WELSTech Audio
WELSTech explores the use of technology to further the spread of the gospel. This show is sponsored by the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS).
All Episodes
744 – Smarty Pants AI
<a href="https://welstech.wels.net/2025/02/13/744-smarty-pants-ai/" rel="nofollow"></a> <p>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 the beginning.</p> <p></p> The interview and discussion <p>AI and the public ministry – Martin and Sallie talk with Jon Pederson, a senior at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, about his thesis topic, <em>AI Associate: Examining Artificial Intelligence and its Potential Impact on the Pastoral Ministry</em>.</p> Ministry resources <ul> <li><a href="https://wels.net/event/wels-national-teen-bible-study-2/" rel="nofollow">Check out the details</a> and <a href="https://wels.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0tf-mtqzsqEtfxetlOW3lTKWtXTg8gIsXJ#/registration" rel="nofollow">sign up</a> for the Online Teen Bible Study on February 16 @ 6 pm CST</li> </ul> Picks of the week <ul> <li><a href="https://www.blueprint-schools.com/the-blueprint-blog/school-marketing-must-do-a-simple-way-to-get-found-on-google" rel="nofollow">Optimize you Google Business Profile</a> from Blueprint Schools</li> <li><a href="http://readwise.io" rel="nofollow">Readwise</a></li> </ul> Community feedback & events <ul> <li><a href="https://welshistoricalinstitute.org/histories/history-of-wels/" rel="nofollow">A History of 175 Years of WELS</a> from WELS Historical Institue</li> </ul> Next time <p>It will be a bit longer wait for our next episode, but totally worth it as we’ll be sharing all the <a href="https://welstech.wels.net/ai-summit/" rel="nofollow">WELSTech AI Summit</a> goodness!</p> Get involved <ul> <li>Add comments</li> <li>Send us an e-mail <a href="mailto:welstech@wels.net" rel="nofollow">welstech@wels.net</a></li> <li>Join the WELSTech community: <ul> <li>WELSTech <a href="https://groups.google.com/a/groups.wels.net/forum/#!forum/welstech" rel="nofollow">Google Group</a></li> <li>WELSTech on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/WELSTech" rel="nofollow">Facebook</a></li> <li>WELSTech on <a href="http://pinterest.com/welstech/" rel="nofollow">Pinterest</a></li> <li>WELSTech on <a href="https://instagram.com/welstechpodcast/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a></li> </ul> </li> <li>Add to the WELSTech wiki <a href="http://welstechwiki.gapps.wels.net/" rel="nofollow">welstechwiki.gapps.wels.net</a></li> <li>Contribute to the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23WELSTech&src=typd" rel="nofollow">#WELSTech</a> X conversation</li> <li>Follow us on X – <a href="http://twitter.com/welstech" rel="nofollow">welstech</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/mspriggs" rel="nofollow">mspriggs</a> and <a href="http://twitter.com/salliedraper" rel="nofollow">salliedraper</a></li> <li>Share with the Diigo group <a href="http://groups.diigo.com/group/welstech" rel="nofollow">welstech</a></li> </ul>
774 - Sprinkles and Shortlinks
In this episode of WELSTech, titled "Sprinkles and Shortlinks," I join co-host Sally Draper to explore the evolving landscape of church communications. We discuss the importance of bridging printed materials with digital resources, focusing on the effective use of URL shorteners and QR codes. These tools can enhance engagement and streamline access to online content, making it easier for congregants to connect with your ministry. We also share personal anecdotes, highlighting practical applications of these technologies within church settings. Join us as we uncover tips and best practices for leveraging technology to foster communication and community in your church..png)
773 - Give It a Desk
What if your AI assistant already knew your school handbook, your church's mission statement, your newsletter archives — and you never had to explain any of it again? That's the promise of AI workspaces, and in this episode Martin and Sallie break down how to put them to work in a ministry setting. The "big four" AI platforms — Claude, ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot — all offer some version of a persistent workspace where you can load documents, set instructions, and give your AI a running head start. Claude calls them Projects, Gemini calls them Gems, and Copilot offers Notebooks. Martin walks through how he uses these tools for WELSTech production, the WELS AI Task Force, the WELS strategic plan, and even Lutheran theology — and shares a memorable analogy: it's the difference between a substitute teacher and the one who built the lesson plans and knows the students. Practical use cases explored include principals loading staff handbooks and curriculum, pastors uploading text studies and constitution documents, and church council leaders organizing strategic planning materials. Sallie adds her own example using Copilot agents for data reporting with SQL — no more re-explaining context every time. The conversation wraps up with honest cautions: workspaces aren't set-it-and-forget-it, AI can still hallucinate, and human discernment remains essential. Sallie reminds listeners that a great companion document to any AI workspace you set up is the WELS AI Ethical Framework. Ministry Resource: The WELS AI Task Force has published an AI Ethical Framework, a Stewardship and Risk Assessment, and a Survey Summary — all available at welstech.wels.net/ai/. A feedback form is open for your input on these documents. Picks of the Week: Sallie: Epson EcoTank printer (model ET-2800) — nearly 3,000 prints on the original ink bottles, easy refills, and dramatically lower cost than cartridge printers Martin: Markdown Viewer (Chrome/Edge extension) — drag any .MD file into your browser and see it beautifully formatted, no extra software needed Community Feedback: The Center for Apologetics and Worldviews (ELS) is hosting their 8th Annual Summer Meetup on June 24–25 at Bethany Lutheran College, focused entirely on artificial intelligence and the Christian faith. Registration is free; a $10 lunch donation is suggested. Coming Up: WELSTech is moving to a new platform, and the show notes will also be available at welstech.wels.org. Stay tuned for updates! � welstech@wels.net | � welstech.wels.net WELSTech is the official technology podcast of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, exploring the intersection of technology and ministry since 2008.730 – Summer Tech Talks – Sarah Krause & Eileen Rosenow
<a href="https://welstech.wels.net/2024/08/01/730-summer-tech-talks-sarah-krause-eileen-rosenow/" rel="nofollow"></a> <p>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!</p> <p></p> The discussion & interview <p>The brains – Sarah Krause and Eileen Rosenow from WELS Lutheran Schools join Martin and Sallie to share a behind-the-scenes look at the important work happening in preparation for a new school year. These ladies just can’t wait for you to get those school stats and product subscriptions taken care of!</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://welsedconference.com/" rel="nofollow">WELS Education Conference</a> – June 23-25, 2025, Green Bay, WI</li> </ul> Picks of the week <ul> <li><a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/18XH5shOcYjh8KdttclQm52uHp4MdTIqA5EJ1dZFKuO0/edit?usp=sharing" rel="nofollow">Sallie’s Summer PD Bingo Board</a> from Ditch That Textbook <ul> <li><a href="https://web.diffit.me/" rel="nofollow">Diffit for Teachers</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6YL_lL1yg4" rel="nofollow">Diffit overview video</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.diffit.me/diffit-certified-educator" rel="nofollow">Diffit Certification</a> in 20 minutes!</li> <li><a href="https://wakelet.com/wake/o7tzfIalc23KLwacaSOEU" rel="nofollow">Diffit Wakelet</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.diffit.me/first-year-teachers" rel="nofollow">Diffit is free for first year teachers</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="https://help.raindrop.io/browser-extension" rel="nofollow">Raindrop.io Browser Extension</a> <ul> <li><a href="https://raindrop.io/pro/buy" rel="nofollow">Consider going Pro!</a></li> </ul> </li> </ul> Community feedback & events <p>Considerations for live streaming worship</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://churchtechtoday.com/bridgetown-church-announces-discontinuation-of-live-streaming-church-online-services/" rel="nofollow">Bridgetown Church Cancels Live Streaming Church Online Services</a> from Church Tech Today</li> <li><a href="https://welstech.wels.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ChurchLiveStreamInfographic2.png" rel="nofollow">10 Live Streaming Consideration for Church Services[Infographic]</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>Click image to view the full Infographic</strong><a href="https://welstech.wels.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ChurchLiveStreamInfographic2.png" rel="nofollow"></a></p> Next time <p>Our Summer Tech Talks series finale features a conversation with Northern Wisconsin District President, Pastor Joel Zank.</p> Get involved <ul> <li>Add comments</li> <li>Send us an e-mail <a href="mailto:welstech@wels.net" rel="nofollow">welstech@wels.net</a></li> <li>Join the WELSTech community: <ul> <li>WELSTech <a href="https://groups.google.com/a/groups.wels.net/forum/#!forum/welstech" rel="nofollow">Google Group</a></li> <li>WELSTech on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/WELSTech" rel="nofollow">Facebook</a></li> <li>WELSTech on <a href="http://pinterest.com/welstech/" rel="nofollow">Pinterest</a></li> <li>WELSTech on <a href="https://instagram.com/welstechpodcast/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a></li> </ul> </li> <li>Add to the WELSTech wiki <a href="http://welstechwiki.gapps.wels.net/" rel="nofollow">welstechwiki.gapps.wels.net</a></li> <li>Contribute to the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23WELSTech&src=typd" rel="nofollow">#WELSTech</a> X conversation</li> <li>Follow us on X – <a href="http://twitter.com/welstech" rel="nofollow">welstech</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/mspriggs" rel="nofollow">mspriggs</a> and <a href="http://twitter.com/salliedraper" rel="nofollow">salliedraper</a></li> <li>Share with the Diigo group <a href="http://groups.diigo.com/group/welstech" rel="nofollow">welstech</a></li> </ul>