MyUCD

Overview

MyUCD is a church-member app for browsing a congregation’s online directory, finding families and keeping up with church events and announcements. It suits congregations using Universal Church Directories, especially those that want members-only access without a per-family directory cap. Its strongest case is a free directory service with church-managed access; it is not a standalone directory that a church can adopt independently of that program.

Key features

Members can search an alphabetized family list or browse a photo-based list. Profiles may include a family photo, names, and optional address and phone details, alongside a required family email address. That mix makes it useful for finding and contacting fellow members, though the church controls the information and who can see it.

When a church publishes its online directory, members included in it receive a login code. Administrators can add or edit family information, send push notifications and emails, and create groups for targeted notifications. They can also disable a family’s access; the app removes that family’s online directory information the next time it is opened. These controls suit congregations that want to manage participation centrally, but access is not self-directed by members.

The directory supports unlimited families, with no extra charge for large directories. Administrators can add custom buttons linking to church websites, social media, calendars, online giving, video services, and other tools. Family images and information are downloaded once and again only when changed, which Universal Church Directories says minimizes phone data use. The provider says sensitive information sent online is encrypted and access to personally identifiable information is limited to employees who need it for work.

Pricing

MyUCD App: free. The free plan is available through Universal Church Directories’ directory program and includes family profiles, members-only directory access, mobile apps, and search and filters. It is a strong fit for eligible churches that need a searchable directory without charges tied to family count. The key condition is that the church controls access and the app is offered through that directory program; it is not a general-purpose free directory plan.

Platforms

MyUCD is available on Android, iOS, and the web. The combination covers members who prefer a browser as well as those using a phone app.

Who it's for

MyUCD is best for churches already using Universal Church Directories that want members to find families, receive church messages, and reach linked church services from one access-controlled app. Its unlimited-family directory is particularly relevant to larger congregations wary of member-count charges. Churches seeking an independent directory product, or members who need access without church approval, should look elsewhere.

Pros and cons

• Pro: The free plan includes member profiles, search and mobile apps, while the directory supports unlimited families without large-directory charges.
• Pro: Church administrators can update listings, target notifications to groups, and disable a family’s access when needed.
• Pro: Custom buttons can connect members to a church’s online tools, and changed profile data is downloaded again only when it changes.
• Con: Availability depends on Universal Church Directories’ directory program, and the church decides who receives access.
• Con: Family email is required for directory listings, so the directory is not limited to names or optional contact details.

Alternatives

For a broader comparison, see our Church Directory Software list.

Rolio is worth considering for a web-based directory with a free plan capped at 25 members and two groups; it also includes dues tracking and email broadcasts. Instant Church Directory is a paid Android, iOS, and web option with a free trial, up to three additional editors, no member-count pricing tiers, and unlimited directory updates. Church Directory Plus costs $15 a month for up to 100 users and includes all features, with a free trial.

Planning Center is a freemium choice with Android, iOS, web, and API access; its free People plan includes an unlimited database and reporting. Church Directory is a paid option at $19 a month, including 150 members and 5GB storage, with additional members priced at $10 per 100. ChurchCMS is a freemium option available on web and Android.

Directify may suit a church that wants to build a public directory: its free plan allows one directory and 10 listings, with templates, a theme editor, and a Directify subdomain and SSL. ChurchSuite is a paid alternative with Android, iOS, web, and API access; its Solo plan costs $15.50 a month for 0–99 active contacts and the Address Book module.

Verdict

Choose MyUCD if your church uses Universal Church Directories and wants a free, searchable member directory with church-controlled access, notifications, and links to its online services. The unlimited-family capacity is its clearest practical advantage. Look elsewhere if you need a directory independent of that program or want members to manage access themselves.