WELSTech AI Summit

Divine Savior Lutheran, Doral, FL | February 21-23, 2025

The first WELSTech Summit will gather AI experts and thought leaders, as well as influencers from across the synod, to explore the place and practice of artificial intelligence within WELS. This will be an invitation only event. Participants are selected based on nomination. Deliverables from the summit could include recommendations for synod agencies, churches, and schools related to the use of AI, best practices, policies, and more focused study. The recommendation for and creation of subsequent working groups in specific domains is likely.

Objectives

1. Explore ways to educate and prepare: Introduce educators to AI technologies and their potential applications in Lutheran education, helping them understand the “what, why, and how” of AI in the context of their faith-based teaching.
2. Discuss ways to enhance teaching and learning: Showcase AI tools and strategies that can augment classroom instruction, improve student engagement, and support personalized learning experiences. Discuss how to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in an AI-infused ministry while maintaining their faith perspective.
3. Explore ethical considerations and concerns: Discuss the ethical implications of AI use in Lutheran churches and schools, aligning its implementation with Christian values and principles. Provide a platform for called workers to voice their concerns about AI and collaboratively develop strategies to address challenges such as ministerial and academic integrity and responsible use.
4. Promote AI literacy: Equip pastors, teachers and administrators with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively integrate AI into their ministry, curricula and administrative processes.
5. Create an AI collaboration space to foster best practices and innovation: Create an AI collaboration space to encourage exploration of innovative ways of incorporating AI into various teaching practices while maintaining the core values of Lutheran education. Seed a repository for creating AI usage policies and guidelines, share best practices, experiences and ideas related to AI implementation.

Schedule

We look forward to a time of learning, fellowship, and envisioning the future of AI in our synod!