Screens & Souls

Is the glow of a smartphone shaping your members' souls more than the light of the Word? In a world of endless scrolling, constant notifications, and curated realities, the battle for hearts and minds is happening on screens. Many of our people feel spiritually drained, distracted, and disconnected, struggling to find stillness and focus in a hyper-connected age. How does the timeless truth of the Gospel cut through the digital noise?

This session moves beyond the usual warnings. We will equip you, as a Lutheran leader, to address the profound spiritual impact of technology with courage and wisdom. We’ll explore how digital habits are already shaping prayer, worship, relationships, and mental health. Then, we’ll venture to the new frontier: Artificial Intelligence. AI is no longer science fiction; it’s here, presenting both powerful opportunities for Gospel outreach and complex ethical questions that our members will face. How do we lead our flock to use these new tools faithfully, discerning truth from digital illusion?

This is not a call to fear or reject technology. It is a call to faithful discipleship. You will leave with a Gospel-centered framework and practical strategies to help your members—from young students to seasoned saints—navigate their screen-shaped world, using technology as a servant to their faith, not a master of their attention. Let's lead our people to be thoughtful, discerning disciples in the digital age.

Martin Spriggs has served as the Chief Technology Officer for the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) since 2004. In his capacity as CTO, Martin speaks at numerous workshops and conferences on varied technology topics, including building evangelistic websites, promoting your church and school, digital Bible Study, creating an efficient church office, and effective time management through technology. He is more than eager to serve the membership of WELS and help our churches and schools use technology effectively to aid in their ministries.

A former WELS pastor, Martin earned his MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management, Chicago. He built the Midwest practice for Net Quotient Consulting Group (a firm that provides Internet application development for Fortune 1000 companies) and Qwest Communications (a telecommunications firm). He worked on technical development and internet consulting at these companies. He and his wife, Debbie, are members at Christ Lutheran, Big Bend, WI.