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How to Start a School from SCRATCH!

Concerned about the direction of public schools? Looking to team up with other home school families? Contemplating starting a school on the mission field? Don’t know where to start? Everyone knows the Great Commission which compels us to go into all the world and share the Gospel. What is often forgotten is the second half of that commission, the educational mandate, “teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20a) Yes, we need to reach the lost, and Doug Crowder has been on the front lines of mission work for his entire ministry, but he also understands the need to disciple those who come to Jesus so they can grow and get to the work of the Kingdom. It is critical that we do everything we can to not only teach the Bible, but to do so in a way that transforms lives. In Nehemiah 8:8, we read, “They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read.” But what do you do when there is a need for biblical education and the schools available to help evangelize and educate the…

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Adult Care Provided in the Main Auditorium

Many years ago, at a church I was serving at, an associate pastor did a plug for kids ministry in the Sunday morning announcements. While I always appreciate any recruiting help I can get, the way he expressed the need bothered me. Don’t get me wrong, this was a good pastor and a good friend. His mistake – if it’s even fair to call it a mistake – is a common one. But it still bugged me, because I view children very differently than many other church leaders. What was his offense? He said, “Join Pastor Karl in serving in the Children’s Ministry. After all, kids are the church of tomorrow.” Of course, his statement wasn’t untrue, but it’s hardly why I do children’s ministry and very low on the list of reasons why I recruit others to join me. In fact, I would classify the fact that “kids are the church of tomorrow” as bordering on an irrelevant fact. How could I express to him later, respectfully, that I do not recruit by pitching the value of kids by what they can contribute someday after they grow up? I waited a few days to pray and consider the best…

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“Thank you for that great program!” said no kid ever.

Jesus walked with people. Talked with people. Healed and helped and even hurt with people. While the religious leaders argued over the theological issues of the day, Jesus loved people. As a result, they did learn much from Him – but they didn’t come to Him for knowledge. They came to Him for help. They came to be noticed and loved. Every time I have had to leave a church ministry to follow God’s leading to a new ministry or phase of life, children have always blessed me with their notes, cards, poems, and drawings. But not one of them has ever thanked me for a specific lesson or a program I created or an event I worked so hard to pull off – they only mention personal experiences. If you want to impact kids the way Jesus impacted people, you must master the art of loving people before, during, and after your teaching. READ MORE…  

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Root for the Underdog!

Life made them underdogs. Faith made them champions.  From Kingdom Story Company and The Erwin Brothers—the directors of I CAN ONLY IMAGINE—comes AMERICAN UNDERDOG, based on the inspirational true story of Kurt and Brenda Warner. Undrafted as a quarterback out of college, Kurt found himself stocking shelves in a grocery store to help support Brenda and her two kids, all while trying to hold onto his fading dream of becoming an NFL quarterback. This movie is sure to inspire the dreamer in all of us! Kurt and Brenda Warner’s incredible true story of faith, family, and football was made for the big screen. AMERICAN UNDERDOG is in theaters everywhere. Learn more about the film and watch the official trailer!

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Do As I Say, Not As I Do

Kidology Theorem #26 Several years ago I was serving at a major children’s ministry conference, and as a speaker/exhibitor, I had the opportunity to give out some drawing slips for some really cool prizes the conference was giving away to its attendees. We could give them out any way we wanted, but were encouraged to make it fun. Oh, the things kids pastors would do to get these drawing slips! One fellow came back to our booth seeking another drawing slip and since he had already played our silly game, I decided to go easy on him. He was wearing a t-shirt with a Bible verse on it, so I said, “Close your eyes and tell me the verse on your shirt.” He admitted he had just bought the shirt so he didn’t know the verse. Fair enough, so trying to keep it easy I said, “That’s fine, just quote me John 3:16.” I could tell by the look on his face he had no idea what I was talking about. My intention wasn’t to embarrass him, so I hinted, “For God so loved the world…” His awkward blank expression continued. Now I felt bad, so trying to help him save face I said, “No worries, just…

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