aka The Kidologist
Children's Pastor, Kid's Entertainer, Ministry Coach, & Friend of Kidmin Leaders
A veteran children’s pastor called to ministry at age ten, Karl’s mission is simple: Equip and Encourage those who serve kids. Through speaking, writing and training, Karl seeks to challenge others to reach and teach kids for Jesus through a relational ministry approach. Known for his creativity, biblically solid curriculum, and kid-friendly fun ministry methods, you'll love learning from Karl.
Biography
Karl has been serving and influencing children’s ministry for decades—but his calling started much earlier.
At just ten years old, Karl sensed God’s direction toward ministry to kids. That early calling shaped a lifetime of creative, Gospel-centered leadership.
As the founder of Kidology.org, Karl has spent over 30 years equipping and encouraging those called to reach children for Christ. He’s served in large, small, and mobile churches. Through it all, his heartbeat has remained the same: help leaders reach kids well.
Along the way, Karl has been recognized as one of the Top 20 Influencers in Children’s Ministry by Children’s Ministry Magazine and listed among the Top 100 in KidzMatter Magazine. Moody Alumni Magazine has also featured his ministry work. But awards aren’t what drive him—impact is.
Karl has entertained and taught children across the country and around the world using puppets, magic, object lessons, and creative storytelling. In his training events, he brings that same energy to adults—helping leaders rediscover the joy and creativity of ministry.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Bible Theology from Moody Bible Institute and a Master’s in Children’s Ministry from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He has taught and spoken at conferences, colleges, and churches nationwide.
Karl is also an author, speaker, podcaster, and creator of numerous curriculum resources and creative teaching tools. He founded Yosemite Summit, a spiritual renewal retreat for children’s pastors, because he believes leaders need space to rest and realign just as much as they need new ideas.
But above all, Karl is a husband to Sara, a dad to Luke, and a pastor who still loves standing in front of kids, opening the Bible, and pointing them to Jesus every Sunday.
His mission remains simple:
Reach and teach as many children as possible with the Good News of God’s love—and equip others to do the same.
He’s busy, yes—but never too busy to help a fellow kidmin leader take the next faithful step.
You can learn more about Karl at KarlBastian.info
Don't do ministry alone.
Let Karl walk with you in ministry.
When you join Karl's Coaching Club, you gain a friend and coach who is committed to helping you take your ministry to the next level.