Church Directory Guide

A church directory helps people connect. It only works when information is accurate, consented to, and easy to update.

What to include

• Preferred name and household members
• Photo (optional, with consent)
• Email and/or phone (by permission level)
• Address only when explicitly approved
• Ministry involvements
• Membership status if your church tracks it

What to avoid

• Publishing private details without permission
• Keeping outdated phone numbers for years
• Mixing visitor cards into a member directory too quickly
• Making the directory so hard to access that nobody uses it
• Treating the directory as a substitute for pastoral records

Consent language you can adapt

I give permission for my preferred name, photo and selected contact details to appear in the church directory available to members. I understand I can update or withdraw this permission at any time by contacting the church office.

A simple maintenance rhythm

1. Collect opt-in preferences at membership and annually.
2. Assign one admin owner.
3. Review bounced emails monthly.
4. Archive records for people who leave.
5. Publish a refresh reminder every fall and spring.

Access options

1. Printed booklet for members only
2. Password-protected digital directory
3. Logged-in member portal inside church software

Directories become much easier when people records live in one system instead of spreadsheets. ChurchRaise provides free people and membership tools churches can use for this.