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Export & Data

ChurchCRM 7.1 introduced a dedicated Export Hub at Admin → Export that consolidates all data export formats into one place. Whether you need a CSV of your membership, a ChMeetings migration file, or a full database backup, start here.

The Export Hub​

Navigate to Admin → Export to see all available export options grouped by type:

Export typeDescription
Member CSVExports all people and family data as a downloadable CSV file
ChMeetingsExports data in ChMeetings-compatible format for migration
Database BackupCreates a full SQL dump of your ChurchCRM database

Member CSV Export​

The CSV export produces a flat file with one row per person, suitable for spreadsheet analysis, mail merges, or importing into another system.

Steps​

  1. Go to Admin → Export
  2. Click Export Members (CSV)
  3. The file downloads immediately — no configuration required

What's included​

The exported CSV includes the following fields:

  • First name, last name, middle name
  • Family name and family ID
  • Email addresses (primary, home, work)
  • Phone numbers (mobile, home, work)
  • Address (street, city, state, zip, country)
  • Date of birth, gender, marital status
  • Classification, family role
  • Custom fields (if configured)
  • Membership date, last login date
Controlling what's exported

Use Reports → Custom Queries to export a filtered subset of members (e.g., only a specific classification or group).

ChMeetings Export​

If you are migrating to or integrating with ChMeetings, ChurchCRM can export your data in the format ChMeetings expects.

  1. Go to Admin → Export
  2. Click Export for ChMeetings
  3. Download the generated file and use it in the ChMeetings import wizard

Database Backup​

A database backup is a complete SQL dump of all ChurchCRM data — the safest way to make a full copy before upgrades or migrations.

Keep backups offsite

Store backup files outside your web server (e.g., a local drive, cloud storage). A backup on the same server as ChurchCRM is not protected if the server is lost or compromised.

Steps​

  1. Go to Admin → Export (or Admin → Backup)
  2. Click Download Database Backup
  3. A .sql or .sql.gz file downloads to your browser

Restoring from backup​

To restore a database backup, see Backup & Restore.

Scheduling Regular Exports​

ChurchCRM does not have a built-in scheduler for automatic exports. For automated backups, use one of these approaches:

  • Server cron job — Run mysqldump on a schedule and store the output offsite (recommended for self-hosted installs)
  • Hosting panel — Many cPanel or Plesk hosting plans include scheduled database backup options
  • Plugins — The External Backup plugin (bundled with ChurchCRM) can connect to a remote storage provider