Would you like to read the sealed portion of the plates? Or know the body temperature of translated beings? How about find a GPS tracker for all of the Three Nephites? At the rate technology is advancing, you might not have to wait much longer for an app that will answer all of these burning questions. As we become a smartphone species, people create apps for seemingly everything under the sun—including church. In addition to the Church-sponsored apps like Gospel Library, here is a sampling of digital programs that could best be described as “in the App Store but not of the App Store.”
1. Take a Name
Scrolling through your family tree can be daunting, and the time it takes to find names for the temple may seem like more than you have to spare. But fret no more; family history work just got a whole lot easier. Take a Name is a FamilySearch-certified app that connects to your account and does the work for you. It will scan your family tree and alert you to what names are ready for ordinances, even checking for duplicates and errors the same way FamilySearch does. You can then reserve and print temple cards right from the app. You can try this app for free on the App Store and the Google Play Store, with an opportunity to pick your purchase price or give a contribution if you’re able.
2. LDS Apostles
Did you know that Boyd K. Packer and Russell M. Nelson each have 10 kids? Or that Richard G. Scott was D. Todd Christofferson’s mission president? There’s a lot you may not have heard about the Lord’s servants, but the Android app LDS Apostles (free on the Google Play Store) could change that. Along with providing biographical information about all the brethren, this app allows you to see who was in the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on any date in Church history.
3. Instagram
The leaders of the Church have made it clear that social media can be used as a tool to further the work of God. The popular picture-sharing app, Instagram, is one of those tools that can help to lift and inspire you and others if you carefully choose who you follow and what you post. One example, @bofm365, breaks the Book of Mormon into bite-sized reading chunks for the year. Other accounts like@herebycalled, @among.sisters, and @mormonchannelcan connect you with uplifting content that can encourage your discipleship. You can find the app free on both the App Store and Google Play Store.
4. Deseret Bookshelf
Deseret Book’s official app allows users to read, search, and study their entire LDS library conveniently and effectively. In addition to the standard works, you get eight classic LDS books for free when you download the app, including Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Talmage’s Jesus the Christ, and President Spencer W. Kimball’s The Miracle of Forgiveness. It includes many features to maximize your gospel study. And even better, it’s available for free on both the App Store and Google Play Store.
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5. LDS Missionary Tracker
When the Church’s missionary force nearly doubled after President Monson’s historic announcement in October 2012, so did the number of missionary moms—which means that these days, an app dedicated to your elder or sister out in the field is in greater demand than ever. With this app, you can count down how long missionaries have left, keep track of their areas and companions, and set reminders for yourself to email them. If you so desire, you can even email them directly from the app, which is available for free on the Google Play Store for Android only.
6. LDS Tools
You’ve likely heard of LDS Tools, but what you may not know is that this app is much more than just a directory. Forgot the name of your ward clerk? You can find it by searching organizations and callings. New to the area? LDS Tools will show you which chapels and temples are nearest to you and what their schedules are. Want to be a better member missionary? Connect with your ward’s missionaries and send them a referral. To unlock the full potential of this essential tool, download the app for free on both the App Store and the Google Play Store.
7. Family Home Evening Planner
The fight that begins and ends with prayer just got a whole lot more peaceful. With the Family Home Evening Planner, your family nights can take a more structured approach—thus reducing the spirit of contention which sometimes accompanies the time that Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin taught was “built to increase . . . family unity.” This app can create and store agendas for FHE, allowing you to plan who’s praying, who’s teaching and on what topic, and—most importantly—what’s for dessert. This free app is available for Android only on the Google Play Store.
8. LDS Scripture Citation Index
Developed by BYU professors Stephen Liddle and Richard Galbraith, LDS Scripture Citation Index helps you study the scriptures like never before. When you select a scripture in the index, a list appears of every time that scripture has been cited in general conference since 1942 as well as every time it appears in the Journal of Discourses and in The Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith. You can begin expanding your scripture study by downloading this free app from both the App Store and the Google Play Store.
9. LDS Reading Chart
“It was at that moment that I decided to read the entire standard works from cover to cover.” We’ve all heard this before, haven’t we? Blazing through the scriptures is a common practice of Latter-day Saints, but keeping track of what you’ve read can be a little tricky. With the LDS Reading Chart, not only can you mark off each chapter as you’ve read it, but you can even set a daily reminder to read! This app, perfect for anybody who has ever wondered whether they’re on Leviticus 17 or Leviticus 18, is available for free on the Google Play Store for Android only.
10. Gospel Study Challenge (PRO)
Relive the magic of your last Gospel Doctrine class discussion with the Gospel Study Challenge app! This app, available for $1.99 on the Google Play Store (Android), allows you to study the gospel with your family, class, quorum, or other study groups. Study the scriptures, read conference talks, and discuss gospel principles in a structured digital environment—with a little bit of friendly competition thrown in for good measure! A free version of the app, which only includes personal study features, is also available to download.
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