WELSTech AI Summit
Divine Savior Lutheran, Doral, FL | February 21-23, 2025
The first WELSTech Summit will gather AI experts and thought leaders, as well as influencers from across the synod, to explore the place and practice of artificial intelligence within WELS. This will be an invitation only event. Participants are selected based on nomination. Deliverables from the summit could include recommendations for synod agencies, churches, and schools related to the use of AI, best practices, policies, and more focused study. The recommendation for and creation of subsequent working groups in specific domains is likely.
You are invited to nominate attendees by emailing [email protected].
Objectives
- Equip for effective use: To explore how AI can be effectively utilized by pastors, teachers, and administrative staff in Lutheran churches and schools.
- Explore ways to educate and prepare: Introduce educators to AI technologies and their potential applications in Lutheran education, helping them understand the “what, why, and how” of AI in the context of their faith-based teaching.
- Explore ethical considerations: Discuss the ethical implications of AI use in Lutheran churches and schools, aligning its implementation with Christian values and principles.
- Discuss ways to enhance teaching and learning: Showcase AI tools and strategies that can augment classroom instruction, improve student engagement, and support personalized learning experiences.
- Promote AI literacy: Equip pastors, teachers and administrators with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively integrate AI into their ministry, curricula and administrative processes.
- Address concerns: Provide a platform for called workers to voice their concerns about AI and collaboratively develop strategies to address challenges such as ministerial and academic integrity and responsible use.
- Foster innovation: Encourage educators to explore innovative ways of incorporating AI into their teaching practices while maintaining the core values of Lutheran education.
- Share best practices: Explore the concept of a platform for educators across the Lutheran school district to share best practices, experiences, and ideas related to AI implementation.
- Seed an AI repository: Seed a repository for creating AI usage policies and guidelines that align with Lutheran principles and values.
- Equip students: Discuss how to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in an AI-infused ministry while maintaining their faith perspective.
Schedule
Friday, February 21, 2025 |
|
TIME | EVENT |
3:30 PM – 4:00 PM | Registration |
4:00 PM – 4:30 PM | Welcome & Devotion |
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM | Keynote Address – “The Present & Future of AI in Ministry and Education” |
5:45 PM – 6:45 PM | Roundtable Discussion |
7:30 PM | Dinner |
Saturday, February 22, 2025 |
|
TIME | EVENT |
8:00 AM | Continental Breakfast |
8:30 AM – 9:15 AM | Morning Starter #1- “AI Policy & Ethics” |
9:15 AM – 10:00 AM | Working Group Breakouts (Church, School, Administration) |
10:15 AM – 11:00 AM | Morning Starter #2 – “AI Use Case Potluck” |
11:00 AM – 11:45 AM | Working Group Breakouts (Church, School, Administration) |
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Lunch |
1:15 PM – 2:15 PM | Afternoon Keynote – “Promptcraft: How to get what you want” |
2:15 PM – 3:00 PM | Afternoon Starter – “Addressing AI Concerns” |
3:15 PM – 4:00 PM | Working Group Breakouts (Church, School, Administration) |
6:00 PM | Dinner (on your own) |
Sunday, February 23, 2025 |
|
TIME | EVENT |
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM | Worship at Divine Savior Lutheran |
1:00 PM – 1:30 PM | Plenary Discussion: “What do we do today to make a difference tomorrow?” |
1:30 PM – 2:15 PM | Afternoon Starter – “Summit Attendees Show & Tell – Everyday Examples” |
2:15 PM – 3:45 PM | Working Group Recommendations Development |
4:00 PM – 5:30 PM | Recommendations Discussion & Action Planning |
5:30 PM | Closing Devotion |
Note: Agenda subject to change
Cost
WELS Technology will subsidize up to $1,500 in travel, lodging and meal costs (based on receipts).