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Introducing KarlBastian.club

🚨 BIG NEWS! I’m launching something brand new just for Kidmin leaders — and YOU could be one of the first to join! 🎉 I am only posting in a few places for friends and colleagues to know before the big public launch this fall, so you can be in at the beginning. It’s my Personal Coaching Community — a place for ideas, encouragement, resources, and real support from me direct to you – a leader in the trenches. And if you’re one of the First 50 to join you’ll get 30% off for LIFE with code FIRST50. 👀💥 This is your exclusive backstage pass to my new Kidmin Toolbox — come see what’s inside! 🧰💡 👉 http://www.KarlBastian.club (Trust me. You’re gonna like what you find.)

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Kidmin Covenant #12: Real Success is Obedience

Order the New Kidmin Covenant Reflective Guide, companion to the Kidmin Covenant series. One day, we’ll all stand before Jesus—not as leaders, organizers, or storytellers—but simply as servants. What will matter most won’t be the size of our programs or the polish of our presentations. It will be whether we were faithful with what He gave us. This covenant is my way of making sure I keep that day in mind. I want to lead in a way that pleases Him—not just in what I do, but in why and how I do it. Covenant Commitment #12: I will measure success by obedience, not by numbers or applause. Ministry is filled with metrics—attendance numbers, salvations, volunteers recruited, events pulled off, crafts completed without glitter explosions. It’s easy to start defining success by these visible outcomes. And while numbers can be helpful indicators, they were never meant to be the measuring stick of faithfulness. God’s view of success is radically different. In 1 Samuel 15:22, the prophet Samuel tells Saul, “To obey is better than sacrifice.” Saul had results. He had the people’s approval. But he didn’t obey God fully—and it cost him everything. That verse reminds us that impressive outcomes…

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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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