656 – Dominick Olson

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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 assigned to Resurrection Lutheran Church in Rochester, MN. His senior thesis at WLS was titled Putting the Reality in Virtual Reality: A Look at the Viability of Virtual Reality for Applications in Ministry. You may read the essay in the WLS Digital Library (PDF). Martin and Sallie talk with him about the topic.

Picks of the week

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655 – COVID In The Rearview Mirror

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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 MLC’s free summer conference!

The discussion

Goodbye to school year 2020-21 – Martin and Sallie are joined once again by Prof. Rachel Feld from Martin Luther College and Jason Schmidt from the Oconto Falls School District, and we reflect on lessons learned during this school year and the importance of summer rest for our superhero teachers.

Picks of the week

Ministry resource

Bible Lesson Media Resources

Community feedback

WELS now

OpenLearning@MLC – a free virtual conference hosted by martin Luther College on June 15 & 16

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654 – More iDols

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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 assignment events happening in the coming week!

The interview

Know the end game – This week we share part 2 of Martin and Sallie’s discussion with Pastor Christopher Ewings from Faith Lutheran Church in Anchorage, AK on his recent iDols: Putting technology in its proper place Bible study. Listen to part 1 of the interview on episode 653.

Picks of the week

Ministry resource

The Sizeable Benefit of Creating Facebook Groups For Your Church

Community feedback

WELS now

Graduation and Assignments

  • Martin Luther College
    • Concert – May 14 at 4:00 pm & 7:30 pm
    • Graduation and assignments – May 15 at 10:00 am
  • Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary
    • Vicar assignments – May 19 at 7:00 pm
    • Pastor assignments – May 20 at 10:00 am
    • Concert – May 20 at 7:00 pm
    • Graduation – May 21 at 10:00 am

Next time

Jason Schmidt and Rachel Feld wrap up the school year edtech podcasts

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653 – iDols

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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 Lutheran Church in Anchorage, AK shares details with Martin and Sallie about his recent iDols: Putting technology in its proper place Bible study.

Picks of the week

Ministry resource

The Resurgence of the QR Code

Community feedback

WELS now

Get involved

652 – A Is For Amazing

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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

Amazing Missions – Marissa Krogmann, Missions Promotions Manager for WELS, shares her excitement about the work of WELS Home and World Missions with Martin and Sallie. In particular, learn about the upcoming Taste of Missions virtual event, happening July 11-17, 2021.

Picks of the week

Ministry resource

7 Best Pages to Include on Your Church Website

Community feedback

WELS now

Get involved

651 – Let’s Grow

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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 discussion

Dana Kirchoff joins Martin and Sallie to discuss the roots of school marketing – knowing your community and their needs so schools can strategically design programs and communication to meet the needs.

WELSTech’s edtech gurus, Prof. Rachel Feld from Martin Luther College and Jason Schmidt from the Oconto Falls School District, also share their perspective on school and church marketing and social media.

Picks of the week

Ministry resource

One By One Bible Study

Community feedback

WELS now

WELS National Education Conference

  • Happening June 20-22, 2022 at the Ingleside Hotel in Pewaukee, WI
  • Call for Presenters – deadline May 31, 2021

Get involved

650 – Forms Are Your Friend

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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 online forms for churches and schools – the tools, the rules, the data to collect.

Picks of the week

Ministry resource

7 integrated online forms your church should be using this summer

Community feedback

WELS now

Martin Luther College Holy Week Devotions – My Song Is Love Unknown

Next time

Guests hosts, education technology, and school marketing are on the horizon!

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649 – Great City Network

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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 from Illume Church, Seattle, WA and Dan Jaspersen, curator, join us to discuss the formation and three-fold vision of Great City Network – collaborating, training, and skill sharing.

The book discussion

From challenges to opportunities – Martin and Sallie finish their discussion of The Post-Quarantine Church  by Thom Rainer.

Picks of the week

Ministry resource

Heart to heart: parent conversations series – Audio and video

WELS now

Jesus’ Passion – 40 days of Bible readings with commentary by Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary Professor Stephen Geiger, available in audio podcast and video formats. Here’s a sample:

Community feedback

Next time

WELS has a new Contact Us form and perhaps your church or school needs something similar.

Get involved

648 – Luck Is The Residue Of Design

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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 interview

NDI video streaming – Teacher Justin Liepert from Wisconsin Lutheran High School in Milwaukee, WI shares details of their recent live streaming hardware upgrades.

The book discussion

The Post-Quarantine Church – Martin and Sallie continue the discussion of Thom Rainer’s book, specifically covering chapters 3, 4 and 5.  Read along and perhaps share and discuss in your congregations.

Picks of the week

Ministry resource

Finalweb 2.0 YouTube playlist

Community feedback

WELS now

Marriage Moments now in the WELS app

Next time

Pastor Kent Reeder and Dan Jaspersen share details about a new church communication initiative they are launching, and we wrap up our Post-Quarantine Church book discussion.

Get involved

647 – Rachel and Jason EdTech Favorites

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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 School District – are back, and the discussion centers on our favorite edtech content.

Picks of the week

Ministry resource

Sign up for the Learning with Google event – February 17 from 2 to 3:30 pm Central

Community feedback

WELS now

WELS annual report

Next time

Coming up in two weeks, teacher Justin Liepert is in the interview chair and Martin and Sallie talk about the post-quarantine church.

Get involved