• My Kidology Story
Karl Bastian’s parents were my classmates while we attended Moody Bible Institute from 1961-1964. I first met Karl at the age of ten, when his father invited me to be the guest speaker at their evening VBS at his church in Bellflower, CA. I learned many years later that Karl’s decision then was “to be like me when he grew up.”
At our 25th Class Reunion at Moody, I again found the Bastian’s, and there was Karl, now he was a Freshman there. The next year my oldest daughter Karina decided to attend Moody, so my wife and I escorted her to Chicago. There we found Karl again, only this time he was the Children’s Pastor at Moody Memorial Church. He invited me to speak to his Children’s Church kids, so off we went. In his introduction to the kids, I learned about his childhood decision. I decided then that if he wanted to be like me, I had better spend some time with him. So I included him in every visit to Chicago while I visited my daughter for the next four years. He was more than willing to join us for Pizza, if I was paying for it. Then he wanted to bring Sara. That is how I got acquainted with her. Later they married.
Our relationship grew with the frequent trips to Chicago, IL.
We were becoming good friends. It was not long into our friendship that he expressed interest in helping others in children’s ministry. Karl was fully taken with computers and began dreaming of a website to equip and encourage children’s leaders. I suggested that he secure the web design help of my oldest son, who had a web design business called Accent Interactive. So with Ken’s help they designed the first Kidology website.
The collaboration worked and the idea took off. I was one of the early writers for Kidology, submitting a few articles out of my ministry experience. Our relationship deepened as I was actively involved in all his church staff positions, either as a speaker or as a ministry resource provider. I was a regular at all the early Kid U conferences.
As I was mentoring Children’s Ministry leaders face to face, I was developing a curriculum that took me four years to write. When the twelve-unit course was nearly complete, Karl wanted to use this to launch his Kidology Coaching Program. Karl asked me to be the first Personal Coach using these materials. At this writing there are over thirty students who have signed up and we now have two coaches.
Currently, I am a full-time Missionary-Evangelist to children and President of Creative Children’s Ministries, since 1974. We are creatively evangelizing children and helping others to do the same. I am passionate about evangelism of children and look for opportunities to share that passion. I am seriously writing every day, and continue to take monthly writing retreats.
During the last ten years I have been doing overseas missionary work for children. Some of the countries that I have traveled to include: Panama, Estonia, Pakistan, Vanuatu, Mexico, and India. I am beginning my 50th year in full-time ministry.
I have been married for 44 years and have four grown children. Now we have eight grandchildren. We are members of Whittier Area Community Church in Whittier, CA. Although I am not on staff there, they consider me one of their missionaries.
My interest in coaching leaders has helped me to go on for advanced training and I have become a professional coach. At this stage in my life I am reaching more children, one leader at a time. I never imagined that I would be having this much fun coaching leaders, but I am really enjoying it. I now understand that every leader needs a coach, even me!
“The ultimate leader is not afraid to develop people to the point they surpass him or her in knowledge and ability.” – Fred A. Manske, Jr.
One Response to “• My Kidology Story”
March 1st, 2011 at 2:57 am
What a nice post! I look horrible in that last picture! LOL – it was the end of a looooong conference day! You’ve been a great friend over the years, and it’s so neat to have an on-going friendship with someone who has been there for me over the years. Too often in life those who have been a help and influence come and go. But you’ve been a faithful advisor and friend through thick and thin. That’s rare! Thanks.
Leave a Comment