Technology Conference

On February 13 and 14, in the town of Mahahual, Mexico, pastors and lay leaders from both Mexico and the United States gathered together for a technology conference.

Those in attendance (pictured above*) included four Mexican pastors and three Mexican lay leaders, as well as WELS lay leader Pat McGuire and Missionary Michael Hartman.

WELS Chief Technology Officer Martin Spriggs led the conference.


In recent years, technology has been used at an increasing rate for ongoing mission efforts in Mexico. Here are a few of the ways the Mexican Lutheran Church has been coordinating technology and ministry:

- Two congregations are beginning to record their pastors' sermons and put them online.

- The Santa Cruz (Holy Cross) congregation uses Twitter to keep members in the loop on upcoming church events, and also as a way to invite others to services.

- A Mexican evangelist uses Skype to teach confirmation classes.

At the conference, Martin Spriggs introduced the group to more technology options to boost their ministries (quick example: join.me, a website that lets you hold online meetings for free). He talked about do's and don'ts when it comes to setting up and running a website, and tips for making the most of facebook and twitter. He also offered advice to help make improvements on the Mexican Lutheran Church's website.

Pastors and lay leaders headed home, eager to implement the new strategies and tips they had learned.

"We're so thankful to Martin Spriggs for taking the time to come to Mexico and lead the conference," says Mike. "The workshop sessions provided encouragement and direction for the pastors and church workers. It also gave them valuable training and tips they can use in their ministries."

From all of us, thanks again Martin Spriggs! We look forward to seeing technology get a boost in Mexico's outreach and congregational efforts.

*special thanks to WELS Chief Technology Officer Martin Spriggs for the wonderful photos :)