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Category: Kidmin

Stop Holding Up the Rock

I snapped the photo below of my friend Zach while hiking in Yosemite. At first glance, it looks like he’s holding up a massive boulder. His face says it all—strained, burdened, fighting to keep the weight from crushing him. Of course, He’s not really holding up the rock. The rock is holding itself up. But isn’t that exactly how ministry can feel sometimes? There are seasons when it seems like we’re carrying everything. Recruiting volunteers. Writing lessons. Scheduling teams. Solving staffing problems. Ordering supplies. Managing budgets. Answering parent emails. Training leaders. Following up with guests. Planning events. Putting out fires. Preparing for Sunday while already worrying about next Sunday. The list never seems to end. Before long, we begin to feel like the success of the ministry rests entirely on our shoulders. We start pushing up against the weight of it all, convinced that if we stop for even a moment, everything will come crashing down. Yet God never asked us to hold up the rock. In fact, Scripture paints an entirely different picture. Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” A refuge is not something you carry. A refuge is something that…

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Helping Kids Shine Their Light in a Dark World

Most kids do not think of themselves as influencers. They are just trying to figure out life, friendships, and where they fit. But the truth is, every child is already influencing the people around them, whether they realize it or not. This week we are helping kids understand something simple but powerful: their life is a light, and they can shine for Jesus. Light does not have to be big to make a difference. Even a small light stands out in the dark. It guides, it reveals, and it points the way. That is the picture we want kids to see. They do not have to wait until they are older to make a difference. Right now, through their kindness, their words, and their actions, they can point people toward Jesus. We see this in Peter’s life. After failing, he was restored and went on to boldly share his faith. God used him to impact thousands. That is what God does. He takes ordinary people and uses them in extraordinary ways. So we help kids make it personal. Think of one person. One friend, one classmate, one neighbor. Someone they can pray for, encourage, or invite. Because shining your light…

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The Friends Kids Choose Will Shape Their Faith

Every child is climbing. Not a literal mountain—but something just as real. They’re navigating friendships, choices, influence, and identity every single day. And whether they realize it or not, who they’re tied to matters. This week in our ROCK SOLID series, we’re teaching a truth that will impact kids long after they leave our ministry: You are only as strong as the friends you choose. That’s not just a clever phrase. It’s a spiritual reality. Proverbs reminds us that walking with the wise makes us wise—but the companion of fools suffers harm. Kids may not quote that verse, but they live it every day at school, on the playground, and in their neighborhoods. Here’s the challenge for us as ministry leaders: We often focus on behavior… when we should be paying just as much attention to influence. Because behavior is often downstream from friendship. If a child is constantly surrounded by negativity, pressure, or poor choices, it will shape them. But when they’re surrounded by encouragement, truth, and godly influence, they grow stronger. That’s why this week isn’t just about choosing good friends. It’s about becoming one. We introduced kids to a simple way to understand what a true friend…

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What If Every Kid Knew How to Use Their Bible?

There are days in ministry when you plan something big… and there are days when something small ends up feeling big. Today was one of those days. I wasn’t trying to create a “product.” I wasn’t mapping out a curriculum or building a series. I just had this simple thought that kept nagging at me: What if every kid in my ministry actually knew how to use their Bible? Not just carry it. Not just bring it. Not just hear stories from it. But open it… find things in it… understand it… and feel like it wasn’t confusing or overwhelming. Because if we’re honest, the Bible can feel like a pretty big book to a kid. (Let’s be honest… it can feel that way to adults too.) Sixty-six books, big words, tiny numbers, and somewhere in there is John 3:16 and the story of Jonah and something about Leviticus that we all quietly skip. 😄 I started thinking about the moments I’ve had with kids: Hey, turn to Matthew… And I see the page flipping… the hesitation… the scanning… the whisper to a friend… “Where is that?” Or when a child asks, “What does that mean?” and you realize they…

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Living on Mission – Discovering my Ministry Manifesto

Why Did God Make YOU? By Pastor Karl Bastian, aka the Kidologist I received my call to ministry when I was ten years old. A children’s evangelist came to our church. I was completely captivated. He used magic tricks, puppets, and storytelling to teach the Bible in a way that made kids laugh, think, and listen. I remember sitting there thinking, That is the greatest job in the world. After the service I told my mom, “That’s what I want to do when I grow up.” Her response surprised me. “You start next Wednesday.” I protested. “Mom, I said when I grow up!” She calmly replied, “If God has called you to children’s ministry, what does growing up have to do with anything?” Then she did something that changed the trajectory of my life. She started telling me about the many young people God used in the Bible—David facing Goliath, Samuel hearing God’s voice as a child, the boy who gave his lunch to Jesus, and others who were young but willing. My mom didn’t just encourage me—she equipped me. She helped me get my first puppet. She coached me on learning simple magic tricks. She gave me opportunities to…

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2026 Children’s Ministry Safety Trends

Guest Post from KidCheck.com As you continue to steward the hearts of children in your ministry, safety isn’t just a side topic; it’s a priority. In 2026, children’s ministry leaders are innovating, learning, and implementing smart strategies to protect children. Whether you’re a volunteer, director, or church leader, here are the top safety trends to consider. Safety Frameworks Safety isn’t just about locked doors and policies on paper. It’s about creating an environment where children are protected, volunteers and staff feel confident, and families have peace of mind. Ministries are adopting safety frameworks that integrate clear policies and written guidelines, screening, training, onboarding, active supervision, and open communication. These frameworks are designed to support families and reflect best practices in securing the children’s area. Updated Screening & Onboard Protocols Advancements in candidate screening with technologies that enable deeper vetting are making the recruitment process more thorough and efficient. In 2026, ministries will begin to adopt the following: AI-enhanced background checks Automated alerts for rechecks and updating volunteer information Integrated onboarding processes that focus on child safety policy Trauma-Informed Training for Volunteers Understanding trauma responses is vital to cultivating an environment where children feel protected. In 2026, ministries will be investing…

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