WELSTech Audio artwork

WELSTech Audio

136 episodes - English - Latest episode: 10 days ago - ★★★★★ - 10 ratings

WELSTech explores the use of technology to further the spread of the gospel. This show is sponsored by the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS).

Christianity Religion & Spirituality Technology welstech wels technology lutheran synod wisconsin spriggs draper cmm ministry
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed

Episodes

680 – Screens & Video Games

May 05, 2022 19:13 - 55 minutes - 51 MB

Spring has finally arrived on WELSTech, and with that comes graduation season. We are excited to hear from two soon to be assigned seminary seniors about their tech in ministry research projects. We also have outreach ideas, technology curriculum, event updates, security hardware, and library software recommendations to share. The discussion Seminary Senior Theses – […]

679 – Prison Ministry Tech

April 21, 2022 17:48 - 47 minutes - 43.3 MB

Tune in to this week’s WELSTech for an update on the work of WELS Special Ministries including new technology advances for reaching out to those in prison and the need for volunteers to assist with the effort. Martin is upping his keyboard ante with a gamer model that isn’t very quiet. Details on the upcoming […]

678 – Web Excellence

April 07, 2022 19:16 - 47 minutes - 22 MB

We’re talking web sites on this week’s WELSTech, and we’re joined by WELS Web Developer, Tim Sinclair. This episode also includes information security guidelines for congregations, book recommendations, and a recap of the recent XR Festival sponsored by Christ in Media. Geeks will be especially excited by Martin’s incremental backup pick! The discussion Congregation Web […]

677 – On a Desert Island with Rachel & Jason

March 24, 2022 15:30 - 40 minutes - 19.4 MB

Not quite a three-hour tour, but Rachel Feld and Jason Schmidt have us thinking of desert islands on today’s WELSTech. Rachel shares details on her upcoming WELS Education Conference presentation, plus there’s a fair share of Google goodness, tools for mass communication, and a real book, complete with that new book smell. Join the conversation! […]

676 – Spotlight on LWMS

March 10, 2022 20:18 - 35 minutes - 16.2 MB

On this week’s WELSTech we talk with Beth Taticek from Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society (LWMS) about the tech that makes LWMS tick. Sallie’s under the weather so Martin flies solo and shares his pick of the week as well as events, resources, and community recommendations and questions. The discussion LWMS – Martin and Sallie welcome […]

675 – Staying Productive: At Home & Office

February 22, 2022 20:47 - 53 minutes - 25.6 MB

WELSTech headlines with a discussion of tools to keep you productive, wherever you are. Also in this episode, learn about a great blog to follow for ministry tech topics, organizing passwords, taking smart notes, and live streaming devices. The discussion Top productivity tools – Martin and Sallie each share the 5 tools that keep them […]

674 – Let’s Get Together

February 10, 2022 19:06 - 48 minutes - 23.2 MB

This week on WELSTech we discuss techniques and tools to manage scheduling calendar events with ease. In addition, we tour WELS Online Yearbook, play some Wordle, expand some text and unpack the community feedback mailbag. And it’s Thursday!?! The discussion Calendar management – Martin and Sallie discuss frustrations and best practices for calendar and meeting […]

673 – Green or Blue Bubble?

January 27, 2022 19:56 - 54 minutes - 25.9 MB

WELSTech welcomes co-hosts Rachel Feld and Jason Schmidt along with interviewee Dr. Phil Huebner. “Dr. Phil” previews his upcoming WELS Education Conference presentation on the current teen crisis and its tie to technology. We also have news from the IRS, windows power tools, highlighted links, and refreshing water to wash it all down. The discussion […]

672 – Service Builder

January 11, 2022 20:55 - 1 hour - 30.1 MB

On WELSTech this week we welcome 2022 with a deep dive into an exciting new tech-in-ministry worship planning solution, Christian Worship: Service Builder. Additionally, we announce a new podcast around weekly sermon preparation, Martin has a foldable keyboard which Maxwell Smart would appreciate, and we share a bookkeeping software recommendation. The interview Christian Worship: Service […]

671 – 2021 Retrospective

December 28, 2021 20:00 - 46 minutes - 32 MB

Year 14 of WELSTech is in the books. Tune in for Martin and Sallie’s favorites from 2021! Events Subscribe to WELSTech e-News Martin is blogging WELSTech video is back starting with Episode 663 Sallie is a Grannie, and you can meet our youngest WELSTech fan on Episode 667 2021 included a WELSTech book discussion of […]

670 – Forward in Christ

December 21, 2021 19:59 - 18 minutes - 16.6 MB

The WELSTech Christmas week special this year features Nicole Balza, and she updates us on all that’s happening with Forward in Christ magazine and especially with their digital offerings. Merry Christmas WELSTech-ers! The interview Two years in – Martin and Sallie welcome Nicole Balza, who many will recognize from the Together video update, but you […]

669 – Sharing Christmas Joy

December 07, 2021 20:32 - 35 minutes - 29.3 MB

WELSTech welcomes the Advent and Christmas season with 5 ways to share the good news of our Savior’s birth. Also listen for ideas for building your church bulletin, Martin’s latest hardware pick (with a wire), and tools for telling the next generation. Plus, Sallie’s go-to video editor saves the day, and we announce the Bible […]

668 – Blended Learning

November 23, 2021 20:17 - 58 minutes - 53.5 MB

We’re back with another lively edition of WELSTech featuring the co-hosts with the most – Rachel Feld and Jason Schmidt. Jason shares details about his upcoming WELS Education Conference presentation, Rachel isn’t losing her keys, and Martin shares an online video creation tool. Plus there’s job opportunities, professional development, and much more to explore. Join […]

667 – Policy & Procedures

November 09, 2021 20:37 - 41 minutes - 20.4 MB

WELSTech this week answers the why, what, who, how and where questions around policies and procedures for church and school. There’s also much to share about Adobe, the iPad mini, Christmas concert date announcements, and free tools for organizing goals and meetings. Plus, the WELSTech mailbag is full! The discussion The time is now – […]

665 – Web Design Principles

October 26, 2021 19:29 - 47 minutes - 21.7 MB

This episode of WELSTech is all about web design. Listen for tips and areas of focus to enhance your ongoing website efforts, web designer leads, if you choose to go that route, a color pallet tool, and an online conference topic about digital outreach. Plus, Sallie is searching tabs and Martin’s getting rid of distractions. […]

664 – Personal Knowledge Management

October 12, 2021 19:28 - 24.6 MB

In this episode of WELSTech we’re introduced to PKM, an organization method for notes, research, and ideas. In addition, we’re talking about humane technology, sharing Kindle books, and prayer options in the YouVersion Bible app. Plus Martin gives us a mini-German lesson! The discussion A new acronym – Martin shares insights regarding Personal Knowledge Management […]

663 – #edu22

September 29, 2021 13:39 - 25.3 MB

Welcome to the season opener of WELSTech! We’ve packed this special episode with our favorite edtech guest hosts, exciting announcements about the upcoming WELS Education Conference, a first-hand review of the iPhone 13, lots of Logitech love, and a new Christian Worship digital lectionary. All this, and you can consume it in either audio or […]

662 – From LEGOs to Email

September 15, 2021 14:26 - 21 MB

WELSTech is back with LEGO news and a wrap up of the book discussion of A World Without Email. Martin shares a free tool for creating diagrams and flowcharts, and the community mail bag includes the ability to ride along with a raindrop. Did we mention LEGOs? The discussion Every techie loves LEGOs, so it’s […]

661 – Adding Value to Information

September 01, 2021 19:10 - 20 MB

This week on WELSTech, we resume the book discussion of A World Without Email by Cal Newport with chapters 4 & 5, all about knowledge work processes. Martin shares his first blog post in a “Getting Into Vlogging” series, and Sallie has news about free Bible verse motion video content for church screens. The discussion […]

660 – Is Email Making Us Miserable?

August 17, 2021 19:46 - 18.8 MB

The WELSTech book discussion of A World Without Email by Cal Newport continues this week with chapters 2 & 3. Martin is excited about a new bookmark manager that ends a multi-year search for a suitable tool. And Sallie is off in space maintaining the stations. The discussion A Mind of Its Own – Martin […]

659 – Are You Checking Your Email Again?

August 04, 2021 14:39 - 16.3 MB

After a bit of a hiatus, WELSTech is back, and we’re kicking off a book discussion of A World Without Email by Cal Newport. Google goodness, more reading, and tech-in-ministry practical solutions for network management and video editing round out the rest of the show. The discussion Martin and Sallie start a new book discussion […]

658 – Dan Schmidt

July 06, 2021 18:21 - 20 MB

On WELSTech this week we wrap up the summer “techy-Sem-theses” interview series with recent Sem graduate, Pastor Dan Schmidt, on today’s gospel ministry in a time of dramatically changing media. App and YouTube picks plus a full calendar of WELS events round out this episode. The interview Martin and Sallie talk with Pastor Dan Schmidt, […]

657 – Caleb Schaewe

June 22, 2021 19:00 - 11.5 MB

Our summer WELSTech interview series continues. This week we talk with recent Sem graduate, Pastor Caleb Schaewe, about the blessings and opportunities around a Christian’s use of social media and the pastor’s role in nurturing it. The interview A recent graduate of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary (WLS), Pastor Caleb Schaewe was assigned to serve Shepherd of […]

656 – Dominick Olson

June 08, 2021 19:00 - 17.2 MB

On this episode of WELSTech we kick off a series of interviews with recent graduates of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary on their tech-in-ministry related senior theses topics. First up, we look at the role virtual reality might play in future ministry efforts. The interview Pastor Dominick Olson recently graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary (WLS) and was […]

655 – COVID In The Rearview Mirror

May 25, 2021 19:30 - 23.8 MB

On this episode of WELSTech, we close out the school year with guest hosts Rachel and Jason by reflecting on lessons learned. The picks of the week cover everything from scheduling to audio books to texting tools, with a little gaming bonus as well. Rachel shares Bible lesson A/V resources she’s compiled and details about […]

654 – More iDols

May 11, 2021 18:44 - 39.2 MB

On this episode of WELSTech we feature the second half of our iDols interview with Pastor Christopher Ewings. There’s also discussion of a hardware solution for fast internet, great deals on the Microsoft suite of tools, using Facebook Groups for private church connections, stock imagery, and newsletters. And our synod schools are sharing graduation and […]

653 – iDols

April 27, 2021 20:24 - 48 MB

This week WELSTech welcomes Pastor Christopher Ewings and a discussion of the Christian’s relationship and use of today’s technology. Martin and Sallie go retro with picks and resources that have stood the test of time. And Sallie says good bye … to Wisconsin. The interview The ultimate technology guru – Pastor Christopher Ewings from Faith […]

652 – A Is For Amazing

April 13, 2021 20:03 - 39.9 MB

This week’s WELSTech focus is missions as Marissa Krogmann from WELS Missions Promotion office shares details about an upcoming virtual event and more. Martin’s got just the ticket to take your OneNote use to the next level, and we’ll talk through 7 pages which should be on your church website. Ready, set, play! The interview […]

651 – Let’s Grow

March 30, 2021 18:01 - 58 MB

This week on WELSTech we take a deep dive into the topic of school marketing with a great interview and discussion on the topic. Guest hosts Rachel and Jason have the perfect tools for designing your next social media post. Crisis planning resources and a call for presenters round out the episode. The interview and […]

650 – Forms Are Your Friend

March 16, 2021 19:03 - 33.6 MB

Tune in to WELSTech this week for information on church and school communication using online forms. Martin and Sallie share retro picks of the week plus community feedback.  And you’ll want to grab a link to the Martin Luther College Holy Week devotions … in song! The discussion Contact Us – Martin and Sallie discuss […]

649 – Great City Network

March 02, 2021 19:59 - 45.8 MB

This week’s WELSTech includes a look at the offerings of Great City Network and the wrap up of The Post-Quarantine Church book discussion. There’s also chat about a Lenten podcast, texting in church, online giving, and capturing parent’s attention as they search online for school options. The interview Outside-the-box urban ministry – Pastor Kent Reeder […]

648 – Luck Is The Residue Of Design

February 11, 2021 17:23 - 50.9 MB

We’re breaking tradition to bring you WELSTech on a Thursday this week, but no worries. The “hit parade” is here, just like always! Listen for details on NDI video streaming, unique opportunities to consider as your congregation emerges from the pandemic, a bit of basketball, suspended suspenders, and so much more. Join the conversation! The […]

647 – Rachel and Jason EdTech Favorites

January 26, 2021 20:12 - 46.4 MB

WELSTech welcomes guest hosts Rachel and Jason for a discussion of our favorite edtech resources. Plus we share picks, events, discussions, and reports to supplement your tech-in-ministry efforts! The discussion The best in edtech – Our WELSTech edtech gurus extraordinaire – Prof. Rachel Feld from Martin Luther College and Jason Schmidt from the Oconto Falls […]

646 – The Post-Quarantine Church

January 13, 2021 21:45 - 18.5 MB

Happy 13th anniversary to WELSTech! Today’s show includes a new book discussion, changes to Facebook, Edge browser features which may convert you, online collaboration resources for teachers and more. Join the celebration/conversation! The discussion To kick off the new year of podcasting, Martin and Sallie start a new book discussion of The Post-Quarantine Church by […]

645 – Looking Back At 2020

December 29, 2020 20:17 - 25.7 MB

WELSTech wraps up year 13 of podcasts with a review of highlights from this pandemic year! The discussion Unprecedented – Martin and Sallie consider the blessings (and challenges) of tech in ministry as we close out 2020, a year like no other. Events 624 – Digital Ministry in a COVID-19 World WELS Easter Service & […]

644 – Five Below Cables

December 15, 2020 20:17 - 27.8 MB

WELSTech is back with the final installment of our Atomic Habits book discussion as well as an interview about cyber security training for children. Martin and Sallie make their last picks of 2020, and we learn about captioning video calls. The beautiful Christmas concert from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary closes this last podcast before Christmas, and […]

643 – Mind Candy

December 01, 2020 20:11 - 20.8 MB

Tune in to this week’s WELSTech for a great discussion of the 3rd Law of Atomic Habits. Stay tuned in for a little bit of Elon, Van Gogh, virtual team building, and hymn previews plus lots more WELSTech goodness to enhance your public and personal ministry efforts! The discussion Reduce friction – Martin and Sallie […]

642 – Screencast Tools and Tips

November 17, 2020 20:28 - 25.4 MB

We’re giving thanks this week on WELSTech – for our WELSTech community and for our awesome edtech co-hosts, Rachel & Jason. Tune in for a lively discussion of screencasting as well as picks, resources, and feedback that are sure to enhance your ministry efforts. Plus there’s something new on WELSTech, and you don’t want to […]

641 – Make It Attractive

November 03, 2020 21:00 - 25.1 MB

This week on WELSTech we share the story of one school’s largely digital rebranding efforts that gave them community recognition and a large enrollment increase. We also have more from our Atomic Habits book discussion, a couple of great picks of the week, free early childhood education resources and more! The interview Rebranding for Outreach […]

640 – Zoom Done Right

October 20, 2020 19:58 - 28.3 MB

This week on WELSTech we talk about using Zoom video conferencing in ministry. The 2020 Gospel Outreach with Media Conference kicks off with some very interesting presentations, WELS Congregational Services has a brand new Evangelism kit to share, and we explore new software and app capabilities to make your ministry and life easier. The discussion […]

639 – Make It Obvious

October 06, 2020 20:16 - 25.5 MB

Tune in for 52 minutes of WELSTech goodness including great tips on habit forming as well as special guest insight into the tech behind world mission work. There’s also recycling tips for old devices, Bible commentary discounts, church WordPress themes, and the perfect YouTube channel for budding videographers. The discussion Implementation and stacking – Martin […]

638 – Thoughts On Virtual Learning…Free Of Charge

September 22, 2020 19:11 - 63.3 MB

A new era of WELSTech has arrived as we welcome not one, but two classroom technology correspondents to the guest host chairs on the same episode! We’re talking hybrid education along with picks of the week, community feedback, and all the other WELSTech goodness we can pack into our time together. The discussion New school […]

637 – Atomic Habits

September 08, 2020 19:26 - 74.4 MB

This week, WELSTech starts fresh for the 2020-21 podcast season with a revised show lineup, a great interview on 21st century catechism, a new book discussion, and a couple of hardware picks of the week. There’s also community discussions around Instagram for ministry, Google for Education application requirements, and document camera recommendations. We cap it […]

636 – HR & A Pandemic

August 25, 2020 19:08 - 71.6 MB

On this episode of WELSTech we wrap up our summer look at ministry across the synod during the pandemic by talking with WELS Human Resources Director Dennis Maurer. We also discuss NPH’s new “at-home Sunday School” program. Google extensions and add-ons shine in the “Picks of the week” segment, and WELSTech listeners have lots to […]

635 – PR & A Pandemic

August 11, 2020 19:06 - 21.2 MB

This week on WELSTech we hear from the Martin Luther College Director of Public Relations about the challenges and changes to communication during the pandemic. In addition, there’s a wide variety of tech tools and tips that may benefit your ministry including safely back to school webinars, Gmail organization, Bitmoji classroom images, and farewell to […]

634 – Technology vs Pandemic

July 28, 2020 18:56 - 22.2 MB

Tune in to this week’s WELSTech to learn about a new tech tool to check temperatures before admitting people to your buildings for church and school. We also share googly picks, tips for content filtering and worship projection, and COVID-19 resources from WELS. The interview and discussion: Thermal Scanner – Art Flater, WELS member and […]

633 – Music Ministry in a Pandemic

July 14, 2020 19:03 - 60.3 MB

This week the WELSTech featured interview focuses on pandemic music ministry blessings and challenges. Martin and Sallie geek out a bit with their picks of the week, the WELSTech community buzz is around Chromebooks and texting solutions, and we share details about an upcoming “Back to School” webinar by WELS Lutheran Schools and Christian Family […]

632 – Google Just Wants To Save You Some Money

June 30, 2020 19:24 - 39.5 MB

On WELSTech this week we talk with a long-time WELSTech contributor about his pandemic experience. In addition, we have hardware recommendations, an exciting virtual conference to share, “free” items for schools, and highlights from Apple’s World Wide Developer’s Conference. The interview and discussion: Coast to coast – Martin and Sallie chat with WELS educator Perry […]

631 – What Does Church Look Like?

June 16, 2020 18:41 - 40.5 MB

The WELSTech Summer interview series kicks off today. We’re taking a look at the many faces of ministry during a pandemic from across the synod in an effort to spark ideas and encourage excellence in all ministry, whether in good times or challenging times. There’s also some awesome community feedback on everything from smart tech […]

630 – Productivity That Lasts

June 02, 2020 19:28 - 52.1 MB

WELSTech Summer has arrived with an abbreviated show format and a break from pandemic discussions this week. We’re talking productivity, including tips to stay productive long term. A new Googly podcast, wired internet solutions, progressive web apps, online lesson planning tools, and an awesome song are all part of the conversation. Press play now! The […]

Twitter Mentions

@welstech 102 Episodes
@salliedraper 102 Episodes
@mspriggs 102 Episodes