326 – Going Paperless

Tune in to this week’s WELSTech for links galore to help you (and Sallie) get started in a paperless existence. Listen for ideas to begin digitizing both personal and ministry paperwork. Webmasters will appreciate this week’s ministry resources for enhancing search engine optimization. And find out if Martin knows where to find Bible-minded people.

The discussion:

A digital life – Martin and Sallie share ideas for converting the paper we are so fond of filing away into digitized bits and bytes and in the process improving our access to important information, enhancing our stewardship of time and allowing for easy sharing and collaboration.

Ministry resources:

  • Cory Putz from St. Matthew’s in Winona, MN recommends Marketing Grader and LikeAlyzer for search engine optimization and site analysis
  • Share a helpful resource that makes a difference in your ministry, and you will be entered to win an Apple TV. Deadline for entry is May 31, 2014.

Tech tips:

Picks of the week:

Community feedback:

Coming up on WELSTech:

Episode 327 – Mr. Sunshine, Jason Schmidt, guest hosts with Martin and Sallie on our edtech focused podcast as we talk wireless infrastructure. Drew Willems from Shoreland Lutheran High School is set to share a “state of Shoreland technology” report as well. (Release date – 02/05/14)

Music download:

This week only, download a free music single from Stephen Bautista (www.stephenbautistamusic.com or stephenbautista on Twitter) – A Brand New Day

Get involved:

325 – A College Perspective

We’re broadcasting live from Martin Luther College for this week’s WELSTech. Martin and Sallie are side-by-side with MLC students as they discuss the future of technology in ministry. Live Q&A keeps us on our toes, we find time for an exercise break, plus Martin gets a special surprise.

The discussion:

The students’ perspective – Martin Luther College students Katie Schultz, Joel Hopper, Emily Waldek, Dan Schallert and Jared Natsis talk with Martin and Sallie about ministry and technology and their expectations for future. It turns out that these Millennials surprisingly think “less is more” when it comes to shiny tech.

Listener reviews:

Tech tips:

Picks of the week:

Of interest:

Get ready for an online interactive Bible study led by WELS President Mark Schroeder on the topic of “I’d like to read the Bible, but …”. The 4-week study begin February 5th at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Eastern time. Learn more and download bulletin inserts and posters to promote the study in your congregation.

Community feedback:

Coming up on WELSTech:

Episode 326 – Going paperless is easier than you think! Martin and Sallie share ideas to digitize (and organize) your life. (Release date – 01/29/14)

Music download:

This week only, download a free music single from WELS musician and staff minister Benhur Khamrang (Reverbnation) – Crown Him With Many Crowns

Get involved:

324 – Your Mind, The Juggler

This week on WELSTech we return to our current book discussion, The Shallows by Nicolas Carr, with a lively discussion of the effects the Internet is having on our ability to get beyond cursory levels of thinking. Musicians will be happy to learn about this week’s ministry resource. There are tips and picks and events and teacher resources shared as well. And, for the first time ever, WELSTech-ers joined the conversation in real time using the Google Hangout Q&A tool!

The discussion:

One thimble at a time – Martin and Sallie debate the points of Chapter 7 of The Shallows by Nicolas Carr, titled “The Juggler’s Brain”. The Internet’s hyperlinks and multi-media coupled with our response to the often-times overwhelming stream of information by multitasking and power-browsing are rewiring our brains and interfering with our ability to process and store meaningful knowledge.  Or perhaps it isn’t that bad?

Ministry resources:

  • Jim Baur from Christ in Baxter, MN recommends OpenHymnal.org
  • Share a helpful resource that makes a difference in your ministry, and you will be entered to win an Apple TV. Deadline for entry is May 31, 2014.

Tech tips:

Picks of the week:

WELS.net (and beyond) feature:

Defining Technology by Pastor Caleb Bassett, WELS Hymnal Committee Technology Chairmen

Of interest:

  • WELS marriage retreats abound. Learn more.
  • FinalWeb training at the Center for Mission and Ministry date change – July 29 to August 1

Community feedback:

Coming up on WELSTech:

Episode 325 – Join us for WELSTech Live from Martin Luther College. Martin and Sallie talk with MLC students about their ideas for tech in their future ministries. (Release date – 01/22/14)

Music download:

This week only, download a free music single from Cross To Glory (www.facebook.com/crosstoglory) – He Is

Get involved:

323 – Resolutions, WELSTech Style

Welcome to 2014 WELSTech-ers! Join Martin and Sallie as we begin our 7th year of WELSTech with a discussion of techie new year’s resolutions. Ideas for security, education and passwords are shared as well as some resolutions we’ve made to enhance WELSTech. This episode also includes a user-submitted ministry resource, a Google tip and information on the upcoming interactive Bible study with President Mark Schroeder.

The discussion:

Out with the old – The turn of the calendar traditionally provides the opportunity to reflect and identify areas for improvement. Pastor Rob Guenther from Grace in Kenai, AK shared a free online self-assessment tool from Fire Your Excuses, and Martin and Sallie discuss their tech-related resolutions. Worth noting are dates for upcoming FinalWeb training – July 8 to 11 at the Center for Mission and Ministry in Waukesha, WI.

Changes are even in store for WELSTech:

  • New recording time is 4 p.m. Central on Tuesdays. Viewers are encouraged to submit questions and comments real time at welstechlive.wels.net
  • A new monthly “how-to” series of WELSTech Webinars will launch in March

Ministry resources:

  • Joshua Kramer from Good Shepherd, West Bend, WI recommends Planning Center Online for shared calendaring and more.
  • Share a helpful resource that makes a difference in your ministry, and you will be entered to win an Apple TV. Deadline for entry is May 31, 2014.

Tech tips:

  • Delete a word at a time with Control+Backspace (PC) or Option+Delete (Mac)
  • Page-level permissions available in Google Sites

Picks of the week:

Of interest:

Get ready for an online interactive Bible study led by WELS President Mark Schroeder on the topic of “I’d like to read the Bible, but …”. The 4-week study begin February 5th at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Eastern time. Learn more and download bulletin inserts and posters to promote the study in your congregation.

Community feedback:

Coming up on WELSTech:

Episode 324 – Martin and Sallie discuss chapter 7 of Nicholas Carr’s The Shallows – The Juggler’s Brain. (Release date – 01/15/14)

Music download:

This week only, download a free music single from WELS artist Mike Westendorf (www.mikewestendorf.com and mikewestendorf on Twitter) – You Are Amazing 

Get involved: