Tech Forum

I'm unclear what having a ward website means and how I know if my ward has a web site on lds.org. Are there parts of a ward web site that are viewable to non members? I have searched but can't seem to find out much of anything other than a form to fill out to request a ward or stake web site.

Chris W

cdw3423 wrote:I'm unclear what having a ward website means and how I know if my ward has a web site on lds.org. Are there parts of a ward web site that are viewable to non members? I have searched but can't seem to find out much of anything other than a form to fill out to request a ward or stake web site.

Chris W

The concept of ward or stake websites has really be done away with. It's been replaced by a set of tools integrated into lds.org: the Directory, Calendar, Lesson Schedule, Newsletter and so forth. These all show unit specific information but they aren't part of a separate site and there isn't a unit home page like there used to be.

Previously the Stake had to make a request before the Stake and Ward websites for that stake were enabled. Now the above mentioned tools are available for all units without any request.

And, no, none of the ward or stake specific tools are available to non-members.

cdw3423 wrote:I'm unclear what having a ward website means and how I know if my ward has a web site on lds.org. Are there parts of a ward web site that are viewable to non members? I have searched but can't seem to find out much of anything other than a form to fill out to request a ward or stake web site.

Chris W

If you go to https://www.lds.org and sign in with your LDS Account, then click on your name after you've logged in, you'll see a list of features that are available to you. The Directory link will take you to your home ward's directory as will the Calendar link. Depending upon what your calling is you may have additional access provided.

And note that the tools are available to you, but that doesn't mean that your ward is using them. Directory and Maps will have content, but Calendar, Lesson Schedules, and Newsletter require someone to actually do something in order to have content.

I don't think they've been too good at revising existing LDS.org content to refer to the new web setup. I've submitted feedback on some items I've found that refer to the old stake/ward websites. I suggest you submit feedback on the page where you found the submission form telling them that it is no longer applicable. There is usually a feedback link at the lower-right corner or bottom of a web page.

Considering making a google site to be stood up for our ward.
I’ve seen Facebook’s groups in the past but that usually gets limited to those members with Facebook. Anyone else on here have a ward website?

Intent would be to help promote awareness and community with the Ward calendar, zoom links, new babies, baptisms, activities & events, birthdays, announcements etc… just like our Ward bulletin that used to be printed out on our sacrament program. A website with everything in one place vs multiple tools.

DanielWSwainston wrote: ↑Wed Nov 15, 2023 3:47 pm Intent would be to help promote awareness and community with the Ward calendar, zoom links, new babies, baptisms, activities & events, birthdays, announcements etc… just like our Ward bulletin that used to be printed out on our sacrament program. A website with everything in one place vs multiple tools.

From Use of Online Resources in Church Callings (Emphasis added)

- When using images, videos, or personal information, consent from the content owner or the individuals involved is required.

- Online resources should not duplicate tools and features that are already on ChurchofJesusChrist.org, Member Tools, or other Church resources.

I'd suggest following the link above and taking in the instructions.