A Mother’s Birthday Legacy

Happy Birthday, Mom Celebrating Patti Eileen Bastian: A Legacy of Faith and Joy Today marks the birthday of my incredible mom, Patti Eileen Bastian. Though cancer took her from us far too soon, (1996, age 53) her impact on my life and countless others remains immeasurable. She was not only my mom but also my first mentor and the reason I dedicated my life to children’s ministry. Her unwavering belief in my potential and her passion for making faith fun and engaging have become the foundation of my life’s work. As a young boy, I once told my mom that I wanted to be a children’s evangelist “when I grew up.” Without hesitation, she replied, “Why wait until you grow up? You can start this week!” True to her word, she helped me write my first lesson and encouraged me to turn my magic tricks into object lessons. Next, she found a puppet at a thrift store, gave it to me and suggested I use it to do announcements at our weekly kids’ club. “Harry Jinkle, my first puppet, became the first of many, sparking a love for creativity that still drives me today. Mom was a master of seeing…

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The Story of Kidology Continues in 2025!

The Story of Kidology: From Internet Beginnings to a Global Ministry In 1994, the Internet was still a mystery to most people. There was no eBay, PayPal, YouTube, or Google, and Amazon had just barely launched. It was that year during Christmas break while discipling a tech-savvy kid that I was introduced to this new digital frontier. My first website featured a space-themed background of stars with Star Wars images and movie sound bites. Discovering Community Online My second webpage, “Kingdom Karl,” was a quirky idea for connecting people who spelled “Karl” with a “K.” To my surprise, the site attracted nine members, half from Germany! This early project opened my eyes to the internet’s global reach, even in its infancy. It was exciting to connect with others who shared my interests, and I quickly realized the internet’s potential to bring people together. As I marveled at the possibilities, I felt God nudging me to use this tool for my life’s mission: “To reach and teach as many children as possible with the Good News of God’s love and to enlist, equip, and encourage others to do the same.” Introducing: The Object Lesson Zone Inspired by my Life Mission, I…

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Make Table Talkers a Part of Your 2025 Family Ministry Strategy!

  In today’s fast-paced world, finding time for meaningful family moments around the table seems nearly impossible. Between school, sports, work, and tech distractions, many families struggle to connect — not only with each other but also with God’s Word. That’s why Kidology.org created Family Table Talkers, an easy-to-use, reproducible tool designed to help families disconnect from their screens and reconnect with each other and God. These conversation starters are perfect for busy families who may not have the time for daily devotions but still want to make mealtime matter.   Each month, your Family Table Talker provides a theme, a motto, a memory verse, goofy games, chat prompts to foster fun and faith-filled discussions, and even a family challenge to put their faith into action. With over 40 different topics to choose from, ministry leaders can easily align them with their curriculum or seasonal focuses. Plus, All Access Members can download the current Table Talker for FREE each month! Whether you’re looking to kickstart family conversations or give them a practical way to incorporate spiritual growth into everyday life, Table Talkers are the perfect solution. Families will love the simple, engaging format that turns ordinary meals into moments of…

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The Story of Three Trees (God’s Trees)

I can still remember being the Lumberjack in the Sunday School Christmas Play and watching my mom direct the play. Her clipboard in one hand and her flashlight in the other, she guided the children through their different roles at rehearsals until the Big Night, when we performed the play for the entire church. Of course, my favorite part was the Cookie Reception after the play! Of all the plays she wrote and directed, my favorite was the one where she took the simple story of God’s Trees and transformed it into a Christmas Play. I still feel a little bad being one of the lumberjacks who cut down the trees, but in the end, each of the Three Trees did their part to point people to Jesus. That’s why it was such a special and memorable experience for me to recreate this story — as my mom told it — and create this tool for you, so that you can share it just as she did and tell the Christmas Story like few kids have heard it before. The Story of God’s Trees provides three unique methods to present this timeless tale: A Story Script for reading aloud and…

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Kid’s Pastor Seeking Lead Pastor, Apply Today

Kid’s Pastor Seeking Lead Pastor, Apply Today By Kid’s Pastor, Karl Bastian When churches post job listings for children’s pastors, they often include detailed descriptions of the role, the expectations, and the qualities they’re looking for in their next hire. But have you ever thought about flipping the script? What if a children’s pastor could post a listing for the kind of lead pastor they’d like to work for? Let’s take a fun and insightful dive into what such a listing might look like and explore the biblical principles behind it. Position:                 Lead Pastor Job Description:        Leading and supporting a thriving children’s ministry by embodying the following qualities. Values and Prioritizes Children A kid’s pastor is looking for a lead pastor who takes Matthew 19:14 to heart: “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” This pastor understands that children are not just future members of the church—they are an integral part of the Body of Christ TODAY. They recognize that a church that prioritizes its children’s ministry is not only following Jesus’ example but also laying the groundwork for a vibrant, growing congregation.…

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