Data Import

We can import your church directory information from source files you may have for an extra fee. Below is an outline of what this service offering is and what is needed.

Expectations

We can import your core directory information — provided the data is in a logical format.

✅ What an import includes:

• A one-time transfer of your core directory data into Lightpost.

• Data imported from a CSV or Excel file with clear, logical, consistent formatting.

• Successful import depends on required fields being present.

• Data quality will match the quality of the data provided.

🚫 What an import does not include:

• Collecting and combining data from multiple files or sources.

• Importing data in stages or piecemeal over time.

• Importing additional information outside of typical directory data — such as involvement areas, attendance records, special groups, calendars, or similar data.*

We strive to get you up and running as quickly as possible!

*If you would like to import additional types of data beyond your core directory, please reach out, and we can evaluate this for you as a separate, one-time service.

Included Users

While many directory services offer a way to store member information, you may also have information on former members, visitors, or other guests. We can also import their information into your Lightpost account, as long as they are clearly marked as a non-member.

Only members show up in your directory, have access to Lightpost and count towards your subscription.

Other user information that is imported will be admin-only accessible as reference data.

Exporting Your Current Data

When exporting your data from other church management system, please export with as much information as possible. The more information that is available, then the more data that will be available in Lightpost.

Critically important, certain specific fields are required for a quality data import.

Required Fields

• Family ID - an identifier to link family units together.

• Family Role - a consistent indicator showing the role of each individual within the family (e.g., head of household, spouse, child).

• Gender

Preferred Optional Fields

• Preferred First Name

• Email

• Baptism Status

• Date of Baptism

• Allergies

Once your data file is ready, please request a secure file upload link from our team to safely send your member data to Lightpost.

A sample export file is available upon request to guide you in preparing your data correctly.

Importing Photos

Directory photos can only be imported if provided as URLs to publicly accessible images.

We are unable to import photos embedded in Excel files or provided separately in folders or zip files, as these formats are not compatible with our import process.

Can I import data myself?

Our platform does not offer a self-service option to import data via CSV or similar files.

Over the years, we have assisted many customers with data imports, and we have consistently found that no two data sets are alike. Because of this, there is no standardized, reliable way to automate imports without risking significant data issues. Past attempts at self-service importing have led to frustrating cleanup processes for customers, often requiring more time and effort than a carefully managed import.

To ensure your data is accurate and your account remains in good shape, we offer a custom import service for a one-time fee. This allows us to review your data, prepare it properly, and create a custom import process to ensure everything is migrated correctly.

Do I have to do a data import?

No! Lightpost has clear, concise forms for creating users, as well as simpler forms for adding family members. There's a great flow you can get into by adding head of households first, and then quickly adding individual family members.

While doing manual data entry is more involved on your end, we have worked to make it as effortless as possible.