The NEW LDS.org

The new LDS.org is amazing!

As one who is pretty tech savvy and who has been involved in a lot of different aspects of church service, I have been using the online LDS.org Ward and Stake Website for just under 5 years now.  Over the years I have seen a lot of progression.  The online LDS ward websites have gone from simple unorganized unique sites to a set clear worldwide format, and now to a completely revamped site.



The new site is flexible to the uniqueness of each ward and its necessities but yet consistent across the world.  It is easier to access with a unified online LDS account for all online activities.  (Which I found that in my own ward nearly 80% of the members didn't know how to get online or have never tried.)  It has a new ward directory that updates immediately as you type in names and contains more flexible information.  Oh yea, and it has photos that are easy to see and quick to access.  The new Calendar is also far easier to use and access.  Anyone can create their own quorum calendar and invite other members of the quorum to add it to their personal calendar.  So many toys for the new members.  But the things that is most exciting is the new connection with MLS.

A few months ago I was called as the Ward Executive Secretary in my ward.  It has been a great opportunity to learn a lot about the church and see the underpinnings of how a ward works.  However one of the hardest things to work with is the old MLS (Member and Leader Services) system.  It has everything loaded down in a program that is hard to update because of the large number of older generation users who have a hard time updating to the latest and greatest technical changes.  But the time for upgrade has finally come and in a big way.

The new.lds.org has a large chunk of MLS accessible online and more on its way.  I no longer have to fight the Ward Clerk or councilors for the church computer but can pull up all the information I or the Bishop needs from my laptop.  I can pull up and print out forms and records needed from home or church or even on my commute between the two.  Its great!  And its only getting better!