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Category: Uncategorized

Celebrating a Year at Kids Rock

It’s hard to believe it has been a year since I started as the children’s pastor at the Rock of Southwest! As I reflect back on the year, it is so satisfying to think of all the amazing things I have gotten to do as I’ve worked with some incredible staff and volunteers! Just scrolling through my Facebook wall is overwhelming and brings back so many memories. I inherited a ministry that was well staffed both from paid staff and volunteers; a place where kids were valued and where there was freedom to be creative and try new things. It was nice to start a ministry that wasn’t “on fire” and be able to build upon a solid foundation. Here are some of the highlights for me from the past year: We started with “POOF” – a meet the new Kids Pastor magic show that was a lot of fun! Relaunching children’s church as The Outpost and teaming up with some amazingly creative volunteers to bring a whole new level of large group learning filled with time machines, Minecraft portals, fun green screen videos, puppets and more! Launching The Outpost Crew and getting kids involved in leadership! Making videos with them!…

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Judging Books by Their Covers

You know the old saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover”? Well, I disagree! I often judge books by their covers. In fact, I not only judge them – I learn from them! One of my favorite things to do when I visit a bookstore is to get some leadership training from the book titles alone. Now, don’t get me wrong, I think the books may be great, and filled with some amazing tips and wisdom, but often, the title alone is food enough for thought. On a recent trip I spent some time in a Barnes and Nobles and couldn’t help thinking how helpful the book titles were… and I didn’t need to spend a dime! Here is a small collection of the book titles I saw, and learned from. And I’m a better leader for it! Sure, you can google any of these book titles and buy them, but here is what I learned or was reminded of, just from the covers! These are in no special order, simply the order in which I took the pictures… Ministry can pull us in many directions – they may all be GOOD directions, but it is critical that we…

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Back from my 47th CPC!

I just got back from attending my 47th consecutive Children’s Pastor’s Conference! I never miss one because it is the ideal place for furthering my kidmin training, for networking with other leaders and resource providers, for getting encouragement from and being challenged by the best speakers and worship leaders of the day, and for hanging out with hundreds of others who love reaching and teaching kids for Jesus! CLICK TO WATCH! If you didn’t catch it online already, my faithful puppet pal, Wilbur, provided a LIVE TOUR of the CPC Resource Center featuring KidCheck, Protect My Ministry, JumpStart3, Science VBS, and many of the other great resources that were on display. In just a few weeks, I’ll be in California for CPC 2-Day… perhaps I’ll see you there! Because Jesus Loves Children, Pastor Karl Bastian The Kidologist

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What Makes a Ministry Successful?

There is no shortage of books or online articles on success – but what does success look like in Children’s Ministry? You’ll be glad to know the keys to success in kidmin are free. They don’t require a big budget or a specific resource. Budgets and resources can help, but don’t be fooled by thinking they are the key. In fact, they can at times lead you away from real success. So how do you measure success? What are the Four Secrets to a successful children’s ministry? A Successful Children’s Ministry Must Be: Child Centered. God loves every child, and therefore we accept them and love them, just the way they are. Children who need special attention are lovingly welcomed. Our environments are kid-friendly, engaging, and educational. Our volunteers strive to understand a child’s perspective and to make the message of Christianity relevant to the life of a child. We have fun, but it is fun with a purpose! Therefore, our teaching is creative and engaging and connects with the world of kids in order to help them connect with God. “To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so…

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Have You Heard of The Gathering?

Have you heard of The Gathering? I recently got to hang out with Michelle Anthony at a conference, and was excited to learn more about this amazing event called The Gathering! I can’t make it this year, but I’ve penciled it in for the following year! My friends Greg Baird, Keith Ferrin and others will be there with the goal of pouring into YOU! This is a conference focused on spiritual formation and family ministry. You’ll be given the chance to collaborate with other ministry leaders and leave with practical ideas you can use right away in your church! You can choose from 2 locations, Costa Mesa, CA and Chicago, IL. But don’t wait to register…seating is limited. Come be inspired, refreshed and renewed at The Gathering! You’ll be glad you did! LEARN MORE:

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