Let’s be honest. Kids Ministry is TOUGH. Yes, it is full of joy, but it seems equally loaded with challenges. There are moments of laughter, life-changing conversations, and the privilege of guiding kids toward Jesus. But there are also long days, unexpected hurdles, and seasons where things don’t go the way we hoped. And if we’re honest, in those tough moments, it’s easy to slip into ‘If only…’ thinking. If only I had more money… If only I had more workers… If only I had more support from parents… If only I had more space… If only my pastor understood kids’ ministry better… If only I h ..read more

Have you ever wanted to UNPLUG from the hectic busy pace of ministry life? That is the entire point of Yosemite Summit. It is a week where you are unplugged in every sense of the word. No computer, no e-mail, no phone calls, no work, no deadlines, no ’emergencies’, no pressure. Better than a day off spent catching up on personal things – it is a complete break for the sake of complete rest and renewal. I was once told by a very wise mentor, “Karl, you need to stop being a human doing, and learn to become a human being.” That is what Yosemite Summit is all about. It is an annual cessation of ac ..read more

Abraham Lincoln is a name that evokes respect and admiration, not just in the annals of American history, but in hearts across the world. His story is one of humble beginnings, perseverance, and a steadfast commitment to the value of all people. Born into poverty, Lincoln lost his mother at the tender age of nine. His access to formal education was limited, yet his hunger for knowledge was insatiable. By candlelight, he read borrowed books, teaching himself everything from law to leadership. Despite immense personal struggles and countless setbacks, he rose to become the 16th President of the ..read more

When I was in seventh grade, my dad made a decision that would profoundly shape my faith and my understanding of Christianity. He pulled me out of school for a Friday and Saturday seminar called “Six Hours with Josh,” led by evangelist and apologist Josh McDowell. At the time, I didn’t fully grasp the significance of this decision, but looking back, it was one of the most impactful experiences of my life. My dad explained that it was crucial for me, even as a young man, to own my faith—to believe not simply because it was the faith of my parents, but because I had examined it for myself. He to ..read more

Kidology Lab Notes: D.L. Moody – A Life Devoted to Reaching the Lost, Starting with Children Dwight L. Moody is a name that stands tall in the history of evangelism. Known for leading immense revival meetings on both sides of the Atlantic, Moody brought tens of thousands to faith in Christ during the 19th century. His legacy includes the founding of significant institutions like the YMCA, Moody Church, Moody Bible Institute, and Moody Press, each a testament to his tireless devotion to spreading the Gospel. Yet, despite all his remarkable achievements, at the end of his life, Moody reflected w ..read more

“The measure of a life, after all, is not its duration, but its donation.” – Corrie ten Boom When I was a child, one of the stories I learned in Sunday School that stuck with me for life was the story of Corrie ten Boom. I remember sitting in a circle with my classmates, listening intently as my mom shared how a seemingly ordinary woman became a hero of the faith. It wasn’t because she had superhuman strength or wealth or status, but because she trusted in God no matter the cost. Even as a young child, I was struck by her courage, her unwavering belief in doing what was right, and her incredib ..read more

Tina Houser is one of the most creative and prolific content creators I have ever known. But more than that, she reflects Kidology’s mission more than anyone else I’ve known. My passion in life is to BOTH “Equip and Encourage,” those who minister to children, and that is exactly what Tina does – constantly. I can’t even count how many times Tina has sent me a kind note of encouragement out of the blue. Often, as an author, I’ll ask people for a quote or endorsement of a book or resource to help promote it – but with Tina, she was constantly reaching out to me to send a compliment or word of en ..read more

You teach a little by what you say. You teach most by what you are. – Henrietta Mears We minister today on the shoulders of those who came before us. There are leaders who paved the way, set an example and inspire us to devote our lives to the evangelization and education of children. My mother will always be my greatest influence in children’s ministry – but a woman who had a profound impact on my mom was Henrietta Mears, and so by extension, my ministry is a continuation of the ministry soil she broke, sowed and watered. Let me tell you about her – because whether you realize it or not ..read more

Kidology Lab Notes: Albert Einstein: From Curious Child to World-Changing Physicist Albert Einstein is widely regarded as one of the greatest scientific minds in history. His name is synonymous with groundbreaking theories, profound discoveries, and a legacy that continues to inspire generations. However, before he became a household name as the physicist who developed the Theory of Relativity and won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921, Einstein was a curious, unconventional child whose early experiences profoundly shaped his later achievements. His story not only offers insights into the deve ..read more

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 ..read more