Home Archive by category "Kidology" (Page 4)

Category: Kidology

Secrets of Effective Kid Communicators #1: Start with a BANG!

Capturing attention today sets a foundation for faith tomorrow. The first minute matters most — learn how to hook kids fast and set the stage for life-changing teaching. Which would you rather watch: a long train starting from a standstill or a horse race when the gates fly open? The answer is obvious. In the same way, few things are more painful (or boring) than sitting through a service — kids or adults — where the communicator slowly stumbles up front and begins to drone: “Welcome, everyone… how are you… how was your week… what did we learn about last week?” Blah, blah, blah. It’s been said you never get a second chance to make a first impression (attributed to Will Rogers). That’s true EVERY SUNDAY. Kids decide almost immediately whether this is going to be a great experience. Church growth experts say even adult guests know in the first five minutes whether they’ll return. Attention is earned — and lost — fast. That’s why Secret #1 is so important: Start with a BANG! Your opener is your chance to answer the unspoken question every kid is asking: “Why should I listen to you today?” A great Kid Communicator doesn’t…

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Secrets of Effective Kid Communicators: Introduction

Teaching kids isn’t just about today — it’s about shaping generations for God’s glory. You’re not just reaching kids — you’re impacting future families and shaping generations for Christ! I am in ministry today because I was inspired by creative teachers who brought the Bible to life for me. Like Timothy, who learned the Word at a young age from his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice, if Paul were to write 2 Timothy 1:5 to me in the KBV (Karl Bastian Version), he might have said: “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your Aunt Linda and in your mother Patti, and I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” Both of these godly women made church the highlight of my week. That’s why my kids ministry motto in my present ministry is, “We want to make Sunday the high point of our kids’ week.” Whether it was the “Apple Red Happiness” song led so enthusiastically by my aunt (which I can still sing from memory), or the Treasure Chest Sundays my mom created — where every child who came got a key that might open the pirate chest to win a prize (with a bonus key…

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Introducing KarlBastian.club

🚨 BIG NEWS! I’m launching something brand new just for Kidmin leaders — and YOU could be one of the first to join! 🎉 I am only posting in a few places for friends and colleagues to know before the big public launch this fall, so you can be in at the beginning. It’s my Personal Coaching Community — a place for ideas, encouragement, resources, and real support from me direct to you – a leader in the trenches. And if you’re one of the First 50 to join you’ll get 30% off for LIFE with code FIRST50. 👀💥 This is your exclusive backstage pass to my new Kidmin Toolbox — come see what’s inside! 🧰💡 👉 http://www.KarlBastian.club (Trust me. You’re gonna like what you find.)

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Kidmin Covenant #12: Real Success is Obedience

Order the New Kidmin Covenant Reflective Guide, companion to the Kidmin Covenant series. One day, we’ll all stand before Jesus—not as leaders, organizers, or storytellers—but simply as servants. What will matter most won’t be the size of our programs or the polish of our presentations. It will be whether we were faithful with what He gave us. This covenant is my way of making sure I keep that day in mind. I want to lead in a way that pleases Him—not just in what I do, but in why and how I do it. Covenant Commitment #12: I will measure success by obedience, not by numbers or applause. Ministry is filled with metrics—attendance numbers, salvations, volunteers recruited, events pulled off, crafts completed without glitter explosions. It’s easy to start defining success by these visible outcomes. And while numbers can be helpful indicators, they were never meant to be the measuring stick of faithfulness. God’s view of success is radically different. In 1 Samuel 15:22, the prophet Samuel tells Saul, “To obey is better than sacrifice.” Saul had results. He had the people’s approval. But he didn’t obey God fully—and it cost him everything. That verse reminds us that impressive outcomes…

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Kids Around the World… with ALL their toys

Years ago I stumbled upon a powerful collection of photos of kids. It explored a global photo project where children from around the world were photographed with all of their toys. The striking contrast between abundance and scarcity serves as a thought-provoking springboard for teaching kids (and ourselves) about contentment, gratitude, and generosity. Through personal reflection, biblical insight, and the invitation to use these images in ministry, readers are encouraged to shift their perspective from materialism to meaningful compassion. View all the pictures and download them at: Kidology.org/kidsaroundtheworld to use in your ministry to show our kids just how blessed they are and the challenge generosity and giving to missions.

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