MyUCD

MyUCD is a member-facing church app for finding families, checking events and receiving church announcements. It is most compelling for congregations already using Universal Church Directories; its free, unlimited-family directory is useful, but the app depends on that directory program.

Overview

Once a church publishes its online directory, members included in it receive a login code. They can browse an alphabetized, searchable family list or a scrollable photo list. Profiles require a family email address and may include a photo, names, address and phone number. That combination makes it practical for member lookups, while the church retains control over both the content and who can access it.

The directory supports unlimited families without additional charges for large directories. This removes a meaningful scaling concern for larger congregations. MyUCD is not as compelling for a church seeking a directory tool independent of Universal Church Directories’ directory program.

Key features

Church-managed directory and communications

Administrators can add or edit family information, send emails and push notifications, and create groups for targeted messages. They can also disable a family’s directory access; the app deletes that family’s online directory information the next time the family opens it. Centralized controls suit churches that want administrators to manage participation, though members do not control their own access.

Links and data use

Custom buttons can connect members to church websites, social media, calendars, online giving, video services and other online tools. That makes MyUCD a useful doorway into a church’s existing services, rather than a replacement for them. Family images and information are downloaded once and downloaded again only when they change, which the maker says minimizes mobile data use.

Universal Church Directories says it encrypts sensitive information sent online and limits access to personally identifiable information to employees who need it for their work. Those are relevant safeguards for an app containing family contact information, though they do not change the church’s responsibility for managing directory access and profile details.

Pricing

The MyUCD App plan costs nothing through Universal Church Directories’ directory program. The free plan includes family profiles, members-only directory access, mobile apps, and search and filters. Unlimited families and no added charge for large directories make it a strong fit for congregations that need a shared directory without a per-family cost. Its main trade-off is that the app is available through the directory program, not as an independent directory service.

Platforms

MyUCD is available on Android, iOS and the web, so members can use it across mobile and browser access. The same members-only directory model applies across those platforms.

Who it's for

MyUCD fits churches using Universal Church Directories that want a searchable, photo-based member directory, administrator-managed access, and a channel for announcements. It is less suitable for congregations looking for a standalone directory product or for member-led management of access.

Pros and cons

• Pros: The free plan supports unlimited families, avoiding added directory charges as a congregation grows.
• Pros: Searchable and photo-based views offer two practical ways to find families.
• Pros: Group notifications and custom links let churches direct messages and connect members with existing online services.
• Cons: Availability through Universal Church Directories’ directory program limits its fit for churches seeking an independent app.
• Cons: Administrators control access; disabling a family removes its online directory information only when it next opens the app.

Alternatives

For churches prioritizing donation tools alongside a mobile app, ChurchPlan offers a free Essentials plan with unlimited members, online giving, automated tax receipts, a personalized church mobile app, donation links and QR codes.

Planning Center may suit churches that want separate free tools for different tasks: its Calendar plan covers one room, People includes an unlimited database and reporting, and Services supports five team members.

HolyJot is a free alternative for individuals and churches seeking unlimited journal entries and FaithAI conversations rather than a church directory.

Directify is a better match for building a public-facing directory: its free plan includes one directory, 10 listings, templates, a theme editor, and a Directify subdomain with SSL.

MosesTab Worship Planning is aimed at worship planning, with its free plan covering unlimited members, one admin, one group and ministry, five events, three forms and 500 MB of storage.

Rolio may suit a small group that wants a public directory link, member self-updates, dues tracking and email broadcasts; its free plan is capped at 25 members and two groups.

B1 Checkin is another free church software option, with a single plan described as covering every church size without tiers or per-member pricing.

ChurchTrac is a paid alternative with a free trial and monthly plans sized by people, including $29 a month for 75 people and $39 a month for 125 people.

Browse Church Directory Software for more options in the category.

Verdict

Choose MyUCD if your church uses Universal Church Directories and wants a free directory with unlimited families, church-controlled access and built-in member communications. Look elsewhere if you need a directory independent of that program or want members to manage their own access.