Services Data Model

This document provides complete documentation of the Planning Center Services data model in Parable, including all tables, fields, and relationships.

Overview

The Services module contains 63 tables supporting worship planning, volunteer scheduling, song management, and service coordination across your entire ministry.

Query Requirements

Schema Prefix

IMPORTANT: All tables in the Planning Center Services module are in the planning_center schema. You MUST prefix all table names with planning_center. in your queries. ✅ CORRECT: SELECT * FROM planning_center.services_plans ❌ INCORRECT: SELECT * FROM services_plans

Row Level Security (RLS)

This database uses Row Level Security (RLS) to automatically filter data based on:

tenant_organization_id: You only see data for your current organization
system_status: You only see ‘active’ records by default

DO NOT add these filters to your WHERE clause - they are applied automatically:

❌ WHERE tenant_organization_id = 1 (unnecessary)
❌ WHERE system_status = 'active' (unnecessary)

The RLS policies ensure you only access data you’re authorized to see, making these filters redundant and potentially causing performance issues.

Core Tables Overview

Primary Entity Tables

services_service_types - Service categories (Sunday morning, youth, special events)
services_plans - Individual service plans with dates and details
services_teams - Volunteer and worship teams
services_people - People who serve in ministry
services_songs - Song library and metadata
services_arrangements - Song arrangements and keys
services_items - Service elements and order
services_schedules - Person scheduling information
services_plan_people - People scheduled for specific plans
services_attachments - Files, charts, and media

Supporting Entity Tables

services_plan_times - Service times (9am service, 11am service, etc.)
services_plan_templates - Reusable service templates
services_team_positions - Roles within teams (drummer, vocalist, etc.)
services_person_team_position_assignments - Who can serve in what roles
services_needed_positions - Unfilled positions for services
services_blockouts - When people are unavailable
services_blockout_dates - Specific unavailable dates
services_live - Live service control and streaming
services_media - Media files and videos
services_folders - Organizational structure

Relationship Tables

services_plan_relationships - Links plans to other entities
services_team_relationships - Links teams to service types
services_item_relationships - Links items to songs, arrangements, etc.
services_person_relationships - Links people to teams and positions

Table Definitions

services_service_types

Service types define categories of services (Sunday Morning, Youth Service, etc.).

Column	Type	Description
`id`	UUID	Internal unique identifier
`service_type_id`	VARCHAR(64)	Planning Center service type ID
`name`	VARCHAR(255)	Service type name
`sequence`	INTEGER	Display order
`permissions`	VARCHAR(50)	Permission level
`attachment_types_enabled`	BOOLEAN	Whether attachment types are enabled
`scheduled_publish`	BOOLEAN	Whether scheduled publishing is enabled
`frequency`	VARCHAR(50)	Service frequency (Weekly, Monthly, etc.)
`archived_at`	TIMESTAMP	When service type was archived
`created_at`	TIMESTAMP	When created in Planning Center
`updated_at`	TIMESTAMP	Last update in Planning Center
`deleted_at`	TIMESTAMP	When deleted in Planning Center
`custom_item_types`	JSONB	Custom service item types configuration
`standard_item_types`	JSONB	Standard item types (Header, Song, Media)
`background_check_permissions`	VARCHAR(50)	Background check requirement level
`comment_permissions`	VARCHAR(50)	Who can comment on plans
`last_plan_from`	VARCHAR(50)	How last plan was created
`tenant_organization_id`	INTEGER	Organization identifier
`system_status`	VARCHAR(50)	Data status: ‘active’, ‘transferring’, ‘stale’
`system_created_at`	TIMESTAMP	When record was created in Parable
`system_updated_at`	TIMESTAMP	When record was last updated in Parable

services_plans

Individual service plans containing all details for a specific service date.

Column	Type	Description
`id`	UUID	Internal unique identifier
`plan_id`	VARCHAR(64)	Planning Center plan ID
`service_type_id`	VARCHAR(64)	Associated service type
`title`	VARCHAR(255)	Plan title
`series_title`	VARCHAR(255)	Sermon series title
`public`	BOOLEAN	Whether plan is publicly visible
`can_view_order`	BOOLEAN	Whether order is viewable
`rehearsable`	BOOLEAN	Whether rehearsal is scheduled
`multi_day`	BOOLEAN	Whether plan spans multiple days
`items_count`	INTEGER	Total number of service items
`plan_people_count`	INTEGER	Number of scheduled people
`needed_positions_count`	INTEGER	Number of unfilled positions
`plan_notes_count`	INTEGER	Number of plan notes
`service_time_count`	INTEGER	Number of service times
`rehearsal_time_count`	INTEGER	Number of rehearsal times
`other_time_count`	INTEGER	Number of other scheduled times
`total_length`	INTEGER	Total service length in seconds
`sort_date`	TIMESTAMP	Date used for chronological sorting
`last_time_at`	TIMESTAMP	Last service time
`dates`	VARCHAR(255)	Human-readable date string
`short_dates`	VARCHAR(100)	Abbreviated date string
`files_expire_at`	TIMESTAMP	When attached files expire
`planning_center_url`	VARCHAR(2048)	Direct link to plan
`reminders_disabled`	BOOLEAN	Whether reminders are turned off
`created_at`	TIMESTAMP	When created
`updated_at`	TIMESTAMP	Last update
`permissions`	VARCHAR(50)	User permissions for this plan
`tenant_organization_id`	INTEGER	Organization identifier
`system_status`	VARCHAR(50)	Data status
`system_created_at`	TIMESTAMP	When created in Parable
`system_updated_at`	TIMESTAMP	Last update in Parable

services_teams

Teams of volunteers and staff who serve in ministry.

Column	Type	Description
`id`	UUID	Internal unique identifier
`team_id`	VARCHAR(64)	Planning Center team ID
`service_type_id`	VARCHAR(64)	Associated service type
`name`	VARCHAR(255)	Team name
`rehearsal_team`	BOOLEAN	Whether team attends rehearsals
`secure_team`	BOOLEAN	Whether team requires background checks
`sequence`	INTEGER	Display order
`schedule_to`	VARCHAR(50)	Scheduling type (‘plan’ or ‘time’)
`default_status`	VARCHAR(50)	Default response status
`default_prepare_notifications`	BOOLEAN	Default notification setting
`assigned_directly`	BOOLEAN	Whether people are assigned directly
`viewers_see`	INTEGER	What viewers can see
`stage_color`	VARCHAR(50)	Color for stage display
`stage_variant`	VARCHAR(50)	Stage display variant
`archived_at`	TIMESTAMP	When team was archived
`created_at`	TIMESTAMP	When created
`updated_at`	TIMESTAMP	Last update
`last_plan_from`	VARCHAR(50)	How last plan was created
`tenant_organization_id`	INTEGER	Organization identifier
`system_status`	VARCHAR(50)	Data status
`system_created_at`	TIMESTAMP	When created in Parable
`system_updated_at`	TIMESTAMP	Last update in Parable

services_people

People who participate in services as volunteers, staff, or worship team members.

Column	Type	Description
`id`	UUID	Internal unique identifier
`person_id`	VARCHAR(64)	Planning Center person ID
`first_name`	VARCHAR(100)	First name
`last_name`	VARCHAR(100)	Last name
`full_name`	VARCHAR(255)	Complete name
`nickname`	VARCHAR(100)	Preferred name
`given_name`	VARCHAR(100)	Given name
`middle_name`	VARCHAR(100)	Middle name
`birthdate`	DATE	Date of birth
`anniversary`	DATE	Anniversary date
`photo_url`	VARCHAR(2048)	Profile photo URL
`photo_thumbnail_url`	VARCHAR(2048)	Thumbnail photo URL
`preferred_app`	VARCHAR(50)	Preferred Planning Center app
`assigned_to_rehearsal_team`	BOOLEAN	Whether on rehearsal team
`archived`	BOOLEAN	Whether person is archived
`site_administrator`	BOOLEAN	Whether site admin
`permissions`	VARCHAR(50)	General permissions
`media_permissions`	VARCHAR(50)	Media access permissions
`song_permissions`	VARCHAR(50)	Song access permissions
`status`	VARCHAR(50)	Active status
`notes`	TEXT	Personal notes
`passed_background_check`	BOOLEAN	Background check status
`access_media_attachments`	BOOLEAN	Can access media
`access_plan_attachments`	BOOLEAN	Can access plan files
`access_song_attachments`	BOOLEAN	Can access song files
`preferred_max_plans_per_day`	INTEGER	Daily scheduling limit
`preferred_max_plans_per_month`	INTEGER	Monthly scheduling limit
`praise_charts_enabled`	BOOLEAN	PraiseCharts integration
`ical_code`	VARCHAR(100)	Calendar feed code
`logged_in_at`	TIMESTAMP	Last login time
`created_at`	TIMESTAMP	When created
`updated_at`	TIMESTAMP	Last update
`archived_at`	TIMESTAMP	When archived
`tenant_organization_id`	INTEGER	Organization identifier
`system_status`	VARCHAR(50)	Data status
`system_created_at`	TIMESTAMP	When created in Parable
`system_updated_at`	TIMESTAMP	Last update in Parable

services_songs

Complete song library with metadata for worship planning.

Column	Type	Description
`id`	UUID	Internal unique identifier
`song_id`	VARCHAR(64)	Planning Center song ID
`title`	VARCHAR(255)	Song title
`author`	VARCHAR(255)	Song author/composer
`copyright`	VARCHAR(500)	Copyright information
`admin`	VARCHAR(255)	Administrator/publisher
`ccli_number`	INTEGER	CCLI license number
`hidden`	BOOLEAN	Whether song is hidden
`notes`	TEXT	Song notes
`themes`	VARCHAR(500)	Song themes/tags
`last_scheduled_at`	TIMESTAMP	When last used in service
`last_scheduled_short_dates`	VARCHAR(100)	Short date of last use
`created_at`	TIMESTAMP	When created
`updated_at`	TIMESTAMP	Last update
`tenant_organization_id`	INTEGER	Organization identifier
`system_status`	VARCHAR(50)	Data status
`system_created_at`	TIMESTAMP	When created in Parable
`system_updated_at`	TIMESTAMP	Last update in Parable

services_arrangements

Different arrangements and keys for songs.

Column	Type	Description
`id`	UUID	Internal unique identifier
`arrangement_id`	VARCHAR(64)	Planning Center arrangement ID
`song_id`	VARCHAR(64)	Associated song
`name`	VARCHAR(255)	Arrangement name
`bpm`	DECIMAL(5,1)	Beats per minute
`length`	INTEGER	Length in seconds
`meter`	VARCHAR(10)	Time signature (4/4, 3/4, etc.)
`notes`	TEXT	Arrangement notes
`chord_chart`	TEXT	Chord chart content
`lyrics`	TEXT	Song lyrics
`sequence`	JSONB	Song section sequence
`sequence_short`	JSONB	Abbreviated sequence
`sequence_full`	JSONB	Full detailed sequence
`chord_chart_key`	VARCHAR(10)	Musical key
`chord_chart_font`	VARCHAR(50)	Display font
`chord_chart_font_size`	INTEGER	Font size
`chord_chart_columns`	INTEGER	Column layout
`has_chords`	BOOLEAN	Whether chords exist
`has_chord_chart`	BOOLEAN	Whether chart exists
`lyrics_enabled`	BOOLEAN	Whether lyrics are enabled
`number_chart_enabled`	BOOLEAN	Nashville number system
`numeral_chart_enabled`	BOOLEAN	Roman numeral system
`print_margin`	VARCHAR(20)	Print margins
`print_orientation`	VARCHAR(20)	Portrait/landscape
`print_page_size`	VARCHAR(20)	Paper size
`archived_at`	TIMESTAMP	When archived
`created_at`	TIMESTAMP	When created
`updated_at`	TIMESTAMP	Last update
`tenant_organization_id`	INTEGER	Organization identifier
`system_status`	VARCHAR(50)	Data status
`system_created_at`	TIMESTAMP	When created in Parable
`system_updated_at`	TIMESTAMP	Last update in Parable

services_items

Individual elements within a service plan.

Column	Type	Description
`id`	UUID	Internal unique identifier
`item_id`	VARCHAR(64)	Planning Center item ID
`plan_id`	VARCHAR(64)	Associated plan
`title`	VARCHAR(255)	Item title
`sequence`	INTEGER	Order in service
`length`	INTEGER	Duration in seconds
`item_type`	VARCHAR(50)	Type (song, header, media, item)
`service_position`	VARCHAR(50)	Position (pre, during, post)
`description`	TEXT	Item description
`key_name`	VARCHAR(10)	Musical key
`html_details`	TEXT	Formatted details
`custom_arrangement_sequence`	JSONB	Custom sequence
`song_id`	VARCHAR(64)	Associated song
`arrangement_id`	VARCHAR(64)	Associated arrangement
`created_at`	TIMESTAMP	When created
`updated_at`	TIMESTAMP	Last update
`tenant_organization_id`	INTEGER	Organization identifier
`system_status`	VARCHAR(50)	Data status
`system_created_at`	TIMESTAMP	When created in Parable
`system_updated_at`	TIMESTAMP	Last update in Parable

services_plan_people

People scheduled to serve in specific service plans.

Column	Type	Description
`id`	UUID	Internal unique identifier
`plan_person_id`	VARCHAR(64)	Planning Center plan person ID
`plan_id`	VARCHAR(64)	Associated plan
`person_id`	VARCHAR(64)	Associated person
`team_id`	VARCHAR(64)	Associated team
`status`	VARCHAR(20)	Status (C=Confirmed, U=Unconfirmed, D=Declined)
`team_position_name`	VARCHAR(100)	Position/role name
`photo_thumbnail`	VARCHAR(2048)	Person’s photo
`decline_reason`	TEXT	Why declined
`notes`	TEXT	Scheduling notes
`prepare_notification`	BOOLEAN	Whether to send prep notification
`can_accept_partial`	BOOLEAN	Can accept partial scheduling
`notification_sent_at`	TIMESTAMP	When notified
`notification_read_at`	TIMESTAMP	When read notification
`notification_prepared_at`	TIMESTAMP	When notification prepared
`notification_changed_at`	TIMESTAMP	When notification changed
`notification_changed_by_name`	VARCHAR(255)	Who changed notification
`notification_sender_name`	VARCHAR(255)	Who sent notification
`status_updated_at`	TIMESTAMP	When status changed
`scheduled_by_name`	VARCHAR(255)	Who scheduled this person
`created_at`	TIMESTAMP	When created
`updated_at`	TIMESTAMP	Last update
`tenant_organization_id`	INTEGER	Organization identifier
`system_status`	VARCHAR(50)	Data status
`system_created_at`	TIMESTAMP	When created in Parable
`system_updated_at`	TIMESTAMP	Last update in Parable

services_schedules

Individual scheduling records for people across all services.

Column	Type	Description
`id`	UUID	Internal unique identifier
`schedule_id`	VARCHAR(64)	Planning Center schedule ID
`person_id`	VARCHAR(64)	Associated person
`service_type_id`	VARCHAR(64)	Associated service type
`plan_id`	VARCHAR(64)	Associated plan
`team_id`	VARCHAR(64)	Associated team
`organization_name`	VARCHAR(255)	Organization name
`service_type_name`	VARCHAR(255)	Service type name
`team_name`	VARCHAR(255)	Team name
`team_position_name`	VARCHAR(100)	Position name
`person_name`	VARCHAR(255)	Person’s full name
`sort_date`	TIMESTAMP	Date for sorting
`dates`	VARCHAR(255)	Service dates
`short_dates`	VARCHAR(100)	Short date format
`status`	VARCHAR(20)	Schedule status
`decline_reason`	TEXT	Reason if declined
`can_accept_partial`	BOOLEAN	Can accept partial
`can_accept_partial_one_time`	BOOLEAN	One-time partial
`can_rehearse`	BOOLEAN	Available for rehearsal
`plan_visible`	BOOLEAN	Can see plan
`plan_visible_to_me`	BOOLEAN	Plan visible to user
`position_display_times`	VARCHAR(255)	When position shows
`responds_to_name`	VARCHAR(255)	Who responds to
`organization_time_zone`	VARCHAR(100)	Time zone
`organization_twenty_four_hour_time`	BOOLEAN	24-hour format
`tenant_organization_id`	INTEGER	Organization identifier
`system_status`	VARCHAR(50)	Data status
`system_created_at`	TIMESTAMP	When created in Parable
`system_updated_at`	TIMESTAMP	Last update in Parable

services_attachments

Files attached to plans, songs, or other resources.

Column	Type	Description
`id`	UUID	Internal unique identifier
`attachment_id`	VARCHAR(64)	Planning Center attachment ID
`filename`	VARCHAR(255)	File name
`file_size`	BIGINT	Size in bytes
`content_type`	VARCHAR(100)	MIME type
`url`	VARCHAR(2048)	Download URL
`thumbnail_url`	VARCHAR(2048)	Thumbnail URL
`linked_url`	VARCHAR(2048)	External link
`pco_type`	VARCHAR(50)	Planning Center type
`display_name`	VARCHAR(255)	Display name
`filetype`	VARCHAR(50)	File type
`remote_link`	VARCHAR(2048)	Remote file link
`page_order`	VARCHAR(50)	Page ordering
`licenses_purchased`	INTEGER	Number of licenses
`licenses_remaining`	INTEGER	Remaining licenses
`licenses_used`	INTEGER	Used licenses
`allow_mp3_download`	BOOLEAN	MP3 download allowed
`web_streamable`	BOOLEAN	Can stream on web
`downloadable`	BOOLEAN	Can be downloaded
`transposable`	BOOLEAN	Can transpose
`streamable`	BOOLEAN	Can stream
`has_preview`	BOOLEAN	Preview available
`attachable_type`	VARCHAR(50)	What it’s attached to
`attachable_id`	VARCHAR(64)	Parent resource ID
`created_at`	TIMESTAMP	When created
`updated_at`	TIMESTAMP	Last update
`tenant_organization_id`	INTEGER	Organization identifier
`system_status`	VARCHAR(50)	Data status
`system_created_at`	TIMESTAMP	When created in Parable
`system_updated_at`	TIMESTAMP	Last update in Parable

Relationship Tables

services_plan_relationships

Links plans to series, previous/next plans, and service types.

Column	Type	Description
`id`	UUID	Internal unique identifier
`plan_id`	VARCHAR(64)	Plan ID
`related_entity_type`	VARCHAR(50)	Type of related entity
`related_entity_id`	VARCHAR(64)	Related entity ID
`relationship_type`	VARCHAR(50)	Type of relationship
`tenant_organization_id`	INTEGER	Organization identifier

services_team_relationships

Links teams to service types and parent teams.

Column	Type	Description
`id`	UUID	Internal unique identifier
`team_id`	VARCHAR(64)	Team ID
`service_type_id`	VARCHAR(64)	Service type ID
`relationship_type`	VARCHAR(50)	Type of relationship
`tenant_organization_id`	INTEGER	Organization identifier

services_item_relationships

Links service items to songs, arrangements, and media.

Column	Type	Description
`id`	UUID	Internal unique identifier
`item_id`	VARCHAR(64)	Item ID
`related_entity_type`	VARCHAR(50)	Type (song, arrangement, media)
`related_entity_id`	VARCHAR(64)	Related entity ID
`tenant_organization_id`	INTEGER	Organization identifier

Data Relationships

Key Relationships

Service Planning Hierarchy
- Service Types → Plans → Items
- Plans → Plan Times → Plan People
Team Structure
- Teams → Team Positions → Person Team Position Assignments
- Teams → Plan People → Schedules
Song Management
- Songs → Arrangements → Items
- Songs → Attachments (chord charts, lead sheets)
Scheduling Flow
- People → Schedules → Plan People
- People → Blockouts → Blockout Dates
Resource Attachments
- Plans → Attachments
- Songs → Attachments
- Items → Media

Query Patterns

Finding Scheduled Volunteers

SELECT
    pp.person_id,
    p.full_name,
    pp.team_position_name,
    pl.title as plan_title,
    pl.sort_date
FROM planning_center.services_plan_people pp
JOIN planning_center.services_people p ON pp.person_id = p.person_id
JOIN planning_center.services_plans pl ON pp.plan_id = pl.plan_id
WHERE pp.status = 'C'  -- Confirmed
    AND pl.sort_date >= CURRENT_DATE
ORDER BY pl.sort_date, p.full_name;

Analyzing Song Usage

SELECT
    s.title,
    s.author,
    COUNT(DISTINCT i.plan_id) as times_used,
    MAX(pl.sort_date) as last_used
FROM planning_center.services_songs s
JOIN planning_center.services_items i ON s.song_id = i.song_id
JOIN planning_center.services_plans pl ON i.plan_id = pl.plan_id
GROUP BY s.song_id, s.title, s.author
ORDER BY times_used DESC;

Data Integrity Rules

Schema Qualification: Always use planning_center. prefix for all table references
Row Level Security: RLS automatically handles multi-tenancy and status filtering - do not add manual filters
Monetary Values: Any cost or fee columns are stored in cents - divide by 100.0 for display
Scheduling Status Flags: Use fields like status and decline_reason to interpret plan assignments instead of checking system_status
Direct ID Columns: Core tables such as services_plans and services_plan_people expose direct IDs for performance-sensitive joins

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Missing Schema Prefix
- ❌ FROM services_plan_people
- ✅ FROM planning_center.services_plan_people
Adding Redundant RLS Filters
- ❌ WHERE tenant_organization_id = 1 AND system_status = 'active'
- ✅ Trust RLS to handle this automatically
Joining Without Schema
- ❌ JOIN services_people p ON ...
- ✅ JOIN planning_center.services_people p ON ...
Forgetting Duration Conversion
- ❌ SELECT duration_seconds as minutes
- ✅ SELECT duration_seconds / 60.0 as minutes

Performance Considerations

Indexes: All tables have optimized indexes on:
- Primary keys and entity IDs
- Join columns and foreign keys
- Date columns for time-based queries
Query Optimization:
- Always use the planning_center. schema prefix
- RLS handles tenant and status filtering automatically
- Filter scheduling status or declined responses when relevant
- Consider CTEs for complex aggregations
- Use direct ID columns when available instead of relationship tables

Data Synchronization

All Services tables use the standard Parable synchronization pattern:

system_status: Tracks data lifecycle (‘transferring’ → ‘active’ → ‘stale’)
system_created_at: When record entered Parable
system_updated_at: Last Parable update
created_at/updated_at: Original Planning Center timestamps

Notes

Status codes often use single letters: C=Confirmed, U=Unconfirmed, D=Declined
All timestamps are stored in UTC
JSONB fields store complex nested data structures
File URLs may expire based on files_expire_at timestamps
Person records link to the main People app for complete profiles

Getting started

Release Notes

Planning Center

Data model

Services Data Model

Overview

Query Requirements

Schema Prefix

Row Level Security (RLS)

Core Tables Overview

Primary Entity Tables

Supporting Entity Tables

Relationship Tables

Table Definitions

services_service_types

services_plans

services_teams

services_people

services_songs

services_arrangements

services_items

services_plan_people

services_schedules

services_attachments

Relationship Tables

services_plan_relationships

services_team_relationships

services_item_relationships

Data Relationships

Key Relationships

Query Patterns

Finding Scheduled Volunteers

Analyzing Song Usage

Data Integrity Rules

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Performance Considerations

Data Synchronization

Notes

Getting started

Release Notes

Planning Center

​Services Data Model

​Overview

​Query Requirements

​Schema Prefix

​Row Level Security (RLS)

​Core Tables Overview

​Primary Entity Tables

​Supporting Entity Tables

​Relationship Tables

​Table Definitions

​services_service_types

​services_plans

​services_teams

​services_people

​services_songs

​services_arrangements

​services_items

​services_plan_people

​services_schedules

​services_attachments

​Relationship Tables

​services_plan_relationships

​services_team_relationships

​services_item_relationships

​Data Relationships

​Key Relationships

​Query Patterns

​Finding Scheduled Volunteers

​Analyzing Song Usage

​Data Integrity Rules

​Common Mistakes to Avoid

​Performance Considerations

​Data Synchronization

​Notes

Services Data Model

Overview

Query Requirements

Schema Prefix

Row Level Security (RLS)

Core Tables Overview

Primary Entity Tables

Supporting Entity Tables

Relationship Tables

Table Definitions

services_service_types

services_plans

services_teams

services_people

services_songs

services_arrangements

services_items

services_plan_people

services_schedules

services_attachments

Relationship Tables

services_plan_relationships

services_team_relationships

services_item_relationships

Data Relationships

Key Relationships

Query Patterns

Finding Scheduled Volunteers

Analyzing Song Usage

Data Integrity Rules

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Performance Considerations

Data Synchronization

Notes