Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – OCLM Software Scheduler Web App

General Information

The OCLM Software Scheduler is a web app designed to help Jehovah's Witnesses efficiently schedule midweek meetings, weekend meetings like Public Talks, and custom Congregation, Circuit Assembly, and Regional Convention schedules. It features a clean, user-friendly interface and is trusted by congregations worldwide to save time and stay organized.

Discover how OCLM Web Software can simplify scheduling for JW congregations by watching our virtual tour — available now on the home page.

Yes! You can Register now for a free 30-day trial and experience how easy and efficient scheduling can be using OCLM Software.

OCLM Software is designed by brothers, for brothers. Please read more About us here.

The OCLM Web App L&M Meeting Scheduler runs on mobile devices, desktop computers and laptops (also Microsoft surface tablet and Google chrome book) with an up-to-date web browser such as Chrome, Firefox, IE Internet Explorer, Edge, Safari etc.

There are many devices and computers, however, if these devices have an up-to-date web browser, it will most likely run the OCLM software program properly. It is best viewed in the Google Chrome Browser.

Security & Data Management

Yes, absolutely. Please read more about Security here.

The servers that host this website and database are located exclusively in the United States. This ensures compliance with US data protection regulations and provides reliable, secure hosting infrastructure for our congregation scheduling software.

The absolute minimum. To use our software and schedule, all you need is a participant's name and what assignments they are able to do (such data is viewed as non-confidential as it would be also posted on the information board). There is NO option to record publisher's addresses/baptism date/family members/date of birth or other sensitive/confidential data. Our goal is to make this software as useful as possible while storing the bare minimum of personal information.
You can also include an email or phone number if you would like to send slips/assignment/reminder messages to ones in your congregation. If you don't want to record any email addresses or phone numbers you can easily download assignment slips to your device, then print or send with your own personal email.

Yes. OCLM software is designed to align with SFG 2025 / SFGA 2025 requirements and applicable data protection laws. We follow modern security best practices, including strong data encryption, and our Legal Agreement outlines how personal data is handled and managed.
You also maintain full control of your congregation's data. At any time, you may permanently delete all congregation data instantly using the Delete Data button on the Data tab.
Please see sfg 2025 17:16 and sfga 2025 of your countries specific direction as well as your countries data protection laws.

If you prefer not to have your data stored online and you are the sole user of the app for your congregation, when you complete your scheduling session simply click the backup button to back up your data and then click save to store the backup on your local computer or USB drive. After your backup is saved, then click the delete button to remove the data from the database.

The next time you want to use the software, simply click on the import button and select the backup zip file. This way your data will be stored locally on your computer and only be on the cloud encrypted database temporarily while you are using the software, and will not be stored permanently online.

Schedule data (scheduled weeks and associated talk history) that is older than 3 years will be automatically deleted. Your personal and customer data will automatically be deleted 3 months after your account has expired. You can refer to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy pages regarding retention periods for your personal and customer data.

Yes, your credit card transactions are secure. For your protection, all payments are processed through PayPal—one of the most trusted and widely used payment platforms in the world. Every transaction is safeguarded with SSL (Secure Socket Layer) encryption, which you’ll see indicated by the padlock icon in your browser. This advanced security ensures that only you and PayPal can access your payment details, keeping your payment information safe, private and secure.

Account Setup & Management

First, you will need to set up a new free 30 day trial using an email address both you and the other brother can access. Email us when that has been completed and we will transfer your subscription time to the new account. For an overview of this process please watch setting up a joint account (Video Guide 4).

To switch account emails from one email to another email, ensure the new email address has a 30 day free OCLM account. Then contact us to switch the paid membership to the new email. You can backup the data from the original account and restore the data into the new account. Please follow these instructions to transfer the student data.

We use Microsoft and Google login systems because they offer a highly secure and reliable way to protect your account. These platforms use industry-standard security features, such as encrypted login protocols, to keep your information safe. If you're having trouble logging in or have forgotten your password, you can easily reset it through Microsoft's or Google's official password recovery tools on their websites.

Because we use secure login services provided by Microsoft and Google, password resets must be done through their official platforms. Simply visit the Microsoft or Google account recovery page—based on the account you use to sign in to OCLM—and follow the steps to reset your password.

If you're having trouble logging in, try the following steps:

Step 1: Log out completely and try again
On oclmsoftware.com, click the account button and select Log Out.
If using a Google account, also sign out from Gmail before trying again.
Step 2: Double-check your login details
Ensure you're entering your email exactly as registered—logins are case-sensitive.
Step 3: Try a different browser or device
Try logging in from another device or using a different browser.
OCLM works best in the latest version of Google Chrome.
Make sure your browser is up to date—older browsers may not be compatible.
Still having problems? Please contact our support team for further assistance.

Importing & Exporting Data

Yes, please use the csv provided templates (click on the data tab, then click on the csv file import button) and fill the template with the data to import from other software programs.

Also see Video Guide 1: How to Import Your Data to import from CSV files.

Perhaps you were using another meeting scheduling software program such as: tswin wintm, majestic software khs for mac and windows, tswintm, jw scheduler app, New World Scheduler app, NW Scheduler app, theocbase for iphone, ipad or android, versions of tms explorer tmsware clmware, tmse mobile, jw clm, publictalksoftware meeting schedule assistant, assignation helper meeting schedule assistant, keep life simple tms for mac, theocratic software or another theocratic ministry school kingdom hall scheduler program and want to import that data into OCLM Software Web version. Since there are many different versions and editions of other meeting scheduling software programs, importing using a standared csv (comma seperated value) file format allows for imports from various clm scheduling software.

Please double check the data is correct. For example, the Student Id column has a numeric value. If that does not work, please send us an email info@oclmsoftware.com with any error message and the import files. Please look at our video help guide tutorials on our website for more information on how to enter new students manually.

A Comma-separated values (CSV) file is a delimited text file that uses a comma to separate values. Each line of the file is a data record.

You can use Excel or another program to add your data and save as CSV. Keep the first row in the table as this is the column names header.

For the Students.csv:
For Student Id: Add a unique number to identify the student.
For Gender possible values are: Male, Female
For Classroom possible values are: All, Main Only, Aux. Only
For Columns Chairman to Active possible values are: Y, N
Download Students.csv File Filled Example

For the TalkHistory.csv:
For Student Id: Add a unique number to identify the student (matching the same Student Id number in Students.csv).
Talk Date: mm/dd/yyyy format e.g. 12/31/2023
For Classroom possible values are: Main, Aux
Talk Type possible values are: Chairman, Prayer, Treasures, Gems, Reading, Initial, Initial Ast, RV, RV Ast, BS, BS Ast, Talk, Other, Other Ast, Living, Living By Elder, CBS, CBS Reader, Discussion Video

Download TalkHistory.csv File Filled Example

Also see Video Guide 1: How to Import Your Data to import from CSV files.

At this time we don't have an excel export. However, you could try the Reports feature. After logging in, click on the reports link in the top menu. Then click on the 'All student history report for the last 6 months' button. That will display all students and their recent talk history. You can highlight and copy all info in the grid and paste it into excel. Also you could do the same on the student's page. Click on View all students link at the bottom of the page. Then select to highlight all rows in the grid and copy and paste into excel (however the checkmark icon might not copy). You could also do a screen capture image or printout. To Print, in the internet browser, right click on the page and select print (you could also select Destination as 'Save to PDF', and in more settings, set the scale to 50%. This will show the whole grid and all checkmarks). Most other life and ministry meeting kingdom hall scheduling software cannot do a straight import so manual entry is required if moving to another clam scheduling software.

If a new brother is taking on the assignment as L&M overseer, the new brother could sign up for a 30 day free trial. Then import the OCLM zip data backup. Then they could refer to and copy the data as they setup different software. Any remaining subscription time your existing account had can be transferred to his new account.

Printing & Viewing

Since a Microsoft Word document generated for printouts, .docx files are best viewed with a MS Word desktop application for Windows or Mac OSX or in the MS Word app for your mobile device.

Here are links to the MS Word app:

MS Word App for iPhone/iPad

MS Word App for Android Mobile Devices

MS Word App for Microsoft Mobile Devices

It's best to use MS Word or the MS Word Mobile App for the Word printouts, since it shows the printouts the way they were intended. For example, the iPhone or iPad doesn't properly show the checkbox symbol with its built-in Word previewer for the S-89 slips, but the MS Word app properly shows the checkboxes.

If you are looking for alternative options instead of MS Word for your desktop computer or mobile, please Google: "what are the best free microsoft word alternatives".

We also have the slips and Schedule (for the info board) available in pdf and editable pdf format.

The slips and Schedule (for the info board) can be viewed and printed as pdf and editable pdf. You could download the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software for Windows, Mac OS and Android devices or download another PDF reader to print and edit the OCLM Slips and Schedule PDF documents.

On a phone or mobile device you could download and use the free MS Word app. More details about the MS Word app in the previous FAQ question: "What are MS Word Printouts best viewed in?".

For desktop computers, if you don't have MS Word, perhaps using an online solution like Google Docs could be used to view the MS Word printouts. We also now have the slips available in pdf format.

Google Docs

Chrome Office extension.

At the time of writing this FAQ it said ... "View and edit Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files -- without needing Office installed on your computer. Once the extension is installed, Office files that you drag into Chrome, open in Gmail, Google Drive, and more, will be opened in Docs, Sheets, and Slides for viewing and editing. You can save each file back to its original Office format, or convert it to Docs, Sheets, or Slides to unlock more features, like inviting others to edit with you, commenting, chat, and more."

The official s-89 slips one per page are only the regular size of the slip.

However, you can scale/zoom the MS Word .docx slips to fill the page by following these instructions:

After printing/saving the "Slips (one per page)" on the schedules page in OCLM web. Open the filled downloaded slips .docx file ... then select file -> save as ... and save as a .pdf document.

Then open that saved pdf file and then ... file -> print ... in the print dialog box ... select custom scale and enter 180% (or around that percentage) and select portrait, and then print. The slips will now be full sheet size.

The OCLM Web App does not send any information directly to the Printer. It first generates the schedule, worksheet, chairman's outline and slip printouts as a Word Document Download. After downloading, use your Word document editor on your computer or device to view (edit if your device allows) and print.

If the information is displaying correctly in your Word editor, but you cannot send this information to the printer, please make sure your printer is on and connected to your computer. Please refer to your printer's documentation and have the correct printer driver installed.

Make sure the web browser window is maximized. Then the scroll bars will appear if needed. Scroll bars might not be needed if the content fits in the browser window.

Perhaps the popup box is hidden behind other browser popups or programs running. Maybe close and then open the browser and try again. If it's still not showing, try to minimize the browser to see if the window appears. Or use the proper method to cycle through all open apps to find the correct app window.

Features & Functionality

Yes, there is a free 30-day trial available. This will allow for testing out the software before buying a $19 USD one year subscription.

If you would like to buy a one year subscription, after registering/logging in please click on the Account menu item and select Renew/Add Time.

Yes. On the student's history page (viewed by going to the students page and clicking the "History" link of the student), you can add a note in the Notes column saying they were a substitute speaker.

Please click on the "Get Schedule Data" button on the schedules page. Also, new unscheduled weeks may show on other pages such as on pages 2,3,4 etc. You may want to click on the "View All Schedule Weeks" link at the bottom of the grid on the schedule page to see all the schedule weeks on one page.

You also may want to hide old weeks using the "Hide Schedule Weeks" button at the top of the schedules page.

OCLM is designed for the majority of congregations and most only have one or two schools. The printouts are designed for one or two schools. Thus there is currently no support for three schools.

Since the Service Talk is an unchangeable talk on the CO visit week, we did not add that to the Schedule page or the Schedule Week (students view) page thus cannot be edited/deleted or even inserted on another week.

When you print the schedule or chairman's outline, the adjusted schedule will show the Service Talk and assign the part to the CO. The CO will also select the closing song to match his talk. Also the schedule will say beside the closing song (C.O. to Select).

Currently we support ASL (English). The automated workbook will import as ASL English. If additional manual schedule changes are needed, all printouts are displayed in MS Word (or similar Word program), and some printouts in editable PDF, prior to printing, this allows for modification of any info, such as source material and other edits.

Language Support

Currently the OCLM Web Software Program has been translated into English, Spanish and American Sign Language (ASL). Please note: all printouts can be edited in MS Word to allow for translation into another language.
Spanish: Español – La reunión Vida y Ministerio Cristianos, Programador y Programador de Reuniones de Fin de Semana, Horarios de Fin de Semana, Horario de Discursos Públicos.

On the Settings page, change the print language to your desired OCLM supported language. Then when you click the 'Get Schedule Data' on the Schedules page, the schedule data will import in that OCLM supported language and the printouts will be in that OCLM supported language. If you had the print language as English and already clicked the 'Get Schedule Data' button, you could delete those (unscheduled) English weeks on the schedules page and then click the 'Get Schedule Data' button to import the current schedule weeks in your OCLM supported language.

Access & Device Compatibility

Make sure your phone/device has the correct date and time as well. If it doesn't this may make the phone think that you are trying to connect to an unsecured website thus preventing the connection. Please try to update your Google Chrome for Android app to the newest version on your android phone. Turn your phone off and on again. After, try to login to Gmail or Hotmail/Live/Outlook first. Check if you are able to login to your email before logging into this website. Also you could try using another up-to-date web browser such as the Android browser or the Mozilla Firefox for Android browser or others. Try downloading or updating those internet browsers to see if they work correctly. Also, update to the latest version of the Android Operating System.

Similar steps could be applied for iOS devices such as iPhone or iPad. Make sure you are using an update-to-date web browser, and up-to-date iOS operating system version.

You do not need to download or install this internet web version. All that you need is an up-to-date web browser like Google Chrome. Then register/login on this website.

Backup & Database

On the Data page, click the backup button. This will create a backup zip containing an .sdf file that can be used to import/restore into the OCL Web App version at any time.

If there is an error, please click on the Feedback button in the menu bar and report the error. We will work on a fix as soon as possible.

Payments & Billing

Please be aware that we incur a substantial charge for this website/database hosting/ssl certificate/domain etc, as well as the significant time and resources that went into creating and maintaining this web app software program.

For brothers that live in countries like South America, Africa etc. and/or brothers that have limited means that feel $19 USD would be too difficult you have the option of a $9 USD subscription.

After logging in to oclm, click the account button, and then click the button Add More Time. Also the account button has a down arrow, that shows a drop down menu. On the menu, select Renew/Add Time option. Then click the subscribe now button.

We accept PayPal, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express and any other forms of payment accepted by PayPal.com.

OCLMSOFTWRE

No. You can also purchase by credit card even if you don't have a PayPal account. On the PayPal page, look for the text:
Don't have a PayPal account?
Use your credit card or bank account (where available). Continue link.
When you click on the Continue link, you can use a credit card instead of a Paypal account.

We use a third party to process transactions (PayPal.com) and therefore do not have access to the specifics that caused your transaction to decline. Please contact your financial institution for an explanation, or try an alternate form of payment.

OCLMSOFTWARE.com does not issue credits or refunds in the event of a cancellation, non use or non activation.

No. You can also purchase by credit card even if you don't have a PayPal account. On the PayPal page, look for the text:
Don't have a PayPal account?
Use your credit card or bank account (where available). Continue link.
When you click on the Continue link, you can use a credit card instead of a Paypal account.

Please contact us at: info@oclmsoftware.com and include your name, email address and charge amount. We will contact you as soon as possible. We use a third party to process transactions (PayPal.com) and therefore do not have access to all the specifics regarding the transaction. You may need to contact PayPal.com or your financial institution for particular details. However, please contact us first so we can try to help.

Email & Browser Settings

When you click the "Open Email Client" button for invitations, your browser uses a mailto link to open your default email application. If the wrong email program opens (or nothing opens), you can configure your browser to use Gmail, Outlook.com, or another service:

Google Chrome

For Gmail:

  1. Open Gmail in Chrome
  2. Click the diamond/handler icon in the address bar (right side)
  3. Select "Allow mail.google.com to open all email links"
  4. Click Done

If you don't see the icon, go to Chrome Settings → Privacy and security → Site settings → Additional content settings → Protocol handlers.

Microsoft Edge

For Outlook.com:

  1. Open Outlook.com in Edge
  2. Click the protocol handler icon in the address bar
  3. Select "Allow" to let Outlook handle email links

For Desktop Email Apps (Windows):

  1. Go to Windows Settings → Apps → Default apps
  2. Scroll down and click "Choose default apps by protocol"
  3. Find MAILTO and select your preferred email app
Mozilla Firefox
  1. Click the menu button (☰) and select Settings
  2. In the General panel, scroll to Applications
  3. Find mailto in the Content Type column
  4. Click the Action column and choose Gmail, Yahoo Mail, or Use other... to select an application
Safari (Mac)
  1. Open the Mail app on your Mac
  2. Go to Mail → Settings → General
  3. Change "Default email reader" to your preferred app

Note: Safari uses the system default email application. To use Gmail or Outlook.com, consider using Chrome or installing a mailto extension.

Mobile Devices (iOS/Android)

iOS (iPhone/iPad):

  1. Go to Settings → Apps (or scroll down to find your email app)
  2. Tap Default Mail App
  3. Select Gmail, Outlook, or your preferred app

Android:

  1. Go to Settings → Apps → Default apps
  2. Tap Email app (or Browser app → Links → Email)
  3. Select your preferred email app
Tip: If mailto links still don't work, you can always copy the email content from the invitation page and paste it into your email manually.

When you invite someone to your OCLM account, you'll see an "Open Email Client" button that opens a pre-filled email in your own email application (Gmail, Outlook, etc.).

This approach has several benefits:

  • Personal touch: The invitation comes from YOUR email address, which the recipient is more likely to recognize and trust
  • Flexibility: You can review and customize the message before sending
  • Spam prevention: Emails from your personal account are less likely to end up in spam folders
  • Privacy: You maintain control over the communication

If you prefer not to use mailto links, you can copy the email content from the invitation page and send it manually through any email service.

Additional Resources

Please go to the official website: Our Christian Life and Ministry—Meeting Workbook (MWB)

The Life and Ministry Meeting Workbook provides schedule and study material for the weekly mid-week meetings of Jehovah's Witnesses.

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