Kids want fun. That’s obvious. But what they need is love. In this episode, Karl unpacks Kidology Theorem #02 and challenges children’s ministry leaders to deliver fun with purpose—and love without condition. Why is laughter a highway to a child’s heart? Why do we naturally gravitate toward the “easy kids”? And what happens when we show unconditional love before expecting behavior?

With Scripture, stories, and practical insight, Karl reminds leaders that fun is the ticket—but love is the destination. Because it’s not your lesson kids will remember… it’s whether they knew you loved them.

Based on Kidology Theorem #02

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THE KARL BASTIAN PODCAST (Formerly KidminTalk) is the Podcast of "Kidologist" Karl Bastian, founder of Kidology.org and host of The Karl Bastian Podcast  He is a children’s pastor, speaker and entertainer. His life mission is to Equip and Encourage those who minister to children.

KarlBastian.club is home to Karl's coaching - check it out today!

Listen to past editions of this podcast at KarlBastianPodcast.com

Send Support via: Kidology.org/donate

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE and HIT THAT ALERT BUTTON TOO!

Follow Karl:
Subscribe at KarlBastian.club
Blog: Kidologist.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/karl.bastian 
Twitter: @Kidologist
Instagram: @KarlBastian or @Kidologyorg

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In this episode, Karl unpacks Kidology Theorem #1: It’s About the Gospel. Using a Child Evangelism Fellowship brochure from the early 1970s as a springboard, he walks through the powerful description of the calling and commitment of a children’s evangelist.

What does it truly mean to give your life to reaching children with the Good News? 

We claim the Gospel is top priority, but is it really? What does it mean to make the Gospel the most important aspect of our ministry? The answer may surprise you.

Karl shares personal stories from his own ministry journey, reflects on the weight and wonder of Gospel calling, and challenges leaders to go deeper—even while keeping the message beautifully, boldly simple.

The Gospel is simple enough for a child to understand… but deep enough to anchor a lifetime of ministry.

If you serve kids, lead leaders, or simply need to realign your heart with the core mission, this episode will refocus your compass and strengthen your resolve.

Because in the end, it’s not about programs, platforms, or popularity.

It’s about the Gospel.

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THE KARL BASTIAN PODCAST (Formerly KidminTalk) is the Podcast of "Kidologist" Karl Bastian, founder of Kidology.org and host of The Karl Bastian Podcast  He is a children’s pastor, speaker and entertainer. His life mission is to Equip and Encourage those who minister to children.

KarlBastian.club is home to Karl's coaching - check it out today!

Listen to past editions of this podcast at KarlBastianPodcast.com

Send Support via: Kidology.org/donate

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE and HIT THAT ALERT BUTTON TOO!

Follow Karl:
Subscribe at KarlBastian.club
Blog: Kidologist.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/karl.bastian 
Twitter: @Kidologist
Instagram: @KarlBastian or @Kidologyorg

Support the show

What does success in children’s ministry actually look like?

Packed rooms? Growing numbers? Social media applause?

In this final episode of the 12-part Kidmin Covenant series, we land on Commitment #12: measuring success by obedience—not by numbers, noise, or nods of approval.

In this powerful wrap-up, Pastor Karl unpacks what lasting fruit really looks like: volunteers who keep serving, kids who open their Bibles on their own, letters from families whose lives were changed, and the ultimate goal—hearing “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Plus, Karl answers real leadership questions from the email bag:

• Why does recruiting volunteers always feel like begging?
• How do you keep church fun without turning it into a carnival?
• Am I burned out… or just in a hard season?

If you’ve ever questioned whether what you’re doing truly matters… this episode is for you.

Success isn’t bigger.
Success is faithful.
Success is obedience.

Subscribe, follow, and share — and join the conversation.

Share with Kidology.org/kidmintalk219

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.

This episode also includes a big announcement: beginning next week, Kidmin Talk becomes The Karl Bastian Podcast — expanding the conversation while keeping the heart for leaders strong.

Listen to past editions of this podcast at KidminTalk.com

Send Support via: KarlBastian.club/donate

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE and HIT THAT ALERT BUTTON TOO!

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

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In this reflective and encouraging episode of Kidmin Talk, Karl unpacks Kidmin Covenant #11: Rest Is Best—a countercultural reminder that rest is not a reward for finishing ministry work, but a requirement for sustaining it.

Drawing from Scripture, personal experience, and decades of leadership in children’s ministry, Karl challenges leaders to rethink their pace, priorities, and definition of faithfulness. When ministry never slows down, burnout isn’t a possibility—it’s a certainty.

Karl also shares the heart behind his new Proactive Ministry Master Class, designed to help leaders stop living in reaction mode and start leading with margin, clarity, and intention.

Plus, Karl takes listeners back to the origins of the Yosemite Summit Retreat, a sacred space created for children’s pastors to unplug, walk with God, and rediscover their identity apart from ministry performance.

If you’re tired, stretched thin, or running on empty, this episode is a gentle but firm invitation to trust God enough to rest.

Questions or feedback? Email Karl directly at [email protected]

Share this episode: Kidology.org/kidmintalk218

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: KarlBastian.club/donate

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE and HIT THAT ALERT BUTTON TOO!

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

Support the show

In this episode of Kidmin Talk, Karl dives into Kidmin Covenant #10: I will pass on any praise I receive to those who helped, inspired, guided, or
assisted—and ultimately to Jesus

With transparency, scripture, and heart, Karl challenges leaders to resist pride and pass on the praise when things are going well in your kids ministry. Everything we do, we do because God allows us. Packed with scripture, you'll be encouraged!

PLUS: Karl is testing a new LIVE mode, and posted to:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/fccGBdbjckc
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1DvDDfbdqi/
Rumble: https://rumble.com/v732pn8-go-live-from-your-browser-with-restream-studio.html

MENTIONED ON THE SHOW:

National Center for Biblical Parenting biblicalparenting.org and their new resource, FIRST STEPS, over 3 hours of one-three minutes parent training videos you can use to Equip and Encourage your parents!

Pioneer Clubs - pioneerclubs.org and thewayforkids.org
More than just midweek clubs, check out The Way, their new children's church curriculum!


Questions or feedback? Email Karl directly at [email protected]

Share with Kidology.org/kidmintalk217

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: Kidology.org/donate

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE and HIT THAT ALERT BUTTON TOO!

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

Support the show

In this energetic and scripture-packed episode of Kidmin Talk, Karl dives into Kidmin Covenant #9: Do It All for the Lord—a joyful reminder from Colossians 3:23 that everything we do in ministry, whether seen or unseen, is ultimately for Him.

You’ll laugh and learn as Karl shares a fun and unforgettable object lesson on Mercy and Grace involving candy, kids, and a GIANT Super Soaker! It’s a creative way to help children understand God’s unearned favor and how His mercy keeps us from getting what we deserve.

Karl also gives a sneak peek at his upcoming series, BIG Bible Words, which teaches deep theology in a way kids can actually understand (and enjoy!). And... how to get it for FREE!

This episode is sponsored by BiblicalParenting.org, equipping parents and ministry leaders with tools to reach the heart, not just control behavior.

Whether you teach, lead, or serve, this one’s a refreshing reminder to keep your eyes fixed on your true audience—Jesus Himself.https://KarlBastian.club/donate

MENTIONED ON THE SHOW

• BiblicalParenting.org – Sponsor and parenting resource site
• BIG Bible Words Curriculum – Coming soon to Kidology.org
• The Kidmin Covenant Reflective Journal - Purchase Here
• KarlBastian.club – Coaching and community for children’s ministry leaders

Questions or comments? Karl replies to every message at [email protected]

Share this episode: Kidology.org/kidmintalk216

Listen to past editions of this podcast at KidminTalk.com

Send Support via: KarlBastian.club/donate

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE and HIT THAT ALERT BUTTON TOO!

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

Support the show

Kidmin Talk #215 - UNOFFENDABLE!

In this heart-stretching episode of Kidmin Talk, Karl unpacks Kidmin Covenant #8: Be Unoffendable—a reminder that ministry is full of opportunities to take offense, but true spiritual maturity is shown when we refuse to.

Drawing from Scripture and decades of ministry experience, Karl shares practical ways to guard your heart, respond with grace, and let God fight your battles instead of your emotions. You’ll hear personal stories, leadership insights, and a biblical challenge to live with thicker skin and a softer heart.

Whether it’s a difficult parent, a discouraging pastor, a demanding volunteer, or a disappointing comment, Karl offers a God-honoring path toward peace, perspective, and perseverance.

MENTIONED ON THE SHOW

• The FIRST STEPS PARENTING TOOL KIT, download at biblicalparenting.org
  • Amazing resource! 100 short parent-training videos, over 3 hours of content, to equip and encourage your parents!
• The Kidmin Covenant Reflective Journal
• KarlBastian.club – Coaching and encouragement for ministry leaders
• Kidology.org – Tools, training, and community for those who minister to kids

Share with Kidology.org/kidmintalk215

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.

Got a question or comment? Karl replies to every message—email [email protected]

Listen to past editions of this podcast at KidminTalk.com

Send Support via: KarlBastian.club/donate

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE and HIT THAT ALERT BUTTON TOO!

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

Support the show

In this episode of Kidmin Talk, Karl dives into Kidmin Covenant #7: A Commitment to Character—a timely reminder that who you are behind the scenes matters just as much as what you do in front of a room full of kids.

With transparency, scripture, and heart, Karl challenges leaders to pursue integrity not just in public but in private—because kids are watching, parents are trusting, and God is calling leaders to be examples worth following.

You'll be encouraged, convicted, and equipped as you reflect on how your character is shaping your ministry—for better or for worse.

PLUS: Karl shares some important Kidology updates, including ways you can connect deeper through coaching and resources that will help you grow as a leader.

MENTIONED ON THE SHOW:
Kidmin Covenant Book
Reflections Survey

Questions or feedback? Email Karl directly at [email protected]

Share with Kidology.org/kidmintalk214

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: Kidology.org/donate

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE and HIT THAT ALERT BUTTON TOO!

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

Support the show

In this episode of Kidmin Talk, Karl explores Kidmin Covenant #6: Character Counts, a convicting call for ministry leaders to lead with integrity, humility, and emotional maturity.

Anchored in James 1:19—“Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry”—Karl shares from personal experience how living this verse can protect your leadership, heal relationships, and reflect the heart of Jesus in a broken world.
Ministry isn’t just about what you do—it’s about how you do it. This episode challenges you to slow down, listen well, respond with grace, and model the very fruit of the Spirit we hope to cultivate in kids.

Karl also encourages listeners to use the Kidmin Covenant Reflective Journal to dig deeper, apply this principle, and become the kind of leader God can trust with His children.

Got a question or comment? Karl responds to every message! Email [email protected]

Share with Kidology.org/kidmintalk213

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.

Mentioned on the Show:

- KarlBastian.club (Save with coupon code mentioned in the show!)

- Kidology.org/update (For BIG Kidology News!)

Listen to past editions of this podcast at KidminTalk.com

Send Support via: Kidology.org/donate

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE and HIT THAT ALERT BUTTON TOO!

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

Support the show

In this scripture-centered and passion-fueled episode, Pastor Karl unpacks Kidmin Covenant #5: Use the Bible—a timely challenge for every children’s ministry leader to keep God’s Word front and center in everything they teach and do.

In the rush of lesson prep, games, and teching, it's easy to reference the Bible without really showing it—visually, practically, and intentionally. Karl shares personal stories, practical examples, and biblical encouragements that will inspire you to not just teach from the Bible but to demonstrate its authority every time you lead kids.

Whether it’s holding it in your hand, reading from it aloud, or visually highlighting that it’s your source—you’ll walk away with renewed motivation to make the Bible seen and central in your teaching.

You’ll also hear a sneak peek about what’s happening over at KarlBastian.club, and how the Kidmin Covenant Reflective Journal can help you live out this calling with daily intention.

💬 Got a question or comment? Karl responds to every message! 

Email [email protected]

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)

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

Support the show