Access Church Resources Easily with LDS Tools 2025

In today’s digital age, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can access ward directories, event calendars, meetinghouse maps, and other church resources on their mobile devices using the LDS Tools app (also known as Member Tools). This official Church app “helps members…connect with ward and stake members, access event calendars, locate nearby meetinghouses and temples”, making church information easy to reach. Church leaders even announce plans to merge the mobile app with the online Leader and Clerk Resources under the name Member and Leader Tools in the coming years.

Only about 1.8 million of the Church’s 17.5 million members actively use the app today, but as smartphone adoption grows, LDS Tools has the potential to engage many more. According to Church newsroom data, there are about 17.5 million Latter-day Saints worldwide, so even modest increases in app usage can connect millions.

LDS Tools not only gives members their ward directory at their fingertips but also supports ongoing calling updates, ministering assignments, and gospel study resources. Since its launch, the app has grown from a basic membership directory to a powerful tool for members and leaders. In fact, Church documentation notes, “Since its introduction in 2010, the Member Tools app has grown from a digital directory of ward and stake members to a powerful tool with additional capabilities”.

Over the next few years (2023–2027), the Church plans to expand mobile features to cover tasks that were once only on the website. For example, ward clerks will soon be able to download attendance and tithing reports or manage donation funds directly from the app instead of a separate web portal. The Church specifically notes that these updates are intended to help members “minister and administer within their stakes, districts, wards, and branches” more efficiently.

To accommodate members worldwide, the mobile app is designed to function even without constant internet – you can record data offline and sync later. This ensures that even in areas with limited connectivity, LDS Tools remains usable and consistent.

Key Features of LDS Tools:

LDS Tools (Member Tools) offers a comprehensive set of features for both regular members and leaders. Here are some of the most useful tools and functions:

• Member Directory: View contact information and photos of all members in your ward and stake. You can even sort members by birthday or calling group to send timely greetings or updates. This digital directory replaces the old paper ward list.

• Event Calendar: Keep track of upcoming sacrament meetings, classes, and ward or stake activities. Each event shows date, time, location, and details. You can make events public and invite friends, and even share ward events via social media or Eventbrite to reach nonmembers.

• Custom Groups: Create lists of members (such as youth quorums, Relief Society classes, or ministering companionships) for targeted messaging and coordination. For example, a Relief Society president might set up a group for her teachers to send announcements.

• Meetinghouse Locator: Find nearby chapels on a map, including address, maps, and contact info for the bishopric. It also displays sacrament meeting times for each congregation in that building. Visitors and members alike can tap the address to get GPS directions.

• Ministering: View and update ministering assignments for home teaching. You can record the date and notes for ministering interviews. If you’re a quorum or Relief Society president, you can track which families have and haven’t been visited. The app helps pairing ministering brothers and sisters by listing all members in your quorum or presidency, making it faster to assign companionships.

• Ward Callings: See everyone’s current callings by organization (Sunday School, Young Women, Elder’s Quorum, etc). This helps officers know who holds each position. When a calling changes, bishops and clerks can update it in the app so the ward list is updated instantly.

• Temple Recommend Management: Members of bishoprics, branch, and stake presidencies can issue and activate temple recommends directly in the app. This replaces the old website process and helps leaders keep temple participation up to date.

• Missionary Outreach: Access contact information for full-time missionaries assigned to or coming from your ward or stake. The “Invite Friends to the Missionaries” form lets you submit a friend’s info and select a ward, making missionary referrals smoother.

• Temple and Family History: See your assigned temple and nearest temples on a map. Use the Ordinances Ready link in the app to identify family names needing temple ordinances. You can submit names to the temple prayer roll directly from the app. The app also links to FamilySearch, so you can pull up family tree information. The Calendar tool helps you schedule temple appointments, and any ward temple trips or stake temple festivals added to your calendar will remind you.

• Profiles & Personalization: Update your own phone, email, and household photo in your Member Tools profile. You can also add family information (spouse, children) so that ward members see your household relationships. Adjust your privacy (for example, hide certain contact info) as needed. The Home screen can be personalized by adding, removing, or reordering feature tiles so your most-used tools are front and center.

• Study and Service Links: Quickly jump to gospel study and community resources from the app: come-follow-me lesson manuals, the Church handbooks, and JustServe volunteer opportunities. These keep your spiritual and service needs integrated with the directory.

Together, these features support worship, community, education, and outreach. For example, the Calendar and Meetinghouse tools make weekly planning easier, and the directory ensures you can contact those in need. All changes sync with the Church database, so your calling updates, new members, and activity schedules are consistent across devices and the ward list. Alt: Screenshot of the LDS Tools (Member Tools) mobile app showing a member’s ward calling and family relationships.

How to Download and Login to LDS Tools:

Getting started with LDS Tools is straightforward:

1. Create or Update Your Church Account: Go to ChurchofJesusChrist.org and register a free Church Account using your email. Use a simple alphanumeric password if possible. Your Church Account is what you will use for LDS Tools login. If you haven’t set one up, do so and ensure your name, birthdate, and email are current.

2. Download the App: On your smartphone, open the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and search for Member Tools (the app formerly named LDS Tools). Install it free of charge. (Note: Member Tools requires modern OS versions; Android 8.0+ or iOS 17+, so older devices may need updating.)

3. Open and Sign In: Launch the app. Tap Sign In or Member Tools, then enter your Church Account email/username and password exactly. If you enabled two-factor authentication on your Church Account, be prepared to complete that step. The app will connect you to your assigned ward and stake automatically.

4. Troubleshoot Login Issues: If LDS Tools refuses your password, first verify you can sign in at ChurchofJesusChrist.org with the same credentials. Make sure your password is entered correctly (no extra spaces) and meets any requirements (letters and numbers only). If needed, reset your Church Account password or use the Church Account Recovery page for help. Also ensure the app and your device’s OS are up to date.

5. Resetting Password: If the problem persists, tap “Forgot password” on the sign-in screen or use the Church Account Recovery link above. Resetting usually resolves most login problems.

6. Web Access for Everyone: You can also access most LDS Tools features from a computer. Simply go to ChurchofJesusChrist.org/tools and click Sign In at the top. This will prompt your Church Account login and take you to Leader and Clerk Resources (LCR) or Member Tools on the website. (In the web portal, look under Serve > Leader and Clerk Resources for the directory, reports, and other tools.)

Once signed in, the app will load your current ward and stake information. It may ask you to confirm your unit assignment if needed. After login, you’ll see your personal profile and a menu of all features. Remember, LDS Tools requires you to be an active, baptized member. If you cannot find your ward after signing in, contact your bishop or stake clerk to ensure your membership record is updated in Church systems. (For example, moving into a new ward takes a change in Church records.) Nonmembers or those without an official membership record will not have access to the directory.

For ward clerks and leaders, LDS Tools can replace many web tasks. You can also log in to the Church website (via lds.org/tools) to see and manage membership records if you have those callings. In fact, any member can visit lds.org/tools on a computer and click Sign In to access these features via the web. This is essentially the same Church Account sign-in used in the app.

Using the LDS Tools App Effectively:

After logging in, the Home screen of LDS Tools acts as a dashboard. You can add, remove, or rearrange tiles for features like Directory, Calendar, and Meetinghouse to suit your needs. Tapping a tile opens that tool, or use the menu (≡) to access everything else. Try using the Search icon (magnifying glass) to jump directly to a person, group, or meetinghouse by name – it’s very fast.

All data in LDS Tools is loaded on your device, so browsing the directory or viewing calendars is quick and doesn’t require repeated downloads. Because the app is designed for worldwide use, it works even when you have no internet. For example, if a visiting member updates a phone number offline, that update will upload to Church systems once you reconnect.

Likewise, if you record sacrament meeting attendance or callings while away from Wi-Fi, it will sync later. In practical terms, LDS Tools lets you replace most paper charts: open Reports on Sunday to mark attendance instead of using printed lists. Callings changes can be made instantly, and household moves or new members can be updated on the spot.

Use the app’s integration with your phone to save time. Tap a member’s phone number in the directory to open your dialer and call, or tap their address to open Google/Apple Maps for directions. Each event you open has an Add to Calendar option – this saves the ward event to your personal calendar app with a reminder.

That way, your sacrament meetings and activities appear alongside your personal schedule. Also enable notifications on your device: by default, LDS Tools can send alerts when new messages or events are added. Check your phone settings to allow LDS Tools to send push notifications so you never miss an important ward announcement.

LDS Church Tools and Integrations:

LDS Tools is part of the Church’s broader online ecosystem. The Church’s official Tools page on LDS.org lists all major applications (scriptures, general conference, hymns, temple schedules, donations, and Member Tools), showing how LDS Tools complements these LDS church tools in a unified ecosystem. For example, the Church’s Donations site (for viewing tithing history) is linked within the app – a new “Online Donations” tile provides a quick shortcut. Leaders often use the Gospel Library and Come, Follow Me apps for scriptures and lessons; LDS Tools complements them by linking to those resources.

On the church website, under Serve > Leader and Clerk Resources, many of the same functions are available. For example, attendance and membership reports that leaders run on LDS.org can be accessed via LDS Tools. When a stake clerk adds a new member on the website, that person appears in LDS Tools after a sync. Likewise, if a bishop uses the website to move someone to a new calling, the change shows up in the Member Tools app. In short, LDS Tools ties together Church resources: your Church Account login works for everything from Gospel Library and Magazines to the Ward Directory and Online Giving. It’s effectively the mobile hub for all these church tools.

LDS Tools for Church Leaders:

For ward and stake leaders, LDS Tools is a game-changer. The Reports function lets clerks see up-to-date attendance and youth activity information. For example, after Sunday meetings a clerk can instantly view exactly how many members were present, and even download the attendance report. This means no more paper spreadsheets – everything syncs instantly to Church headquarters. Leaders can also use LDS Tools to streamline ministering: the Ministering feature shows who has and hasn’t been visited, and assignments can be adjusted directly in the app. The previously time-consuming task of pairing ministering companions is now done with a few taps.

Ward clerks use the app to manage callings and membership records. As soon as a calling is sustained, a clerk can update the app so every member sees the new assignment immediately. Likewise, when a family moves in or out, the clerk’s updates in Member Tools will change the ward list for everyone. In a single week a clerk might add new babies to families, record baptisms of new members, and transition youth to adult quorums – all through the app.

Each operation instantly updates the ward directory. Bishoprics (and stake presidencies) have special privileges. Besides temple recommend management (mentioned above), leaders can send broadcast messages from the app to their entire unit or specific groups. For instance, to announce a meeting cancellation, a bishop can use Member Tools to send a text or email to all household contacts with one tap.

Every one of these leader features saves time and improves service. For example, using LDS Tools often saves clerks several hours of paperwork each week, freeing them to focus on counseling and ministering. The app truly turns administrative tasks into simple taps, allowing leaders to spend their time where it matters most.

Benefits of Using LDS Tools:

LDS Tools offers many practical advantages that enhance church life:

• Efficient Communication: Instead of printing or emailing ward directories, anyone in the ward can look up names and numbers in seconds. Bishops and quorum presidents can quickly reach people in emergencies (such as a family illness) without chasing down phone lists.

• Time Savings: Ward clerks report that generating reports (attendance, tithing, ministering) in LDS Tools takes minutes instead of hours. Publishing a ward directory or calendar no longer requires manual updates – changes happen instantly in the app.

• Inclusivity: New converts and young members are added to the directory in real-time. Full-time missionaries use the app to connect with local contacts, and friends can be invited to ward activities through the calendar. The app helps every family feel seen.

• Global Connectivity: Over 5.78 billion people (≈70% of the world) use smartphones (about 82% of Americans). In developing regions the rates are lower (Brazil ~55%, India ~35%, Nigeria ~20%), but LDS Tools is built for this reality – it works offline, so members in remote areas can still record and share information. This means a branch in a village can use LDS Tools to keep an up-to-date roster even without daily internet.

• Increased Fellowship: Young single adult wards and student branches often rely on LDS Tools to coordinate service and social events. For example, a Young Women leader might create a Group for her class to send weekly reminders, or a Relief Society uses the Contacts to send a quick care message. Seeing members’ photos (when uploaded) also makes the ward feel more friendly, especially for newcomers.

• Community Growth: With LDS Tools, members can easily invite friends and family to public events. The app integrates with the Church’s invitation system. Public events posted on ward calendars can even appear on outside platforms (like Eventbrite) to engage the community. For example, one ward used the event-sharing feature to attract new attendees to a stake service project. By reducing barriers to information, LDS Tools encourages everyone to participate in church life.

According to recent statistics, smartphone usage worldwide is high, and with 17.5 million Church members, the audience for LDS Tools is enormous. However, adoption has room to grow: Church News notes only about 10% of members use the app regularly. This is partly due to awareness and connectivity gaps. As Church tech continues to improve the app and more members download it, those numbers should rise. Every new download means one more person empowered to serve.

Best Practices and Tips:

• Keep Software Updated: Always use the latest LDS Tools version. Updates often include new features or bug fixes (the Church Newsroom and app store release notes can help you track them).

• Enable Background Refresh: In your device settings, allow LDS Tools to refresh in the background. This ensures that new events or messages are fetched automatically without opening the app.

• Use Strong Passwords: Choose a secure Church Account password with letters and numbers (no spaces). If you have trouble logging in, remember to try signing in on the Church website first. A good habit is to record your password in a safe place.

• Sync After Changes: Whenever a ward clerk adds a new member, or a bishop changes a calling, tap the Refresh icon in the app to download the update. This keeps your copy of the directory current.

• Learn the Help Menu: The app’s Help section contains FAQs and feedback. If you encounter an error, use Menu > Help > Send Feedback to email Church tech staff. Clear descriptions of the issue can help them fix it.

• Share and Collaborate: Encourage others in your ward to use LDS Tools too. If each family uploads their own photo and details, the directory becomes more personal. Many wards also use email, social media, or group chats; LDS Tools can work alongside these. Share this article or discuss LDS Tools at your ward council to help everyone get on board.

By following these tips and exploring each feature, you’ll get the most out of LDS Tools. Experiment with group messages and calendar creation to see what works best in your ward’s context.

Have you started using LDS Tools? Share this article with your ward or stake and encourage others to explore the app. The more members use these resources, the stronger and more connected our communities become. Feel free to leave questions or tips in the comments below—your experience can help fellow Saints get the most out of LDS Tools!

Conclusion:

LDS Tools (Member Tools) has transformed how we access church resources easily. With its comprehensive directory, calendars, and ministering features, it helps ward and stake members fulfill their divinely appointed duties more effectively. By logging in once with your Church account, you gain access to a wealth of information at your fingertips—contact lists, event schedules, family history links, and more.

Whether you’re a new convert or a lifelong member, leveraging LDS Tools can deepen your faith and unity. Download the app (or visit the online tools page), log in with your Church account, and see how it simplifies your callings and community service. Your Church is now in your pocket—an LDS tool to bless your life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How do I log in to LDS Tools?
A: Sign in using your Church Account (the same email and password for ChurchofJesusChrist.org). In the LDS Tools (Member Tools) app, tap Sign In and enter those credentials. If you encounter a password error, first verify your account on the Church website. If needed, reset your password or use the Church Account Recovery page to regain access.

Q: What features does the LDS Tools app include?
A: LDS Tools provides an interactive ward directory, event calendars, ministering assignments, a meetinghouse locator, and more. Leaders can view reports, update callings, and manage temple recommends from the app. It also links to gospel study resources and service opportunities. In short, it brings your church calling tools to your phone.

Q: Can I use LDS Tools offline?
A: Yes. The app is designed to work without constant internet. You can view member information and make updates (like attendance or callings) while offline; the data will sync when you reconnect. This offline capability ensures members in remote areas can still use the app effectively.

Q: How do I update my contact information on LDS Tools?
A: To update your own phone number, email, or household photo, open the Profile tab in the app. Tap Edit Information to make changes. For household address or membership record changes, you’ll need to ask a ward or branch clerk to update it in Church records.

Q: Do I need to be a Church member to use LDS Tools?
A: Yes. Only baptized, active members with a valid Church Account can log in and see ward information in LDS Tools. The directory and member-sensitive features are restricted to members only.

Q: Is the LDS Tools app free?
A: Yes. The LDS Tools/Member Tools app is completely free to download and use. There are no in-app purchases or advertisements. It’s provided by the Church as a service for members.

Q: How do I provide feedback or report a problem?
A: Within the LDS Tools app, tap Menu > Help > Send Feedback to email the developers at Church headquarters. This lets you report bugs or request new features. Feedback from members has led to many of the improvements listed above.

Q: What happens if I enter incorrect data?
A: In most cases, ward records in LDS Tools are read-only unless you have a clerk calling. If you notice an error (like a misspelled name or wrong calling), contact your ward or branch clerk. They can correct the official Church record, which will update in LDS Tools after the app syncs.

Q: How do I sign out of LDS Tools?
A: Open the app menu and scroll to the bottom. You will see a Sign Out button. Tapping it logs you out of the app (you can always sign back in with your Church Account later). There is no penalty to signing out.

Q: Can I use LDS Tools on multiple devices?
A: Yes. You can install Member Tools on multiple devices and sign in with the same Church Account. Your data will sync across devices. For example, you could be logged in on both your phone and tablet simultaneously.

Q: What should I do if my profile photo doesn’t appear?
A: Make sure the photo you uploaded in your Profile is approved by ward leaders. Some wards require approval of profile pictures. If it’s still not visible after 24 hours and refreshing data, ask your clerk or bishop if there are any restrictions on photos in your ward.

Q: How do I update my calling?
A: Only your bishop or clerk can update your calling in LDS Tools (unless you have a clerk calling). If you have an official change of calling, it should appear automatically after they update it. You cannot change your own calling – that’s an authorized clerical function.

Q: How do I log in to LDS Tools on my computer?
A: Simply go to ChurchofJesusChrist.org/tools in a web browser and click Sign In at the top. This uses the same Church Account and gives you access to Member Tools (and Leader and Clerk Resources) online.

Q: Is LDS Tools the same as the Gospel Library or Gospel Living app?
A: No. The Gospel Library app provides scriptures and Church publications, while LDS Tools is specifically a membership and calendar directory app. (The Church also offers Gospel Living for daily inspiration.) LDS Tools focuses on administrative and community features, not on lesson content.

Q: How do I find my meetinghouse details in LDS Tools?
A: In LDS Tools, tap the Meetinghouse feature to see details of your chapel. It displays the address, maps, and information about all congregations and room assignments in that building. You can tap the address to open your phone’s map for directions to the meetinghouse. This makes it easy for new members or visiting friends to find church meetings.

Q: Does LDS Tools include Sunday School and other class assignments?
A: Yes. When a member has a calling (e.g. Primary teacher, Elder’s Quorum president), LDS Tools shows it in their profile. It helps members know which organization they belong to. Class schedules (like at what time Sunday School meets) are managed by the ward calendar. But the app does let leaders list teachers and quorum presidents so you can contact them easily.

Q: How do I change my ward or stake in LDS Tools?
A: LDS Tools automatically loads the ward (branch) and stake or district tied to your Church membership record. If you have moved to a new ward, ask your new bishop or clerk to update your record. Then sign out and sign back in to the app to see your new assignment. You cannot manually select a different ward in the app – this is handled by Church headquarters data.

Q: How often is the LDS Tools app updated?
A: The Church regularly updates Member Tools with new features and improvements. Major updates typically occur 1–2 times per year. You can check the version history on the App Store or Play Store. The Newsroom often announces significant updates. Recent updates in 2024, for example, added temple recommend and donations support.

Q: Why can’t I add events or edit the ward calendar in the app?
A: Only clerks and authorized officers can edit the ward calendar. Members without those callings see a read-only calendar. To add an event, contact your ward clerk or use Calendar.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

Q: Can LDS Tools identify members who are youth by age?
A: Yes, for ward clerks and leaders the app automatically flags youth and young single adults based on birth dates. When viewing attendance or membership lists, you’ll see age groups delineated (youth ages 12–18, young single adults 18–30). This helps leaders focus on their needs.

Q: Does LDS Tools replace a ward website or Facebook group?
A: LDS Tools is not a social media or ward blog; it’s a directory and utility app. Many wards use it alongside websites or groups. LDS Tools focuses on official Church information (member data, schedules), whereas a ward Facebook might share news and photos. You can share LDS Tools events to social platforms, but the apps serve different roles.

Q: Is my login secure?
A: Yes. LDS Tools uses your Church Account and the Church’s secure servers for authentication. The app does not save your password; it sends it to Church servers for verification. Always keep your Church Account password private and unique. Enabling two-factor authentication on your account adds extra security.

Q: Where can I find official help if I still have questions?
A: You can visit the Church’s official Help Center for FAQs on Member Tools. Additionally, talk to your ward or stake clerk, or reach out to a local Church technology specialist. Many stakes have dedicated support for Church apps.