And why not take advantage of the internet? In addition to a print directory for members who are more comfortable with a physical book, you can also create an online directory that allows everyone to access a list of your church’s members at any time.
Here are a few reasons why a church directory is still relevant in 2021.
Put names to faces
Even in smaller congregations, it can be a challenge to keep track of who’s who—and who’s related to whom. A church directory allows your members to put names to faces and get to know people outside of the groups they usually spend time with. For example, seniors may know seniors, and youth group members may know most of their peers, but they may not know each other. A church directory allows everyone to feel like they better know the people with whom they worship.
Help new staff and members get to know everyone
For a new member of your staff or a new member, meeting so many strangers can be overwhelming. Chances are they’ll all remember your name, but how will you remember all of theirs? A church directory can serve as a reference for new staff and members to get to know everyone and memorize all those names to avoid offending any of the longstanding members of the congregation.
Foster and encourage relationships
The goal of a church is to feel like a loving and supportive community, but that’s hard to do if no one knows anyone else! A church directory can help members feel more comfortable getting to know one another and can even help them feel like they belong. It’s a great way to foster personal connections and build lasting relationships.
Have information right at your fingertips
Especially with an online or digital directory, it’s easy to keep contact information updated and quickly add new members. With all this information together, it makes it easy for church members to send Christmas cards or gifts to each other and support one another in difficult times.
Go beyond the basics
Another benefit of an online church directory is that it can be more than just an address book. You can also include information like birthdays and anniversaries, small groups and Bible studies, volunteer opportunities and more. In addition to a newsletter or bulletin, this is a great way to keep everyone updated about what’s going on in your congregation and how they can get more involved.
Organize prayer chains and phone trees
With the entire congregation’s contact information all in one place, organizing a phone tree or prayer chain is simplified. You can even organize these groups in an online directory to help keep everyone on the same page.
An up-to-date church directory is more than just a tradition—it’s a way to keep all the members of your church connected and help everyone feel like more of a community.