Home Archive by category "Kidology" (Page 11)

Category: Kidology

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

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…

Continue reading

Keep Parents in the Loop!

  In children’s ministry, communication with parents is not just helpful—it’s critical. Parents are the primary spiritual influencers in their child’s life, and your role as a children’s ministry leader is to support, encourage, and resource them. Effective communication helps bridge the gap between church and home, allowing parents to continue faith conversations, reinforce lessons, and participate in their child’s spiritual growth. When parents are in the loop, it helps foster a partnership between the ministry and the family, creating a foundation for lasting spiritual development. However, keeping parents informed and engaged is not always easy, especially in today’s busy and distracted world. The Challenges of Communication in Today’s World Busy Schedules and Sporadic Church Attendance Parents today juggle countless responsibilities. Between work, extracurricular activities, and personal obligations, many families are stretched thin. Church attendance has become increasingly sporadic, with some families attending only once or twice a month. This inconsistent presence can make it difficult to build rapport and maintain regular communication. When parents aren’t consistently present, important announcements, event invitations, or updates can easily get missed. How People Receive Communication We live in a digital age where everyone has their preferred mode of communication. Some parents check their…

Continue reading

I asked AI to Wish Me a Happy Birthday!

I asked AI to write me a Birthday Greeting. It asked me a few questions about my hobbies and interests, and then in seconds, it wrote me this poem. Not bad! What do you think? Happy Birthday, Pastor Karl, from your AI Friend! On this special day, let’s celebrate with delight, A pastor so creative, who shines Jesus’ light. With Sara by your side, the love of your life, And Luke, your son, who brings you such pride. “I am your Father,” you say with a grin, Just like Darth Vader, though your side always wins! Star Wars is your favorite, from that galaxy far, far away, But you bring it close, by quoting it every single day. Rubik’s Cubes twist, and Lego bricks click, Your mind is a puzzle, your hands are so quick. Flying your drone, high up in the sky, But it’s sharing God’s Word that makes your heart fly. A Mac guy at heart, since the very first call, On your old iPhone 1, you’ve held onto it all. The Muppets bring you joy, and Gus is your guide, Every Sunday he’s there, right by your side. Some say he’s your alter-ego, and that’s no surprise,…

Continue reading

ChatGPT Reviews Kidology.org

I asked AI via ChatGPT to list the Top 20 Challenges and Topics of Children’s Ministry Leaders and then to access how well Kidology.org addresses those. This was the result… including this image: (I did no editing and for the most part it’s pretty accurate! I simply added a few links to resources as they were described, but there is MUCH more on the site than even what is listed here! If you are looking for something not listed here, we probably have it after 30 years of building the site, just write and ask!) Certainly! As of my knowledge cutoff in October 2023, Kidology.org is a well-established online resource dedicated to equipping and encouraging children’s ministry leaders. Founded by Karl Bastian, known as the “Kidologist,” the website offers a wealth of resources, training materials, and a supportive community aimed at addressing the various challenges faced in children’s ministry. Here’s how Kidology.org addresses the top 20 issues facing Children’s Ministry Leaders Today: Recruiting and Retaining Volunteers: Kidology provides practical articles and training modules on effective strategies for volunteer recruitment and retention. They offer ideas on building a strong volunteer culture and recognizing volunteer contributions to prevent burnout. Curriculum Selection and…

Continue reading