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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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PRE-ORDER The Kidmin Covenant – It Will Change Your Life

Be the FIRST to get my new book – but it’s more than just a new book, it is a Reflective Guide for Children’s Pastors – and I believe has the potential to change your life. Kids Ministry is HARD. Harder than most understand. It is the largest administrative job – second only to Lead Pastor, as it shares all the roles of a pastor, teaching, team-building, administration, but also usually manages the largest number of volunteer staff, number of weekly classes and programs, and minutia of other details most never even know about. The secret to survival lies not in more admin tricks, new apps, a bigger budget or more resources and volunteers – the secret to thriving lies within the Character of the Leader. To be outwardly fruitful, you must be inwardly healthy. I wrote these 12 Kidmin Covenant Commitments first only for myself – phrases that will keep me healthy and on track. There are many traps that leaders face that can derail them. But I honestly believe if you adapt these Kidmin Covenant Commitments to your life and ministry, you will do more than survive in ministry, you will THRIVE. This isn’t just a book, it…

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10 Reasons to Send Your Kids to Camp

Ten Reasons You Should Send Your Kid to Camp          And One Reason You Might Want to Go, Too! By Pastor Karl Bastian, Kidology.org   There’s something almost magical about summer camp. The crackling campfire, the chorus of frogs at night, the sound of kids laughing as they run between cabins and canoes. But it’s not just the scenery or the s’mores that make camp so valuable—it’s what happens in kids while they’re at camp. If you’ve been on the fence about sending your child to summer camp, here are ten compelling reasons to make it happen this year. It’s more than just a break for them (and maybe for you)—it’s an investment in their heart, their mind, their friendships, and their faith. 1. Camp gets kids into God’s creation. In our digital world, kids are constantly surrounded by screens. Camp pulls the plug—literally—and immerses them in God’s handiwork. From towering trees to twinkling stars, nature has a way of pointing us back to the Creator. As Romans 1:20 reminds us, “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made…” When kids hike a trail,…

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Kidmin Covenant #11: Leading While Healthy

Order the New Kidmin Covenant Reflective Guide, companion to the Kidmin Covenant series. I want to look back on my ministry one day and know I served faithfully—not perfectly, but faithfully. I want to know I lived and led in a way that honored Jesus and shaped lives for eternity. This covenant is my roadmap for that kind of life. Rooted in Scripture and refreshed by grace, it keeps me focused on becoming the kind of leader who pleases the Lord and bears lasting fruit. Covenant Commitment #11: I will honor rest as a gift from God, not as an afterthought—because rest is part of faithfulness. Let’s admit it—ministry never really ends. There’s always another email to answer, another supply to prep, another idea to chase, another Sunday coming. And in a world that glorifies hustle, rest can feel like a luxury—or worse, laziness. But Scripture tells a different story. Exodus 20:8–10 commands us: “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy… On it you shall not do any work.” Rest isn’t optional—it’s one of God’s top ten. And it wasn’t just for ancient Israel. God built the rhythm of rest into creation itself. He worked six days and rested…

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Kidmin Covenant #10: Sharing the Spotlight

Order the New Kidmin Covenant Reflective Guide, companion to the Kidmin Covenant series. Every child I minister to is watching more than they’re listening. They’re learning how to follow Jesus not just from what I say—but from how I live. That’s why this covenant matters. It helps me lead from authenticity. If I want to help kids grow into healthy disciples, I must be one myself. These commitments help ensure I’m modeling a faith worth following. Kidmin Covenant #10: I will pass on any praise I receive to those who helped, inspired, guided or assisted, and ultimately to Jesus. One of the subtle dangers in ministry is letting praise stick. When someone says, “That event was amazing!” or “You’re so good with kids!”—it feels great. And it’s okay to receive encouragement. But as ministry leaders, we need to treat praise like a relay baton, not a trophy. It’s meant to be passed on, not held onto. 1 Corinthians 3:6–7 keeps our perspective in check: “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God…”We may have played a part, but…

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