but if we’re honest with ourselves, we know that being a church on the corner, no matter how wonderful, is not enough. There are children in our neighborhoods growing older every day, never hearing the life-changing message of Jesus. Research from George Barna tells us that nearly half of all people who come to faith in Christ do so before the age of 13, and the likelihood of making that decision drops dramatically after age 14. If we’re waiting for families to walk through our doors, we may lose our chance to reach the children in our communities. And…

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