WELSTech Audio

Welcoming visitors and tracking attendance are the topics of the day on WELSTech 749. We've got an interview on a kiosk worship check in system which is guaranteed to make you smile, plus examples of paper attendance tracking and guest welcome stations. We also kick the tires on the recently updated WELS Call Report, share […]

Welcome to Holy Week 2025, and a warm WELSTech welcome to art educator Lori Ehlke. Lori shares her path from art and Spanish teacher through Covid shutdown to YouTube fame, and how she benefitted from learning as she went and being consistent with her work. BONUS: Lori's work isn't confined to the K-12 classroom. We […]

WELSTech is back with a deep dive into Canva waters and the terrific capabilities it has for churches and schools. The toolset is easy and intuitive, even if you've never used it before. This episode may be all you need to get started! Martin shares his phone case pick and there's some AI-generated coding for […]

WELSTech is back with so much to discuss regarding SAMR in Secondary Ed, so much brain-power from our newly awarded doctor guest host, so many picks of the week (including a bonus pick that is so tasty), so many e-newsletters on church marketing, so much trade-in value on MacBook Air computers, and so much more […]

Wednesday and WELSTech, an unlikely pairing, but so worth it! Join us for a recap of the recent WELSTech AI Summit plus discussion of an AI classroom tool/powerhouse, Lent and Easter resources, and browser tips to enhance your day. Blessings on this Ash Wednesday! The discussion There and back again – The WELSTech AI Summit […]

WELSTech is back and talking AI (Artificial Intelligence) from the perspective of a pastor-in-training. Senior seminarian Jon Pederson shares insights from his thesis work on the topic. A teen online Bible study opportunity is coming up soon, and WELS is celebrating a special anniversary with a new online interactive timeline which details WELS history since […]

On this episode of WELSTech, the edtech guest hosts are back with more SAMR and how it supports budget and procurement decisions. Should 1:1 computing continue in all classrooms?  Plus, there's lots more covered in the ministry resources, picks, and community feedback sections of the show. The discussion Remember that haircutting game? – WELSTech welcomes […]

What's that? WELSTech goes “anti-tech” this episode? Say it isn't so!! But it is somewhat true, and for a very good reason. Corralling church tech use can lead to more tech adoption and more satisfied members when tech is done well verses overdone. Seeing straight is another challenge tackled, with a little help from AI. […]

WELSTech starts 2025 with a look back at 2024, our 17th year of podcasting! Listeners will likely agree that the theme of the year was AI, and Artificial Intelligence weaves its way into many of Martin and Sallie's “best of” picks for the year. Events Summer Tech Talks series Best Show title – 733 – […]

The WELSTech Christmas tradition continues as we bring you an interview with a synod administrator. This year the microphone is pointed at WELS Benefit Plans Office and Director Josh Peterman. We also send our best wishes to you and yours for a wonderful Christmas celebration! The interview All things benefits – Get an inside look […]

WELSTech this week features a discussion of the online form creation process. There's also mention of WELS Youth Night resources, a free online edtech conference, and a nifty set of bits that could make the perfect Christmas gift. Plus, the listener mailbag is full of interesting items. Time to tune in! The discussion It all […]

We're back at the intersection of technology and ministry with another episode of WELSTech. The topic of the day is elementary tech integration, and it features a lively conversation with WELSTech semi-regular co-hosts, Jason & Rachel.  We also pack in news of an Advent devotional resource, transcription where you least expect it, and the new […]

WELSTech welcomes MLC's Dr. James Carlovsky for a look at Artificial Intelligence from his research and presentations to various audiences. The rest of the show includes thoughts on giving thanks, the AI prompts industry, AI YouTube resources, texting your congregation, and evaluating your worship live stream. The discussion Pros and Cons of AI – Dr […]

On WELSTech this week we talk about the tech at our fingertips as we reveal our office setups. Additionally, we share gift ideas for welcoming church visitors and new members, an overview of the latest version of Logos which introduces AI into the Bible software, and where to find that wonderful smell of leather. The […]

We're 15 years past episode 100 of WELSTech and back once again with your 735th dose of WELSTech goodness! Joining us is the first “Director of Digital Ministry” ever to appear on WELSTech. Listen and learn about the work behind that unique job title. Our picks have a gaming theme, and we share a great […]

WELSTech meets edtech meets ministry this week as we talk tech integration steps for learning and building the infrastructure to support it. We also include details on upcoming classes and webinars of interest, AI image generation, and a surprise new DIY podcast method that gives AI a voice! The discussion Framing it with SAMR – […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Welcome to WELSTech! This episode focuses on our triple citizenship, in heaven, on this earth, and now, in a digital world. Pastor Ben Workentine 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. The discussion […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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. The […]

On this 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, […]

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 […]

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. The discussion […]

Tune in to this episode of WELSTech for a discussion of ways Artificial Intelligence (AI) can assist teachers with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) plans. We also talk about AI policy for schools and evaluating AI tools. The Newline C series is an affordable new interactive flat panel with no operating system on board. And […]

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 […]

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! The discussion Leap Back […]

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 […]

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. The discussion PREP and EDIT – Martin and Sallie are joined by edtech gurus Rachel […]

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 […]

Just like that, 2023 draws to a close, and it's time to wrap up the 16th year of WELSTech! Martin and Sallie reminisce about the year's best events, ministry resources, interviews, and picks, and look forward to lots more tech-in-ministry goodness in 2024! Events We celebrated 700 episodes with a look back at WELSTech tech-in-ministry […]

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 […]

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 […]

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. […]

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. The discussion Make it automatic – Martin and Sallie share ideas for […]

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 […]

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 webcam, and more. Turn it up and enjoy! The discussion The Uprising – A new season of edtech […]

This episode of WELSTech kicks off with news of a docuseries in development to reach ex-Mormons with the gospel message. We learn that the Christian Life Resources Convention is just a month away, plus picks of the week include Bible video resources and an important productivity tip. There's also a call for distance English teachers […]