---
title: 763 – Planning That Works
description: On this episode of WELSTech, we take a closer look at one of the standout offerings from the upcoming WELS National Conference on Lutheran Leadership. We also revisit the WELS Strategic Plan, with a special focus on the Calling pillar. Plus, we’ve got our usual lineup of helpful Picks of the week and the latest […]
---

[WELSTech ](https://welstech.wels.org)

# [763 – Planning That Works](https://welstech.wels.org/2025/11/13/763-planning-that-works)

 Written by [Sallie Draper](https://welstech.wels.org/author/sallie-draper) | Nov 13, 2025 10:00:42 AM

On this episode of WELSTech, we take a closer look at one of the standout offerings from the upcoming WELS National Conference on Lutheran Leadership. We also revisit the WELS Strategic Plan, with a special focus on the Calling pillar. Plus, we’ve got our usual lineup of helpful Picks of the week and the latest Community Feedback. Ready to dive in? Simply press Play!

[https://welstech.blob.core.windows.net/audio/WELSTech_Episode_763.mp3](https://welstech.blob.core.windows.net/audio/WELSTech_Episode_763.mp3)

Podcast: [Download](https://welstech.blob.core.windows.net/audio/WELSTech_Episode_763.mp3) (Duration: 38:39 — 35.4MB)

### The interview and discussion

Church Planning – Martin chats with John Rathje, Vice President of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer at Kent State University, about his upcoming breakout session at the [WELS National Conference on Lutheran Leadership](https://lutheranleadership.com/) titled *Planning That Works*.

- January 19-21, 2026 at the Chicago Hilton
- 4 Keynotes & 69 Breakouts
- [Register now](https://lutheranleadership.com/2026-registration/) for early bird pricing – $299
- [Reserve your hotel room](https://book.passkey.com/event/50975054/owner/2874/home)

### Ministry resource

WELS Strategic Plan – [Christ Through Us](https://christthroughus.net/)

- [Calling pillar](https://christthroughus.net/calling)
- [Conect](https://christthroughus.net/contact)

### Picks of the week

- Daily cyber security tips from Total Defense via their [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/TotalDefense)
- [WhatsApp](https://www.whatsapp.com/)

### Community feedback

From the [WELSTech Google Group](https://groups.google.com/a/groups.wels.net/forum/#!forum/welstech)

- [A call for and Information Security Committee Member](https://groups.google.com/a/groups.wels.net/g/welstech/c/mSb4TiJAvow)
- [Looking for a Chromebook policy](https://groups.google.com/a/groups.wels.net/d/msgid/welstech/CAFe5adK2QqAuTgGuD%2BAOq-jNdnAEe60HMQpZVkjtqFkYA4RKPA%40mail.gmail.com)

### Next time

Jason and Rachel return for some educational technology goodness!

### Get involved

- Add comments
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[View full post](https://welstech.wels.org/2025/11/13/763-planning-that-works)

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