Tag Archive for: social media

700 – Celebrating 700!

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For the 700th time, welcome to WELSTech, a show about technology and ministry and where those two intersect! Martin and Sallie look way back to 2008 when the show started and explore the changing landscape of tech-in-ministry which they’ve observed through the years. Church texting platforms, fancy social media posts, and AI-generated text are some of the 2023 tech-in-ministry topics discussed on this episode as well.

The discussion

A big milestone – Martin and Sallie suited up to celebrate this 700th episode of WELSTech with a look back at where and why it started, tech-in-ministry topics then and now, retro WELSTech images, and book reviews through the years. Plus, the WELSTech “ace in the hole” is revealed!

Ministry resource

Top 28 Church Texting Platforms – Comparison chart in the PDF

Picks of the week

Community news & feedback

Next time

Amanda Klemp from WELS Communication Services shares tips for great e-newsletters

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693 – Social Media Graphics

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Thanks for tuning in to WELSTech! This week we have fun graphic design tools to share, both free and fee-based, which do the heavy lifting when it comes to creating social media graphics which look professional. The rest of the show is packed with goodies including Bible study resources, an affordable classroom document camera, Leadership Conference news, and a look ahead at tech of the future. Join the conversation!

 

The discussion

Get creative – A picture is … an expected and well received method of communicating on social media. For those who feel graphically challenged to design social media image masterpieces, Martin and Sallie share some of their favorite sites for creating professional images to share on social media. Check out the sample image library they created using some of the tools discussed and reference this article on the 10 Best Tips for Social Media Photos for additional inspiration and guidance.

Tools for image creation
Stock image resources

Ministry resource

WELS Bible Studies

Picks of the week

Community news & feedback

WELS National Conference on Lutheran Leadership early bird discount extended

  • Register by November 23 at the discounted rate of $249 per person
  • January 16-18, 2023, at the Hilton in Chicago, IL

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658 – Dan Schmidt

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On WELSTech this week we wrap up the summer “techy-Sem-theses” interview series with recent Sem graduate, Pastor Dan Schmidt, on today’s gospel ministry in a time of dramatically changing media. App and YouTube picks plus a full calendar of WELS events round out this episode.

The interview

Martin and Sallie talk with Pastor Dan Schmidt, a recent Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary (WLS) graduate assigned to Luther Preparatory School in Watertown, WI, about his senior thesis titled Changing Media and the Changeless Message: Sharing the Gospel Through New Media. You may read the essay in the WLS Digital Library (PDF).

Picks of the week

WELS now

Community feedback

A Google inside street view discussion from WELS Intersections

Coming next on WELSTech

We kick off a new book discussion of A World Without Email by Cal Newport. Pastor Peter Hagen shared the book idea after listening to an author interview on episode 403 of the Carey Nieuwhof podcast.

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657 – Caleb Schaewe

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Our summer WELSTech interview series continues. This week we talk with recent Sem graduate, Pastor Caleb Schaewe, about the blessings and opportunities around a Christian’s use of social media and the pastor’s role in nurturing it.

The interview

A recent graduate of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary (WLS), Pastor Caleb Schaewe was assigned to serve Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church in Linden, MI. In this interview, Martin and Sallie discuss his  WLS senior thesis titled Shepherding Digital Sheep: Pastoral Responsibility Regarding Members’ Use of Social Media. You may read the essay in the WLS Digital Library (PDF).

Picks of the week

Get involved

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

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

612 – Be a Social Media Maker

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WELSTech is back with a timely discussion topic of social media for churches as you head into the busy holiday season. Martin shares what interests him from the recent Amazon event, and Sallie has lots of options for listening to the Bible. Christian apologetics is in the limelight (and the video archives) following the recent Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary Symposium on the topic. And the WELSTech community feedback is great, as usual!

The discussion & interview:

Get Social – Martin and Sallie share tips for enhancing your church or school’s social media presence. Also Trish Nitschke, Social Media Manager for Time of Grace, joins the conversation to share her social media expertise.

News in tech:

Echo everything

WELS now:

Picks of the week:

Ministry resource:

5 Audio Bible Listening Options – Overview video

Community feedback:

Featured video:

Learn more about the Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary Symposium on Apologetics from this Together Video update.

Get involved:

591 – Digital Side Doors

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WELSTech is opening doors – digital side doors to church – this week. Listen for ideas about digital places and ways for people to get acquainted with your church before walking through the front door. Martin taught Alexa to read the Bible in three years, your sci-fi phone of the future is coming soon, and Koiné Worship Media has resources for Lent and Easter. All this, and more on today’s show!

The interview:

Making connections – Pastor Peter Hagen, from Resurrection in Maumee, OH and the podcast Raised With Jesus, shares his ideas regarding “digital side doors” to church, connecting physical and digital church activities with the ultimate goal of connecting people to God’s Word.

News in tech:

Foldable Phones from Samsung and Huawei

WELS now:

Listen to WELS Through My Bible in Three Years on Alexa

Picks of the week:

Ministry resource:

Koiné Worship Media

Community feedback:

Featured video:

We begin the season of Lent with Koiné Worship Media’s He Stood Before the Court – with musical notation. Register for a free account and download Lent and Easter worship resources.

Coming up on WELSTech:

Episode 592 – Learn how to build a church intranet with Trello.  Release date: Wednesday, March 13.

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579 – Christmas Communication

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WELSTech is back and loaded with Christmas joy for sharing with the world. Tune in for ideas and content to post on your website and via social media. Details on texting the good news are the focus of this week’s interview. Plus, the video of the week has a story of tech-in-ministry opening amazing doors around the world.

The discussion:

‘Tis the season to share the good news – Martin and Sallie discuss ways to let your online light shine during the Christmas season.

Ministry resource:

5 Best Practices For Using Invite Cards At Your Church

News in tech:

Microsoft to Replace Edge Web Browser

The interview:

Communicate via text – Randy Brice, a member of Immanuel in Manitowoc, WI and owner of All Access Ads, talks with Martin and Sallie about how his congregation is using affordable, secure text messaging (priced at 2 cents per text) to share their message. Visit the All Access Ads web site for additional details and to reach Randy.

WELS now:

C18 Resources from Congregational Services

Picks of the week:

Community feedback:

Featured video:

Sparked by “community feedback” from Pastor Rob Guenther, watch the St. John, New Ulm, MN sermon from December 2 where WELS Director of Ministerial Education Pastor Paul Prange shared a mission story with a tech twist during his sermon. The sermon starts at about 23 minutes and the tech part starts at about 30 minutes.

Learn more about this amazing opportunity God has provided to build a training center in Vietnam

Coming up on WELSTech:

Episode 580 – We talk with Teacher Perry Lund about his Microsoft OneNote/Teams presentation at next summer’s WELS Education, Technology, and Leadership Summit.  Release date: Wednesday, December 19.

Get involved: