In this scripture-packed and heart-led episode, Karl dives into Kidmin Covenant #4: A Relational Priority—a powerful reminder that in the whirlwind of ministry, people must always come before programs.

Drawing from years of experience and real-life ministry moments, Karl speaks directly to leaders about the eternal impact of relationships and the temptation to let the “urgent” overshadow what’s truly important.

You’ll be challenged to re-evaluate your week, your calendar, and your conversations, and reflect on how relational your leadership really is.

Karl also shares how the Kidmin Covenant Reflective Journal can help you live out this calling with intention.

Plus: a quick encouragement to check out the coaching community over at KarlBastian.club

Share with Kidology.org/kidmintalk211

Kidmin Talk is the Podcast of Pastor Karl Bastian, founder of Kidology.org and host of KidminTalk.com. He is a children’s pastor, speaker and entertainer. His life mission is to Equip and Encourage those who minister to children.

Listen to past editions of this podcast at KidminTalk.com

Send Support via: Buymeacoffee.com/kidologist

MENTIONED ON THE SHOW:

The Kidmin Covenant Journal

KarlBastian.club (Coaching Community)

Josh Denhart's Amazing Chemistry Show

Send Questions or Feedback to Karl via [email protected]

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE and HIT THAT ALERT BUTTON TOO!

Follow Karl:
Blog: Kidologist.com
Twitter: @Kidologist
Instagram: @KarlBastian or @Kidologyorg

Support the show

In Kidmin Talk #210, Karl unpacks Kidmin Covenant #3: A God-Focused Direction, encouraging leaders to begin each day with spiritual alignment—inviting God to lead their steps, not just bless their to-do lists (Proverbs 16:9). He shares insights from the brand-new Reflective Journal that helps leaders process each covenant and grow spiritually.

Karl also honors the life and legacy of Larry Mahan, known as Mr. SONshine, a beloved figure in children’s ministry and gospel magic. You’ll hear stories and encouragement from his memorial and why Larry’s example still impacts leaders today.

Plus, this episode is sponsored by KidCheck, and Karl highlights their newest safety features and why child security matters more than ever.

    Don’t forget to visit:
    – Kidologist.com Blog
    – Mr. SONshine Tribute
    – KidCheck Safety Post
    – KarlBastian.club
    – Donate or Become a Champion

Also mentioned: Xtreme Livin' Series and Xtreme Fruit Games

Have a question or topic for the show? Karl answers every message personally! Email [email protected]

Share with Kidology.org/kidmintalk210

Support the show

Kidmin Talk #209: Kidmin Covenant #2 - Wake, Read, Lead – Starting with The Book

In Part 2 of the Kidmin Covenant series, Pastor Karl unpacks the vital role of God’s Word as the foundation of a healthy children’s ministry. Learn how to keep the Bible central—not just in your teaching, but in how you lead, plan, and live. Discover practical ways to stay anchored in Scripture and guard your ministry from drifting with culture.

PLUS: Stick around for a private invitation to something brand-new coming soon—reach out for exclusive early access before it’s announced!

Share with Kidology.org/kidmintalk209

Kidmin Talk is the Podcast of Pastor Karl Bastian, founder of Kidology.org and host of KidminTalk.com. He is a children’s pastor, speaker and entertainer. His life mission is to Equip and Encourage those who minister to children.

Listen to past editions of this podcast at KidminTalk.com

Send Support via: Buymeacoffee.com/kidologist

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE and HIT THAT ALERT BUTTON TOO!

Follow Karl:
Blog: Kidologist.com
Twitter: @Kidologist
Instagram: @KarlBastian or @Kidologyorg

Kidmin Talk #208: Kidmin Covenant #1 – Prayer

Welcome to a brand-new series on The Kidmin Covenant — the essential commitments for a ministry that pleases God and lasts the test of time. In this first episode, Pastor Karl dives deep into the foundation of it all: Prayer.

Ministry isn’t just about programs and people—it’s about power. And that power comes through prayer. Karl shares how making prayer a non-negotiable part of your personal and ministry life can transform your effectiveness and fuel your calling. You’ll be encouraged, challenged, and equipped with practical ways to deepen your connection with God. Learn the secret to keeping your connection with God open all day long from the moment you wake up, until you complete your day of service to Him.

Because before we lead kids… we need to be listening to Him.

Share with Kidology.org/kidmintalk208

Kidmin Talk is the Podcast of Pastor Karl Bastian, founder of Kidology.org and host of KidminTalk.com. He is a children’s pastor, speaker and entertainer. His life mission is to Equip and Encourage those who minister to children.

Listen to past editions of this podcast at KidminTalk.com

Send Support via: Buymeacoffee.com/kidologist

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE and HIT THAT ALERT BUTTON TOO!

Follow Karl:
Blog: Kidologist.com
Twitter: @Kidologist
Instagram: @KarlBastian or @Kidologyorg

Ministry is rewarding, but let’s be honest — it can also be exhausting and downright discouraging. Have you ever felt overlooked, weary, misunderstood, or even attacked? In this episode of Kidmin Talk, we’re diving into the Kidmin Mandate—our Scriptural call to press on, not for recognition or approval, but because we serve the Lord. Drawing from Scripture and personal experience, Pastor Karl shared how he keeps going when everything inside says, "Quit!" You'll find renewed strength and purpose in your calling. Listen in and be encouraged — your work matters!

Share with Kidology.org/kidmintalk207

Mentioned on the Show Today:

• EGGspectacular Game Show
• High Fivers Camp Curriculum
• Bible Baseball
• Birthday Postcards
• Paper Airplane Fair

Kidmin Talk is the Podcast of Pastor Karl Bastian, founder of Kidology.org and host of KidminTalk.com. He is a children’s pastor, speaker and entertainer. His life mission is to Equip and Encourage those who minister to children.

Listen to past editions of this podcast at KidminTalk.com

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE and HIT THAT ALERT BUTTON TOO!

Follow Karl:
Blog: Kidologist.com
Twitter: @Kidologist
Instagram: @KarlBastian or @Kidologyorg

Feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or under-appreciated in ministry? Wish things were different—more support, more volunteers, more time? In this episode of Kidmin Talk, Pastor Karl Bastian reveals the secrets to BEING the change you’re looking for.

Discover practical strategies to:

- Evaluate where your time is REALLY going
- Let go of things that aren’t making a difference
- Empower others instead of doing it all yourself
- Prioritize people over programs
- Master the 5 “N” Responses every leader needs

Plus, hear about Easter resources, the ALL-NEW Kidology PLUS Membership, and why you need to check out YosemiteSummit.org before it’s too late!

If you’re tired of feeling stuck, this episode is for you. Jesus’ burden is light—so why are we carrying more than we’re meant to?

Listen now and start making the changes you need!

Mentioned on the Show:

NEW Membership Level: Kidology.org/plus
KidCheck: Kidology.orgkidcheck
The Easter Zone: Kidology.org/easter
The UNconference for Men in Ministry: YosemiteSummit.org
Kidmin Talk #177 - Should I Stay or Should I Stay Now?

Share with Kidology.org/kidmintalk206

Kidmin Talk is the Podcast of Pastor Karl Bastian, founder of Kidology.org and host of KidminTalk.com. He is a children’s pastor, speaker and entertainer. His life mission is to Equip and Encourage those who minister to children.

Listen to past editions of this podcast at KidminTalk.com

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE and HIT THAT ALERT BUTTON TOO!

Follow Karl:
Blog: Kidologist.com
Twitter: @Kidologist
Instagram: @KarlBastian or @Kidologyorg

In this 205th episode of Kidmin Talk, we’re kicking things off with a special interview with Kevin Downes, CEO of Kingdom Story Company, about their upcoming film, Unbreakable Boy, hitting theaters on February 21st. They created Jesus Revolution, I Can Only Imagine, The Greatest Christmas Pageant Ever, and now Unbreakable Boy starring Zachary Levi.

Then, it’s an “Ask Karl Anything” edition! Pastor Karl tackles your questions on:
• Creative ways to help kids understand and apply the Bible
• Balancing fun with deep biblical teaching
• Encouraging more consistent church attendance
• Recruiting more men into kids’ ministry
• Inspiring kids to invite their friends to church

Karl shares some fun ideas and practical tips you can start using in your ministry right away.

Mentioned on the Show:
• Learn more about Unbreakable Boy: UnbreakableBoy.movie
• it Bible Curriculum: Kidology.org/exploreit
• Kidology Theorems Book: Kidology.org/theorems
• Kid’s Church Cookbook (Limited Offer!): Kidology.org/cookbook
   (Listen for how to get a free copy)
• Super Sundays Ideas: Kidology.org/supersundays
• Nerf Wars: Kidology.org/nerfwars

Share with Kidology.org/kidmintalk205

Kidmin Talk is the Podcast of Pastor Karl Bastian, founder of Kidology.org and host of KidminTalk.com. He is a children’s pastor, speaker and entertainer. His life mission is to Equip and Encourage those who minister to children.

Listen to past editions of this podcast at KidminTalk.com

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE and HIT THAT ALERT BUTTON TOO!

Follow Karl:
Blog: Kidologist.com
Twitter: @Kidologist
Instagram: @KarlBastian or @Kidologyorg

Let's talk sharing faith, allowing kids to question theirs, and learn about website Karl runs that you've never heard of! When Karl was in junior high, his dad pulled him out of school to attend a life-changing Josh McDowell conference. That experience helped Karl see that faith isn’t about blindly believing but owning what you believe and understanding it’s a faith that can stand up to tough questions. In this episode, Karl reflects on that powerful experience and shares how we, as ministry leaders, can encourage kids to explore their faith, ask hard questions, and make their faith their own.

Plus, Karl shares a poem from his high school Philosophy class that earned him a big fat "F" — a grade he’s still proud of today!

And finally, Yosemite Summit 2025 is live! This incredible UNconference for Men in Ministry is a time to connect with other leaders, recharge in the beauty of nature, and deepen your walk with God. Visit YosemiteSummit.org for all the details and to register.

Share with Kidology.org/kidmintalk204

Kidmin Talk is the Podcast of Pastor Karl Bastian, founder of Kidology.org and host of KidminTalk.com. He is a children’s pastor, speaker and entertainer. His life mission is to Equip and Encourage those who minister to children.

Listen to past editions of this podcast at KidminTalk.com

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE and HIT THAT ALERT BUTTON TOO!

Follow Karl:
Blog: Kidologist.com
Twitter: @Kidologist
Instagram: @KarlBastian or @Kidologyorg

Kidmin Talk #203 – The Shocking Confession of DL Moody at the End of His Life

In this episode of Kidmin Talk, I dive into the life and legacy of D.L. Moody, one of the greatest evangelists of all time—who at the end of his incredible life, made a shocking confession that will challenge and inspire everyone who serves in children's ministry.  We’ll explore how his ministry started by reaching street kids, why he never took “no” for an answer, and how his influence still impacts children’s ministry today. It will refocus your ministry today.

Plus, I’ll share some exciting new Kidmin resources, and a few lucky listeners will win FREE movie tickets just for tuning in!

So grab a cup of coffee (or your favorite snack), and let’s talk Kidmin, inspiration, and practical ministry insights to help you better reach and teach kids for Jesus!

Share with Kidology.org/kidmintalk203

Kidmin Talk is the Podcast of Pastor Karl Bastian, founder of Kidology.org and host of KidminTalk.com. He is a children’s pastor, speaker and entertainer. His life mission is to Equip and Encourage those who minister to children.

Listen to past editions of this podcast at KidminTalk.com

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE and HIT THAT ALERT BUTTON TOO!

Follow Karl:
Blog: Kidologist.com
Twitter: @Kidologist
Instagram: @KarlBastian or @Kidologyorg

Kidmin Talk #202: Courage in Ministry – Lessons from Corrie ten Boom

In this episode, Karl starts with a quick update on last week’s interview with Tina Houser, sharing highlights and takeaways from her incredible insights. Then, Karl recounts an unforgettable moment from last Sunday when the police visited kids’ church, turning a routine service into a memorable learning experience. In honor of Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27th, Karl introduces the story of Corrie ten Boom and reflects on her unwavering courage and faith during one of history’s darkest times. Discover how her life inspires boldness and conviction in ministry today.

Share with Kidology.org/kidmintalk202

Kidmin Talk is the Podcast of Pastor Karl Bastian, founder of Kidology.org and host of KidminTalk.com. He is a children’s pastor, speaker and entertainer. His life mission is to Equip and Encourage those who minister to children.

Listen to past editions of this podcast at KidminTalk.com

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE and HIT THAT ALERT BUTTON TOO!

Follow Karl:
Blog: Kidologist.com
Instagram: @KarlBastian or @Kidologyorg