Karl Bastian's Podcast (Formerly Kidmin Talk)

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! Support the show

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. Support the show

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. Support the show

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! Support the show

Karl shares some of his secrets for connecting with kids as they arrive at church using humor, props and strategic questions. Support the show

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! Support the show

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! Support the show

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. Support the show

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! Support the show

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. Support the show

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. Support the show

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. Support the show

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. Support the show

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! Support the show

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. Support the show

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? Support the show

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! Support the show

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. Support the show

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!" Support the show

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. Support the show

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. Support the show