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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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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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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? 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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If you are in Southern California, I invite you to join me at the Children’s Ministry Servants Conference March 27 and 28, 2015. I’m excited about this conference because it reminds me so much of the Kidology University conferences I did for ten years (15 events in three states!) and the spirit behind them that was exactly why I did those. The founder of the event, Stef, wrote: The vision for Children’s Ministry Servants Conference was born out of my own experience in Children’s Ministry. I was “thrown into” CM without any training, when I think of that now, I cringe. I decided that no one should ever experience what I did those first few years of leading the ministry. After prayer and conversation with the senior pastor, we decided that this would be a good thing to offer others. So in 1999 our first conference took place. This year will mark our 16th anniversary. The theme this year is “Passing It On – Reaching the Millennial Generation” Attendees are from non-denominational as well as denominational churches in the So Cal area and nearby states The training team for the conference is as diverse as those who attend it. From…

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