Karl Bastian's Podcast (Formerly Kidmin Talk)

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 calli...

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 J...

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 share...

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 tr...

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, k...

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...

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 pray...

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 shar...

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 o...

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...

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...

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...

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 H...

Kidmin Talk #201 is packed with exciting updates as Kidology.org's founder, Pastor Karl Bastian unveils the all-new PLUS Membership level and announces fresh scholarship discount codes. Then, get inspired by a special message about Karl's good friend, Tina Houser — a look at her life in children’s ministry and a challenge that will motivate you to share creativity and encouragement every...

In this historic 200th episode of Kidmin Talk, Pastor Karl celebrates the legacy of Henrietta Mears, the trailblazer who transformed children’s ministry and Sunday School education. But that’s not all! Long-time listeners are in for a treat with a surprise guest appearance from the podcast’s early co-host, You-Know-Who! Dive into Henrietta’s inspiring story, from her early life of faith and persev...

Albert Einstein, Kids Ministry, and Nurturing Future Geniuses In this 199th episode of Kidmin Talk, Pastor Karl Bastian, aka The Kidologist, explores the fascinating young life of Albert Einstein and how his struggles, curiosity, and resilience shaped his groundbreaking achievements. From a late-talking, unconventional child to a world-changing physicist, Einstein’s story provides rich inspiration...

In this special episode of Kidmin Talk, Pastor Karl Bastian, aka The Kidologist, takes you on a nostalgic journey through the founding of Kidology.org. From quirky beginnings to becoming a global ministry equipping children's leaders, Karl shares how God shaped this ministry and what exciting plans are ahead for 2025. Whether you’re a long-time member or new to Kidology, this episode will ins...

Kidmin Talk #197 - Treasuring God's Promises DESCRIPTION: In this heartfelt Christmas episode of Kidmin Talk, Pastor Karl Bastian, founder of Kidology.org, reflects on Mary’s response to the miraculous events of Jesus’ birth. He encourages children’s ministry leaders to treasure the promises and visions God places in their hearts, trusting His perfect timing to reveal and fulfill them. Discov...

Kidmin Talk #196 - Training Kids to Serve at Church DESCRIPTION: "What's Growing Up Got to Do With Anything?" Those were the words of Karl's mom when he expressed an interest in serving in ministry at age ten. Decades later, he's still at it! Of all the workshops Karl has done over the years, none get the response years later as the ones he does about training kids to serv...

Kidmin Talk #195 - Karl's Interview with Dallas Jenkins on Kidmin and Christmas Pageant WATCH ON YOUTUBE for VIDEO VERSION DESCRIPTION: Karl Bastian, host of Kidmin Talk, enjoyed a conversation with Dallas Jenkins, creator of The Chosen and the upcoming Christmas movie, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever to talk about his latest project, "Pageant" as well as children's ministry, h...

Kidmin Talk #194Discipline That Disciples + Beaver Tails! Pastor Karl shares a classic workshop on discipline, plays a short video he received from Dallas Jenkins the creator of The Chosen, and tells when, where and why he ATE a Beaver's Tail! Share with Kidology.org/kidmintalk194 Kidmin Talk is the Podcast of Pastor Karl Bastian, founder of Kidology.org and host of KidminTalk.com. He is a ch...

Listen to this special episode as Pastor Karl launches Kidmin Talk LIVE on Rumble, YouTube and Facebook while answering one of the #1 questions he gets, "What are the FIRST THINGS a NEW Kid's Pastor should do when starting a new ministry?" Karl provides 10 insightful tips or steps to help guide you as you start out in ministry, but the truth is these are just as applicable if you ar...

Kidmin Talk #192 - Secrets for Family Follow Up DESCRIPTION: One of the most important tasks you can do each week in your children’s ministry is the personal follow up of the families that visit your church. Sure, your church sends a standard generic follow up e-mail, but you must know, the families that visited your church got one of those from every church they have visited – and likely deleted...

Kidmin Talk #191You're Doing Great! And Karl's New Book DESCRIPTION: You probably don't hear it enough, so Pastor Karl wants you to know - you're doing a GREAT JOB! After providing a humorous update on last Sunday, Karl tells about his new book, Kidology Theorems, and then provides some encouragement from God's Word on how to evaluate your job - and that even when you aren...

 Kidmin Talk #190     Inspiring Kids to Love Their Bibles DESCRIPTION:Coming off of his annual Bible Ninja Warriors Sunday, Pastor Karl is excited to share why he is so passionate about inspiring kids to know, love and use the Word the God and backs it up with PRACTICAL IDEAS exactly HOW you can make the Bible an integral part of your ministry so that long after your time with the kids is over, yo...