Ways to Share Your Directory

Instant Church Directory offers several ways to share your directory with members. Because church directories contain personal information, we recommend using the Member Apps and Member Website whenever possible instead of distributing PDF copies.

This Article Includes

Use the Member Apps and Member Website

Print Your Directory

Share a Directory PDF

Protect Your Members From Scams

For the best protection of your members’ information, give members access through the Instant Church Directory Member Apps or the Member Website.

These options allow members to view current directory information without distributing a separate PDF file that can be downloaded, saved, or forwarded.

To enable member access:

  1. Go to Member Apps in the Admin website.
  2. Check Enabled.
  3. Share the Member Website or mobile app links with your members.

Once enabled, members can sign in using an email address listed in the directory.


Under Member Apps, administrators can also:

  • Share links to the Member Website and mobile apps.
  • Turn on optional Two-Factor Authentication.
  • Choose which sections of the directory members can view.
  • Review member login information.
  • Check the status of a member’s email address when troubleshooting access.

Learn more:

You can download your directory PDF and print it yourself or have it printed by a professional printer.

To download a PDF:

  1. Go to PDF.
  2. Locate the directory, subdirectory, or addendum you want to print.
  3. Select Download or Preview PDF.
  4. If there is an update to be made, click the Regenerate button.
  5. Save the PDF.

For additional instructions, see:

If You Choose to Share a Directory PDF

We strongly recommend using the Member Apps or Member Website instead of emailing or posting a directory PDF.

PDF files can be downloaded, saved, and forwarded to others. A PDF password adds a layer of protection, but it should not be the only safeguard used to protect your members’ information.

If your church chooses to share a directory PDF:

  • Always protect the PDF with a strong password.
  • Send the password separately from the PDF or shared link.
  • Never post the PDF password on your church website.
  • Never include the password in the same email as the PDF or shared link.
  • If the PDF is linked from your church website, place it behind a password-protected, members-only area.
  • Remember that anyone who obtains the shared URL and PDF password may be able to access the directory.

To obtain a URL for a directory PDF:

  1. Go to PDF.
  2. Locate the PDF you want to share.
  3. Click Share.
  4. Click Copy.
  5. Give the new URL to your webmaster or place it in the secure, members-only location where members access your directory.

Anyone who has the shared URL may be able to access the PDF. Be sure the PDF has a strong password and that the link is only placed in a password-protected, members-only location.

The Classic PDF layout and generator will be retired on September 15, 2026. This deadline was extended from September 1 to give churches additional time to update their shared links.

This change only requires action if your church uses a shared PDF link created in Classic on its website or anywhere else members regularly access it.

Classic and the new PDF version use separate systems, so an existing Classic PDF link cannot be redirected to a new one. After September 15, Classic shared PDF links will no longer work and may display a “Page Not Found” error.

To replace a Classic shared PDF link:

  1. Go to PDF in the new PDF version.
  2. Locate the PDF you want to share.
  3. Click Share.
  4. Click Copy.
  5. Replace the old Classic link wherever your church currently uses it.

If your church does not use a Classic shared PDF link, no action is needed.

Stop Sharing a PDF

You can disable a shared PDF link at any time:

  1. Go to PDF.
  2. Locate the shared PDF.
  3. Click Stop Sharing.

The shared URL will no longer provide access to that PDF.

Protect Your Church From Scams

Scammers may use information found in church directories to impersonate pastors, staff members, or other members of the congregation. Limiting how directory information is distributed can help protect your church and its members.

Learn more:

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