> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.church.directory/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.church.directory/core-concepts/users/account-membership.md).

# Account Membership

Account membership terminology can be confusing based on other systems use of this language. We'll try to clear that up here.

## Definition of a "member"

> A "**member**" in Church Directory, is **any man, woman or child**, at your congregation, that belong in the church directory.

This is not to be confused with being a "Christian", which is identified by your congregation.

## Permissions

When someone is a member of your congregation in Church Directory, they have access to login to Church Directory and access your congregations' account; as long as they have an email address on file for their user account.  *(Or have setup* [*alternate login options*](/core-concepts/users/login-methods.md)*)*

## How to make someone a member

A member is "marked" as a member by being added to a **Role** that "**indicates membership**".

This flag on a Role can be set under the "General Settings" tab when editing a Role, and selecting the appropriate checkbox.  Here's an example:

<figure><img src="https://content.gitbook.com/content/iz9M2UQ2en5XeRDOKj2a/blobs/f347lSBlmTczGF8wG16S/Screenshot%202025-01-08%20at%2012.01.09%E2%80%AFPM.png" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
These default Roles were setup for you when your account was created.
{% endhint %}

> **NOTE:** This method is **only a Role** that determines membership access.

## Recommendations

It is highly recommended to follow some best practices for this special flag on Roles.

* Only make **one** Role "indicate membership" (usually the "Member" role).
* Only make **one** Group "indicate visitors" (usually the "Visitors" group).
  * There is **no need** to create a "Visitor role".