All Episodes - Kidmin Talk
Kidmin Talk is a weekly look at the world of children's ministry, hosted by Karl Bastian, the Kidologist at Kidology.org
View Podcast Details100 Episodes
Kidmin Talk #141 - August 6th, 2020
Could COVID be the BEST thing that ever happened to your children's ministry? It all depends on your attitude! Jesus promised us that in this world we would face tribulation - but He also promised that He would overcome this world! Pastor Karl shares five things we can focus on to make this challenging season of ministry a BLESSING rather than a curse.
Kidmin Talk #140 - July 19th, 2020
Ministry is hard. Especially these days. What are the characteristics a leader must possess to survive over the long haul? How do you avoid burn out? What will keep you going when the going gets tough? What sets leaders apart from those who don't last long or quit when it gets difficult? How do you keep going when you face overwhelming challenges? Why do some keep going when most fizzle out? Find out from a leader who has stuck with it for decades even through very hard times. In the midst of Covid-19, it's a timely message.
Kidmin Talk #139 - June 28th, 2020
If you are feeling discouraged by declining engagement online, weary of the shutdown even as you are excited about reopening, you could be measuring success wrong. Pastor Karl has an encouraging message for you in this podcast, plus updates on virtual VBS, Flat Pastors, and more! Tune in and get some fresh wind in your sails!
Kidmin Talk #138 - June 14th, 2020
Don't focus on re-opening! Focus instead on STARTING OVER. Pastor Karl, founder of Kidology.org lays out a challenge as we transition from closed churches to re-opening.
Kidmin Talk #137 - May 27th, 2020
Pastor Karl talks about the reopening of churches, training volunteers, and 7 ways to make kids feel loved.
Kidmin Talk #136 - May 18th, 2020
Kidmin Talk #136 - Types of Puppets! In this new era of filming, many are getting into puppetry. In this video from his Master Class, Pastor Karl shows the types of puppets you can use.
Kidmin Talk #135 - April 27th, 2020
Pastor Karl, founder of Kidology.org, answers questions about what's next for kidmin with COVID-19?
Kidmin Talk #134 - April 6th, 2020
Pastor Karl Bastian interviews Jeff McCullough, a "Musicianary" who has created an incredible interactive Scripture Music Tool to get families movin' and groovin' to Scripture while cooped up inside!
Kidmin Talk #133 - March 28th, 2020
With churches not meeting in person right now, Pastor Karl Bastian and Craig Wilson discuss the Who, Where, When, What, Why and HOW to host Zoom Events with your kids.
Kidmin Talk #132 - March 19th, 2020
Pastor Karl Bastian, Children's Pastor at Highpoint Church in Aurora, Colorado, and founder of Kidology.org, shares what his church is doing to continue to minister in the midst of a time when churches are being asked not to gather in large groups.
Kidmin Talk #131 - March 16th, 2020
In the midst of the COVID-19 crisis hitting America and even preventing churches from meeting, Pastor Karl provides practical tips and reminders on how we can truly minister to people even when we can't gather in person.
Kidmin Talk #130 - March 9th, 2020
The best teachers are those who know how to use questions effectively. On this episode Pastor Karl reveals the 3 types of questions, which are used the most and shouldn't be, which are used the least and should be use more often, and then provides 10 Tips for using questions - including a final awesome one! There is no question you should listen now!
Kidmin Talk #129 - March 2nd, 2020
Pastor Karl shares ideas on leading games while introducing a brand new resource on Kidology, called "88 Games with 8 Objects."
Kidmin Talk #128 - February 24th, 2020
The Best of Both Worlds. The fun of kids ministry, the depth of adult ministry - you get both ministering to youth. Pastor Karl stepped up to lead the student ministry for six months between youth pastors at his church. He shares what he learned, plus his insights on strategic youth ministry.
Kidmin Talk #127 - February 11th, 2020
Easter is coming! How do you plan effective outreach events? Pastor Karl Bastian shares insights from his EGGstravaganza Easter event at his church, and reveals his new book, A Bright Idea.
Kidmin Talk #126 - February 3rd, 2020
Stanley Mearse joins Karl Bastian again to talk recruiting volunteers when it seems impossible. How do you add more workers when the ministry is in crisis?
Kidmin Talk #125 - January 21, 2020
Kidmin Talk 125 - CPC review, Family Ministry Workshop Summary, Kids Follow Up Tool and more! Sponsored by My Brand New Life follow-up booklet - Kidology.org/mybrandnewlife
Kidmin Talk #124 - December 19th, 2019
Kidminism - We never grow alone or in a vacuum! Starting in 2020, Pastor Karl will be leading a series of Master Classes to help you take your personal development as well as your ministry to the next level beginning with a course in January titled, "Thriving in Ministry". Learn more in this video sponsored by The Visual Bible from Zonderkidz.com
Kidmin Talk #123 - December 13th, 2019
Kidmin Talk #123 - The Nativity Challenge! A new Christmas Game from Pastor Karl Bastian. Sponsored by The Jesus Storybook Bible from Zonderkidz.com
Kidmin Talk #122 - October 29th, 2019
Christmas is Coming! Pastor Karl Bastian, aka The Kidologist, is snowed in and getting in the mood for Christmas! What is he teaching this year? Find out! You can use it too! FREE Christmas Clue Hunt to a winner, find out how and more helpful updates and insights to Equip and Encourage YOU!
Kidmin Talk #121 - October 23rd, 2019
In this 121st episode of Kidmin Talk, Pastor Karl Bastian provides six principles for impacting every child on Sunday. Also, Karl offers an insiders review of KidCheck, the premiere children's ministry check-in system.
Kidmin Talk #120 - October 16th, 2019
Karl Bastian, founder of Kidology.org, shares a musical outreach tool, a crazy object lesson, updates on conferences he'll be at and his first Kidology Kidmism. Listen to be Equipped and Encouraged!
Kidmin Talk #110 - September 4th, 2018
As Kidmin Talk hits episode #110, Karl is launching an ALL NEW video format. It's now a video show. Listen to learn more!
Kidmin Talk #109 - August 24th, 2018
Preteens don't just learn differently, they think differently. Sean Sweet from fourfivesix.org believes they need the space to discover and the power to make choices in order to learn best and make genuine decisions that will last a life time. In the latest Kidmin Talk episode, Sean joins Karl Bastian, host of KidminTalk.com and founder of Kidology.org to discuss Preteen Ministry. What it is? Why focus specifically on this age group? What does it looks like? And, how do you launch a preteen ministry?
Kidmin Talk #108 - June 30th, 2018
Stressed about your ministry? The issue is the word "your." It's NOT your ministry, it's God's. Time to give it back and watch your stress evaporate! Karl Bastian, aka, The Kidologist from Kidology.org challenges you to give your ministry back to God and shares some stories illustrating how amazing it can be!
Kidmin Talk #107 - June 10th, 2018
Preschool Ministry is Important! Learn three secrets to making your early childhood ministry more fun and effective!
Kidmin Talk #106 - May 6th, 2018
Have you ever been scared by a display of love? Pastor Karl shares a story of a time his mother's love terrified him... but in a good way. What is ferocious love? Does God love us with a ferocious love? Karl thinks He does!
Kidmin Talk #105 - April 15th, 2018
Pastor Karl asks, "What would they do if you weren't there?" Seriously. While our first reaction may be that the ministry would go under quickly, the reality is there are likely things we are doing that are completely optional. Good things, that we actually could skip and no one would notice. If ministry is eating into personal and family time you may need to consider this important question.
Kidmin Talk #104 - March 1st, 2018
Pastor Karl Bastian, founder of Kidology.org is joined again by veteran kids pastor Craig Wilson to discuss priorities when you are starting over at a new church. In this third of a three part series, Karl and Craig discuss the importance of inspiring and exciting your volunteers about the future. It is vision casting time!
Kidmin Talk #103 - December 28th, 2017
Pastor Karl Bastian, founder of Kidology.org is joined again by veteran kids pastor Craig Wilson to discuss priorities when you are starting over at a new church. In this second of a three part series, Karl and Craig discuss the importance of early wins as you build momentum in your new ministry.
Kidmin Talk #102 - November 10th, 2017
Pastor Karl Bastian, founder of Kidology.org is joined by veteran kids pastor Craig Wilson to discuss priorities when you are starting over at a new church. In this first of a three part series, Karl and Craig discuss the aspect of Listen and Learning as you begin a new ministry.
Kidmin Talk #101 - September 16th, 2017
It's a dangerous digital world for kids. As parents and children's ministry leaders, we need to keep our kids safe. There are many tools available today to keep kids safe. Alex Smith, president of KidCheck and father of five, joins Karl to discuss this topic. Lots of helpful ideas are the result!
Kidmin Talk #100 - August 11th, 2017
Let's Celebrate! It is Kidmin Talk #100! It was recorded LIVE via Facebook Live and is now here with show notes. Karl talks timeless truth versus fads and provides his second week report as a new children's pastor!
Kidmin Talk #099 - August 4th, 2017
Pastor Karl Bastian reports, via Facebook Live, at the end of his first week as a new children's pastor at a church in Colorado. What did he do during that first week? What is most important to do at the beginning? Find out! And let him know if you'd like further reports like this!
Kidmin Talk #098 - June 20th, 2017
Karl Bastian, the Kidologist from Kidology.org, invites John Mobley onto the show to have a Kidmin Talk about Creativity! John is known as Johnny Magic in the Indianapolis area and is one of the most creative people Karl knows. If you don't think you are creative - think again! This podcast will give you some practical ideas on how you can unleash your own creativity!
Kidmin Talk #097 - June 13th, 2017
Karl Bastian, aka the Kidologist, from Kidology.org invites Pastor Craig Wilson onto the show to talk about creative ways to reach the kids who don't go to your church. Incredible ministry in church is great - but what about the children who will never walk through your doors? Don't they need to learn about Jesus too? How can you creatively reach them?
Kidmin Talk #096 - June 1st, 2017
Karl Bastian, founder of Kidology.org, is joined by Stanley Mearse, a veteran children's pastor and frequent creative consultant to Karl and contributor to Kidology products. Stanley is super creative and has some great insights on how to Gain, Train and Retain volunteers!
Kidmin Talk #095 - May 1st, 2017
Karl welcome kids pastor Philip Hahn on the show. Like Karl, Philip got his start in kidmin as a child, a kids pastor PK! Both of these guys are passionate about training kids to serve - since they are both in ministry today because they started young! So the topic today is ministry by kids not just to kids!
Kidmin Talk #094 - April 18th, 2017
Kidology invites Canada's Nicki Straza to join Karl Bastian for this episode of Kidmin Talk to discuss how to help kids experience God through our teaching and ministry programming. It's Education vs. Experience.
Kidmin Talk #093 - March 29th, 2017
Karl welcomes Josh Denhart, the creator of Kidmin Science on to the show to discuss how to "lead up" in our ministries. Every leader reports to a leader who oversees them. Learn the secrets of getting what you need from your leader for the benefit of your ministry.
Kidmin Talk #092 - February 23rd, 2017
Special Edition: Karl joined Matt Guevara, executive director of INCM, for a lunch time conversation about VBS and summer outreach during INCM's Web Week.
Kidmin Talk #091 - November 30th, 2016
Karl Bastian is joined on this podcast by two expert communicators. Kidology Coach Barney Kinard and professional magician Johnny Mobley (aka Johnny Magic) were in town for the FCM Conference so Karl sat down with them and asked them to share some insights on how to engage an audience. PLUS, learn about an amazing new School of Magic kit and app from Johnny Magic!
Kidmin Talk #090 - November 23rd, 2016
God works through relationships. He is in the people building business not program development. God is not interested in building your ministry. He is passionately committed to building YOU and building others through you. This is the final keynote in the Awesome Series as we look at our Awesome Community in Kidmin.
Kidmin Talk #089 - November 17th, 2016
We have an Awesome Opportunity - given to us by God to make a real difference not only in our world, but for eternity. Only YOU can do what God has planned for you. We have this incredible opportunity to see God's Plan come to pass! Learn the secret to significance and seeing your life become everything that God planned for you, far in advance!
Kidmin Talk #088 - November 10th, 2016
We serve an Awesome God, and yet, we get overwhelmed and stressed by the challenges of ministry. The struggle is ironic, but real. Ironic, because we have the Almighty God of the universe behind us - and yet, we often focus on the obstacles. This podcast will encourage you and help you have a Jedi-like calm as you realize that your big problems are no problem to the God we serve!
Kidmin Talk #087 - November 1st, 2016
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! How do we make Christmas special for kids? This podcast features a BUNCH of ideas to make Christmas special in your children's ministry.
Kidmin Talk #086 - October 25th, 2016
One of your most strategic goals in children's ministry ought to be to Surprise and Delight Parents. Why? Well, you won't have many kids if you don't show parents that you value their kids. Karl shares some helpful tips on what parents are looking for when they visit your children's ministry.
Kidmin Talk #085 - August 18th, 2016
If you are a parent, your primary children's ministry is not at church, but in your home. It doesn't matter what success you have at church if your ministry to your own kids is lacking. Pastor Karl (and Dad) Bastian shares how to reach your child's H.E.A.R.T. so that you can do your best to guide them toward a life-long relationship with Jesus.
Kidmin Talk #084 - May 9th, 2016
Learn what tech Pastor Karl uses to keep on top of a busy children's ministry. To survive in kidmin leadership, you MUST become a master of administration, organization and management - even if those aren't your strongest areas. Karl shares six techy tools that help him stay on top of the daily demands!
Kidmin Talk #083 - April 19th, 2016
It doesn't take long as a kidmin leader to figure out that children's ministry isn't all fun and games. In fact, it can be downright discouraging. How do you keep yourself "up" and be an encouragement to others when you yourself are facing challenges that fight to pull you down. Kids Ministry isn't for wimps... let Pastor Karl share some secrets to survival in children's ministry.
Kidmin Talk #082 - December 22nd, 2015
As we head into a New Year, learn the powerful secret to making your dreams and goals come true in the months ahead. We all want to improve and be better at who we are and what we do - this podcast will empower you to do just that!
Kidmin Talk #081 - November 30th, 2015
One of the basic responsibilities of a children's ministry leader or teacher is to equip children to use their Bibles. Long after we are gone, the Bible will be available to help kids, if we have trained them to use it. In this podcast gain some practical ideas for making the Bible exciting to kids!
Kidmin Talk #080 - October 30th, 2015
What can Kidmin's learn from the Saga of Star Wars? Surprisingly, because of it's massive success, Star Wars almost didn't happen. George Lucas stuck to a vision he had, despite incredible odds, and prevailed. The rest is history. What is the lesson for us who lead kids ministires?
Kidmin Talk #079 - May 5th, 2015
Ministry is exhausting - it is draining - it is hectic and dangerous to the soul of those who seek to minister to others. Like a sponge that needs regular refilling in order to pour out, Karl shares three "secrets" to keeping spiritually F.I.T. They are lessons often learned the hard way - you'll be challenged and quipped to get refilled again!
Kidmin Talk #078 - April 14th, 2015
Learn how to become an amazing story teller through practical tips and sample stories you will love! Also, get in early on Karl's new Minecraft World your kids can play in.
Kidmin Talk #077 - February 24th, 2015
Karl reveals 10 Practical Tips for connecting with kids. Learn the secrets of forming meaningful friendships with kids so you can have a lasting impact while seeing your effectiveness as a teacher improve.
Kidmin Talk #076 - January 29th, 2015
By popular demand, Gus is back as Karl shares "The Three Secrets" for being an effective teacher/minister to kids. Apply these, and something amazing will happen soon in your kidmin!
Kidmin Talk #075 - November 25th, 2014
Karl shares some of his secrets for connecting with kids as they arrive at church using humor, props and strategic questions.
Kidmin Talk #074 - November 7th, 2014
Kids ask the craziest questions! Karl shares two stories of kids stumping him. One where a kid caught him teaching something unbiblical that you probably are too! And another who had a question the whole pastor staff couldn't answer, but a NASCAR fan could! Be reminded of the importance of encouraging kids to challenge us!
Kidmin Talk #073 - October 8th, 2014
After two months of podcast silence Karl returns with an update on Kidology.org's 20th birthday and other news and updates for his faithful podcast listeners, and also asks for some input on podcast format. Listen in!
Kidmin Talk #072 - August 4th, 2014
Karl interviews Gerald Hinson, creator of the amazing new David vs. Goliath App from RighteousTales.com - learn about this incredible new iPad app for kids as well as tips for using the iPad for engaging kids at church. Features a special guest appearance by Karl's eight year old son, Luke.
Kidmin Talk #071 - July 21st, 2014
Karl shares what apps he uses to make ministry easier and more effective with an iPad; from management to volunteer encouragement to child security to connecting with kids. This is the age of iMinistry!
Kidmin Talk #070 - June 30th, 2014
Karl dropped by Awana Headquarters to sit down with Michael Scarbrough to get the "inside scoop" on some new and exciting changes happening at Awana. You'll learn Awana is more of a global mission than merely a club ministry and how your church can benefit from Awana.
Kidmin Talk #069 - May 9th, 2014
Children's Evangelist Barney Kinard joins Karl to talk about practical methods and tips for leading kids to Jesus as well as questions and issues around this central topic.
Kidmin Talk #068 - April 15, 2014
Recruiting is an ever present duty of kidmin leaders and so a popular topic. But you'll have a lot less recruiting to do if you discover the secrets of RETAINING the volunteers you already have. Karl provided proven tips to keeping volunteers so you won't have as many empty spots to fill.
Kidmin Talk #067 - March 18, 2014
Minister like Jesus - intentionally disciple some kids one on one. Not sure how? Karl offers very practical suggestions from what to do when you meet, how to be effective, and suggests resources to help.
Kidmin Talk #066 - February 7, 2014
We get into kids ministry because we love kids and relate well with them, but often this can lead to being misunderstood by adults - even alienating us from the relationships we need with our peers. How can we balance being childlike with not appearing childish? Learn some tips on connecting with adults while being immersed in the world of kids!
Kidmin Talk #065 - January 7th, 2014
Karl concludes his series from the Engage Children Conference with tips on how to engage children. We do a lot of talking about children in kids ministry - but at the end of the day (and the end of our lives!) it will be how we engaged children that will ultimately matter. Jesus demonstrated talking less and being with kids.
Kidmin Talk #064 - December 16th, 2013
As America reacts to another school shooting, Karl invites Wayne Stocks to the show to discuss ministry to kids of divorce. It has been noted that most school shooters have been children of divorce - are we doing enough to reach out to these troubled kids?
Kidmin Talk #063 - December 4th, 2013
Karl continues his series from the Engage Children Conference with the importance of engaging leaders, with practical insights on how to enlist, equip, empower and encourage your volunteers and leaders so that you can survive and thrive in ministry. Volunteers and leaders alike need to DO LESS and ask others for help!
Kidmin Talk #062 - Nov. 16th, 2013
Keynote address from the Engage Children Conference. Before we can engage children, Karl talks candidly about the need to engage God and the dangers of busy ministry run without a close walk with God.
Kidmin Talk #061 - October 23, 2013
The #1 topic often requested in kidmin is "recruiting." Why? It is a job we never seem to be done doing. Karl offers a "Game Plan" for recruiting that will help make your job easier! Yes, recruiting CAN be easier and "funner!"
Kidmin Talk #060 - September 12th, 2013
Karl speaks via Skype to a classroom at Multnomah University who are enrolled in "Ministry to Children" discussing the Four Pillars of Children's Ministry and a Q and A at the end.
Kidmin Talk #059 - September 4, 2013
Kids love to have fun! Here are some easy and practical tips that will make you a leader kids love and can't wait to see again.
Kidmin Talk #058 - August 13, 2013
New to Kidmin? Looking for a checklist for prepping for the fall? Karl covers what you should be doing as you get ready for a great fall ministry launch!
Kidmin Talk #057 - July 27, 2013
Karl Bastian answers some Q and A's on a range of questions from Kidmin Talk listeners. Questions on vision, teen training, curriculum writing and the importance of Big Church. Tune in!
Kidmin Talk #056 - June 18, 2013
Summer is here and numbers are down; discouragement can set in. Instead, Karl suggests this can be the time for the most effective Jesus-style ministry!
Kidmin Talk #055 - June 5, 2013
Karl talks about Yosemite Summit, a lesson from Steve Jobs on implementing vision when faced with internal opposition, and some sneak peeks into Awana/Sport Stacking initiative and a new Gospel tool coming!
Kidmin Talk #054 - May 1, 2013
Karl Bastian sits down with Scott Turanski to talk about how children's ministry leaders can be strategic when it comes to Family Ministry.
Kidmin Talk #053 - April 17, 2013
Karl shares an insightful secret on how to plan and strategize your ministry programs and events in a way that will make each and every one purposeful and effective!
Kidmin Talk #052 - April 3rd, 2013
Karl Bastian and Brandon Maddux talk Social Media - Do's, Don'ts, and how to harness it as a tool for ministry.
Kidmin Talk #051 - March 5, 2013
Karl provides tips on how to plan ahead, looking not only at what you'll teach, but also defining your goals for the lives of the kids you oversee.
Kidmin Talk #050 - February 12, 2013
Karl chats with Kidology Coach Barney Kinard about how leaders can get "unstuck" and move ministry forward.
Kidmin Talk #049 - February 5th, 2013
Karl talks about how to have KIDS run your kids church and why it is so important to train kids to run your children's ministry, it is disciple-making at it's best.
Kidmin Talk #048 - January 24th, 2013
Karl Bastian, the Kidologist, is back from his 41st CPC and reports on his top findings at this premier children's ministry conference. What was new? What was cool? What did you miss?
Kidmin Talk #047 - January 14, 2013
Karl talks about the power of the introductory speech in teaching... plus Teaching Ingredients! Why do talk show hosts and comics use this technique? Why should you?
Kidmin Talk #046 - December 11th, 2012
Karl challenges kidmin teachers and leaders to find ways to bring the Bible back to the center of their ministries and teaching with some practical tips.
Kidmin Talk #045 - December 4, 2012
Karl shares practical tips on how to set a positive mood for learning in your classroom!
Kidmin Talk #044 - November 26th, 2012
Karl starts a series on the Kids Church Cookbook with what it means to be a Chef of God's Word.
Kidmin Talk #043 - November 16th, 2012
Karl expresses thanks and gives tips on how to T.H.A.N.K. your volunteers.
Kidmin Talk #042 - October 25th, 2012
Stuck in a Rut? Looking for something new? How do you decide what to keep and what to quit? If variety is the spice of life, how to keep your ministry fresh and renewed?
Kidmin Talk #041 - October 2, 2012
Karl, author of the My Awesome Adventure discipleship series, discusses how to disciple kids in a one-on-one setting.
Kidmin Talk #040 - September 19, 2012
Learn how to approach children's ministry as "cross cultural ministry" in this classic Kidology workshop.
Kidmin Talk #039 - August 29th, 2012
You've pulled off you're BIG EVENT - now, how do you get the new families who visited to come back to the church again? You need to build a B.R.I.D.G.E!
Kidmin Talk #038 - August 14, 2012
We talk with KidCheck's Alex Smith about child security and how churches can keep kids safe.
Kidmin Talk #037 - July 31st, 2012
The Simplest Thing in Ministry is the Hardest Thing to Do.
Kidmin Talk #036 - July 10, 2012
Karl suggests what he believes is THE most important thing we can impart to kids in the short time we have to minister to them.
Kidmin Talk #035 - July 3, 2012
Walk through the steps to rebooting yourself, your surroundings, and your staff in 1 week!
Kidmin Talk #034 - June 7, 2012
Learn how to get a full extra week off... with pay!
Kidmin Talk #033 - May 29, 2012
Learn the best-kept secret for moving your leadership from ho-hum to WOW!