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Groups import uses a template-based workflow (provider code: template) for creating Planning Center group memberships.

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Prerequisites

  • Connected Planning Center account (setup guide)
  • Active Groups product subscription (billing)
  • Existing groups already present in Planning Center Groups

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Workflow

  1. In Import Home, choose Groups.
  2. Open Download and download the groups template.
  3. Fill the template.
  4. Upload your file (.csv, .xls, .xlsx; max 50 MB).
  5. Wait for upload processing.
  6. Resolve unresolved records on the Import screen.
  7. Complete the batch.
Groups import does not have a separate setup-options step like giving.

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Template Columns

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Role Rules

  • Any value containing leader (case-insensitive) is treated as leader.
  • member is valid.
  • Other values are invalid and fail upload validation.

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Person Matching Behavior

For groups batches, Port processes matching with:
  • ShouldUseRemoteID = true
  • ShouldStrictMatchPerson = true
  • ShouldAutoCreatePerson = false
You can still create a person manually from the Import screen per unresolved row.

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What Gets Imported

Each valid row creates or confirms a membership in Planning Center with:
  • Group
  • Person
  • Role
  • Optional joined date