Tag Archive for: outreach

284 – Building A Specialized Digital Ministry

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On this edition of WELSTech, we discuss ideas and examples of digital outreach web sites, podcasts, video channels and e-news including the Bread For Beggars site started in the WELS South Atlantic District. It may be our longest episode ever, but you’ll want to hang on for all the picks, WELS.net features and community feedback goodness we’ve packed into this show!

The discussion:

Niche Evangelism – Going beyond traditional church web sites, many people are using creative digital content to reach out with the good news of Jesus Christ. Martin and Sallie take a whirl-wind tour of specialized digital ministry efforts across the web and discuss tools and channels you can use for your own outreach as part of congregation efforts or on a personal level.

The interview:

(25:06) The Bread of Life – Pastor Mark Parsons from Christ the King in Port Charlotte, FL and Matt Visaggio talk with Martin and Sallie about the web site Bread for Beggars, an outreach focused site started in WELS South Atlantic District.

Picks of the week:

WELS.net feature:

(53:53) Check out WELS’ brand new Spanish outreach site, El Mensajero Luterano

Of interest:

(56:25) Register online to attend the first WELSTech Camp, a free un-conference coming up September 14 at Martin Luther College. Check out the link for all the details including a Friday night meet-up and deals on hotels in the area.

Community feedback:

Coming up on WELSTech:

(1:14:38) Episode 285 – Next week Martin and Sallie will explore ideas to introduce technology in your congregation and talk with Pastor Steve Schamber and Jason Petoskey about the use of Logos Proclaim for worship projection at Holy Trinity in Wyoming, MI. (Release date – 04/23/13)

The featured artist:

(1:15:39) We close today’s WELSTech with the music of Joey Schumann and the Lutheran Ceili Orchestra (JoeySchumann.com | Joey on Facebook) – Christ Be Beside Me

Get involved:

259 – Christ In Media

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WELSTech hits the road this week as Martin and Sallie interview leaders of the recent Media Outreach in World Missions Conference from the beautiful Media Arts Studio on the campus of Bethany Lutheran College!

The discussion:

Conference recap – Martin and Sallie review highlights of the Media Outreach in World Missions Conference held recently at Bethany Lutheran College. There participants from around the world joined in discussions about using technology to collaborate and produce creative content for sharing the Gospel message with all people!

Four of the conference leaders sat down with Martin and Sallie to share their thoughts on the challenges presented at the conference.

The discipleship challenge with Paul Hartman:

(8:18) Pastor Paul Hartman, director of WELS Multi-Language Publications, has a vision for sharing God’s Word with the world which includes creative usage of technology. Pastor Hartman shares his thoughts on nurturing Christians from a distance.

The cultural challenge with John Lawrenz:

(21:25) Dr. John Lawrenz from Asia Lutheran Seminary has experienced more cultures than WELSTech listeners have experienced different versions of operating systems, and he shares his thoughts on how to bridge cultural challenges to sharing the Gospel.

Picks of the week:

The creative and technological challenges with Jas Lonnquist and Mike Klebig:

(44:45) Husband and wife team Mike Klebig and Jas Lonnquist are members of Apostles in San Jose, CA and “Godly Geeks” who were moved to action as they implemented media solutions in their own congregation and then shared those solutions with others. They talk with Martin and Sallie about right-brain creativity and left-brain tech solutions.

Coming up on WELSTech:

(1:12:12) Episode 260 – EdTech week on WELSTech returns with a special twist! Not only will we be joined by our semi-regular co-host Jason Schmidt and have a great interview with teacher John Dorn about using Edmodo in the classroom, but listeners can also look forward to WELSTech “going global” as Martin joins our Hangout from Hong Kong! (Release date – 10/30/12)

The featured artist:

(1:14:05) This week we close the podcast with the Reformation music of Koine (www.koinemusic.com | Facebook) – God’s Word Is Our Great Heritage

Get involved:

109 – Reaching The Technophobe

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This week on the WELSTech podcast Martin and Sallie discuss ideas for reaching out to the non-techies in your congregation.

The discussion:

Tackling tech fears – Has your congregation considered offering TSL classes – “Tech as a Second Language”?  Martin and Sallie explain how patience and communication are key factors in turning technophobes into digital consumers.

The interview:

Missionary Paul Nitz(16:06) Technology Malawi-Style – Missionary Paul Nitz joins Martin and Sallie from Lilongwe, Malawi to talk about the blessings and challenges of mission work Africa, and how technology is helping.

  • Learn more about mission work in Malawi from the Missions blog

Ministry resources:

(36:04) Thanks to Nancy Thompson from Victory of the Lamb in Franklin, WI for tweeting several Christmas worship media giveaways:

Picks of the week:

Community feedback:

  • (46:24) Gail Potratz from Emanuel in New London, WI and Jason Schmidt from Gethsemane in Omaha, NE shared great resources using #WELSTech on Twitter:
    • Apture.com – add multimedia to your site with one click
    • The power of the PLN (Personal Learning Network)
  • Dan Nommensen from Wisconsin Lutheran Child and Family Services is looking for tips for his e-newsletter.  Check out
  • Martin’s Glo Bible demo video is a hit!
  • Mark Helman from Twinfinity Creations has the music of Susan Ann and continues to learn from WELSTech!
  • Julie Duran, WELS webmaster, shared additional RSS resources for our WELSTech Wiki RSS page

Coming up on WELSTech:

(57:18) Episode 110 – Our discussion of Shane Hipps’ The Hidden Power of Electronic Culture continues with chapter 2: Perceiving The Powers That Shape Us. (Release date 12/16/09)

The featured artist:

(58:12) This week we close with the piano music of Dawn Gehlhar – O Little Town of Bethlehem from her “Christmas Dreams” CD

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