WELSTech Podcast

On this episode of WELSTech, Martin and Sallie continue their discussion on ministry volunteers, with a look at the challenges of communication and showing appreciation. You’ll also hear about creating your own online store for branded merchandise from your church or school, learning the ins and outs of church speaker placement, and nominating someone for the WELSTech AI Summit. Plus, keep your eyes peeled for those stealthy mice!

https://welstech.wels.net/2024/09/12/733-silent-mice/

WELSTech is in the groove! The regular season groove, that is. Join Martin and Sallie as we kick off a new season of the show and bring back a favorite show segment, Ministry Resources, that was missed over the summer. The show focus today is adding new volunteers to your team using tools and ideas aimed at giving them the knowledge and resources to carry out their responsibilities with confidence and joy.

https://welstech.wels.net/2024/08/29/732-volunteer-onboarding/

On this episode of WELSTech … we conclude our Summer Tech Talks series with an interesting interview of District President Joel Zank about the technology in use by WELS Conference of Presidents. We also share image editing, student reflection, browser, robotics, and transcription tools to make your days easier and more efficient. Join us today at the intersection of ministry and technology!

https://welstech.wels.net/2024/08/15/731-summer-tech-talks-joel-zank/

It’s almost time for back-to-school, and this episode of WELSTech will introduce listeners to helpful Lutheran Schools personnel who many will recognize. They shed light on school statistics and products as well as give us a sneak peek at next summer’s WELS Education Conference, currently in the planning stages. Sallie is “certified” and can’t wait to show you how to differentiate your lesson resources. Martin has a pick so good he needs to share it a second time. Plus, we talk church worship live streaming, and there’s an infographic involved!

https://welstech.wels.net/2024/08/01/730-summer-tech-talks-sarah-krause-eileen-rosenow/

WELSTech 729 focuses on our triple citizenship, in heaven, on this earth, and now, in a digital world. Pastor Ben Workentine from St. Mark Ministries shares thoughts for the Christian living in an increasingly opinionated and unfiltered digital world. We also report details on our latest hardware, print on demand, and church texting finds.

https://welstech.wels.net/2024/07/18/729-summer-tech-talks-ben-workentine/

WELSTech is celebrating summer with a series of tech-in-ministry interviews called “Summer Tech Talks.” This week we head west to the oil country of western North Dakota to talk with Pastor Joel Prange about starting a home mission church. Turn up the audio as Martin and Sallie both have sound-related picks of the week. In addition, there’s an opportunity to support a missions-centric videography effort.

https://welstech.wels.net/2024/07/01/728-summer-tech-talks-joel-prange/

The WELSTech “Summer Tech Talks” interview series continues with a trip to the other side of the world as we learn about the technology at work on WELS World Missions Asia One team. Sallie shares tips from the recent OpenLearning@MLC conference, and Martin has a new browser pick. Plus, we have the inside scoop on online professional development that not only includes college credit, but also has our favorite price tag – FREE!!

https://welstech.wels.net/2024/06/20/727-summer-tech-talks-jeremy-seeger/

Welcome to the good ole summertime on WELSTech! Our “Summer Tech Talks” interview series will feature technology from around the synod and across the world. This week we start in St. Louis, MO, home of Concordia Technology Solutions. The back half of the show includes Sallie sharing teacher professional development resources and Martin divulging his new favorite AI chatbot.

https://welstech.wels.net/2024/06/06/726-summer-tech-talks-rob-davidson/

Turn up the volume for WELSTech as we talk fantasy and escapism from a Christian perspective with Silas Dose. Martin has a trackpad pick and WELSTech friend, Philip Wels has been busy at the video editing desk crafting a video that captures the joy and excitement of graduation and assignment at Martin Luther College.

https://welstech.wels.net/2024/05/23/725-here-be-dragons/

On today's episode of WELSTech we finish our book discussion of The AI Classroom with a focus on school leadership’s role in shaping AI policy, curriculum, and usage. Along with edtech gurus Rachel and Jason, we share oodles of AI tools, events, and news, plus some non-AI tech topics including cybersecurity, end of school-year activities, and iPads.

https://welstech.wels.net/2024/05/09/724-getting-started-with-ai/

We’re back with another episode of WELSTech starring your handy, dandy calendar. Learn all about time blocking and how it can boost your productivity. We discuss an interactive book creation tool that looks like fun for the classroom and a simple but effective task manager which might be in your pocket right now. We also celebrate a new grandson for one of your “Awesome” WELSTech hosts!

https://welstech.wels.net/2024/04/25/723-time-blocking/

Join us for WELSTech 722 where we talk about tech decision making which will stand the test of time. We also share details on an upcoming webinar on the topic of mental health, a great invention to manage the cords in your computer bag, scanning and organizing Google-style, and Sallie’s latest hardware addition.

https://welstech.wels.net/2024/04/15/722-picking-the-right-tech/

On this episode of WELSTech, we learn about the tech side of mission outreach via Academia Cristo and TELL Network, including the messaging tool which has had a huge impact on that work. We also share details on a boatload of WELS summer events and classes, plus picks of the week that will have you drawing org charts and getting organized!

https://welstech.wels.net/2024/03/14/720-modern-messaging/

We’re celebrating Leap Day WELSTech-style as we leap back in time in 4-year increments to find out what was on the podcast docket on four leap days of the past. We also have details on an upcoming webinar, AI and e-giving picks of the week, and a techie e-newsletter of note!

https://welstech.wels.net/2024/02/29/719-leapin-through-history/

Webinars may be just the platform your ministry needs to spread a message or host an event. On this episode of WELSTech, we dig into webinar’s purpose and logistics. And we welcome Women’s Ministry to the conversation as executive committee member Rachel Halldorson takes us on a “backstage” tour of their recent webinars. Martin has a pick that will really stick with you, and there’s lots to discuss in WELS Intersections.

https://welstech.wels.net/2024/02/09/718-how-to-host-a-webinar/

AI in education and church makes for an interesting WELSTech episode! Tune in for special guest hosts Rachel and Jason and help with crafting and refining useful AI prompts to assist with everything from report card comments to church graphics.

https://welstech.wels.net/2024/01/25/717-promptcraft/

Welcome to WELSTech in 2024! We kick off the new year with a discussion of the challenges around coordinating our many digital personas for work, home, church, and more. NPH has a new book discussion group, Martin has a new-found appreciation of Goodnotes, and we share have a great cheat sheet to get you started with online form creation.

https://welstech.wels.net/2024/01/11/716-all-the-hats/

The WELSTech Christmas tradition continues as we feature an interview-only show with someone from WELS Headquarters, the Center for Mission and Ministry, to share more about their area of responsibility for WELS. Dan Nommensen, Operations Manager for WELS Congregational Services joins Martin and Sallie to reflect on his first few months on the job and share what’s on the horizon for Congregational Services. Merry Christmas!!

https://welstech.wels.net/2023/12/14/714-a-welstech-merry-christmas/

Wonderful … Creative … Verbose? This episode of WELSTech features a talent boost that’s sure to entertain while it educates! We’re sharing what we’ve learned about AI during our book discussion with our special guest edtech correspondents. There’s also a special Advent treat, picks to improve your productivity and video production, plus a couple of cool videos explaining multi-grade classrooms.

https://welstech.wels.net/2023/11/30/713-enough-with-the-boxes/

WELSTech is back with a discussion of screen design for worship. Digital artist, Corissa Nelson, joins the conversation to share ideas for getting started designing for screens. AI continues to dominate tech news, and more ideas for church usage are being shared as well. Sallie is excited for home automation, and Martin is reading wisely. Finally, Barna weighs in with a study on Christian’s perceptions of AI usage in church settings.

https://welstech.wels.net/2023/11/11/712-worship-visuals/

If you are looking for more time in your day, today’s WELSTech is a must-listen! The spotlight is on automating church and school tasks. We also preview the online Gospel Outreach with Media conference, and Martin has found the world’s greatest bookmarking tool.

https://welstech.wels.net/2023/10/26/711-automate-all-the-things/

It’s always a happy day when Martin and Sallie are in the same location for a WELSTech recording, and that’s the case on this episode! Join us in Sallie’s living room for a discussion of to do list, upcoming big events, chair cushions, and a bit of AI in education. You won’t want to miss this dose of WELSTech goodness!

https://welstech.wels.net/2023/10/10/710-just-todo-it/

The future has arrived on WELSTech as we kick off a series of shows on artificial intelligence. We also discuss The Foundation series from Congregational Services, making stickers on the Cricut Xtra, using your phone as a we**am, and more. Turn it up and enjoy!

709 – AI In The Classroom – WELSTech 709 – AI In The ClassroomSeptember 28, 2023/in episode, GeneralThe future has arrived on WELSTech as we kick off a series of shows on artificial intelligence. We also discuss The Foundation series from Congregational Services, making stickers on the Cricut Xtra, using your phone as a we**am, and m...

This episode of WELSTech kicks off with news of a docuseries in development to reach ex-Mormons with the gospel message. Conventions, Bible videos, and productivity are also at the intersection of tech and ministry today!

https://welstech.wels.net/2023/09/14/708-truth-in-love-ministries/

WELSTech is back with a wrap up discussion of Tech Like a PIRATE, our Summer 2023 book selection. Teacher Donovan Waege joins the book conversation. Sallie tips her hand on two of her favorite e-newsletters, and Martin shares a new recommended password keeper solution. Plus, there’s a new podcast for your playlist!

https://welstech.wels.net/2023/08/28/707-tech-like-a-pirate-pt-5/

Welcome back to WELSTech! Today’s segment of summer reading from Tech Like a PIRATE focuses on exploration and global communication in the classroom. Plus, we learn that even Martin breaks a sweat sometimes, and that’s ok! Sallie plays the hardware pick “ultimate trump card” while Martin does some star gazing. All this, and more, awaits!

https://welstech.wels.net/2023/08/15/706-tech-like-a-pirate-pt-4/

Collaborate with WELSTech on our classroom technology discussion of Matt Miller’s book, Tech Like a PIRATE! We review chapters 5 & 6 this week and share a few summer hardware pics we’ve added to our setups. There’s community news covering AI Sermons, Google Ads for Non-Profits, and video professional development for teachers.

https://welstech.wels.net/2023/07/20/705-tech-like-a-pirate-pt-3/

It’s summertime on WELSTech, and this week the discussion is on chapters 3 & 4 of our current reading selection, Tech Like a PIRATE. Martin and Sallie share their picks of the week (royalty free images for your phone and an Apple watch competitor) plus lots of Community Feedback. Join the conversation!

https://welstech.wels.net/2023/06/22/704-tech-like-a-pirate-pt-2/

Welcome to summer on WELSTech! Martin and Sallie share an abbreviated show centered on chapters 1 & 2 of the summer reading selection, Tech Like a PIRATE. Picks include puzzles with a tech twist to entertain and passkeys with a storage solution to keep you safe. Plus, the Taste of Missions event is coming up quickly. Enjoy the show!

https://welstech.wels.net/2023/06/01/703-tech-like-a-pirate/

WELSTech is back! They may be a bit rusty, but Martin and Sallie are happy to be back at the podcasting desk and happy to be joined by edtech guest hosts, Rachel and Jason. The discussion focus is the currently “hot” tech topic, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and its effect on education. They share details on a free summer online conference from Martin Luther College (MLC) which includes that same topic, as well as watches and notes and streaming from Sweden to enjoy.

https://welstech.wels.net/2023/05/11/702-jack-jack-meets-ai-meets-the-classroom/