> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://guide.worshipbuddy.org/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Creating Services

> Set up regular services and special gatherings

# Creating Services

Services are the individual meetings, gatherings, or events where your teams serve. Each service represents a specific date and time when teams need to be scheduled. Examples include Sunday morning services, Wednesday Bible studies, special events, and more.

## What are Services?

A service is a scheduled gathering that requires teams to serve. When you create a service, you define:

* **When it happens** - Date and time
* **Where it happens** - Location (defaults to your organization's address)
* **Which teams serve** - Which ministries are involved
* **Recurrence** - Whether it repeats (optional)

After creating a service, you can schedule specific people to positions within the assigned teams.

## Creating a Service

To create a new service:

1. Click **Calendar** in the top navigation, then the **Services** sub-tab

<Info>
  On mobile, create services from the **Calendar** tab in **Services** view (not My Schedule) — tap a date → **Add Service**. The add button appears only for **Owner / Organization Admin**.
</Info>

2. Click **"Create Service"** or **"Add Service"**
3. Fill in the service details:

### Basic Information

* **Service Name (required)** - A descriptive name for the service
  * Examples: "Sunday Morning Service", "Wednesday Bible Study", "Christmas Eve Service"
  * Use clear, consistent naming so people can easily identify services

* **Location** - Where the service takes place
  * Defaults to your organization's address
  * You can change it for any service
  * Useful for multi-site churches or off-site events
  * Examples: "Main Sanctuary", "Fellowship Hall", "Off-site: City Park"

* **Start Date & Time** - When the service begins
  * Click to open the date and time picker
  * Select the date and time
  * Example: Sunday, January 15, 2024 at 10:00 AM

* **End Date & Time** - When the service is expected to end
  * Click to open the date and time picker
  * Select the date and time
  * Example: Sunday, January 15, 2024 at 11:30 AM

### Assigning Teams

* **Assign Teams** - Select which teams will serve at this service
  * Check the boxes next to teams that need to be scheduled
  * Examples: Check "Worship Team", "Ushers", "Children's Ministry"
  * You can select multiple teams
  * Teams can be added or removed later by editing the service

<Info>
  **Tip**: Only assign teams that actually need to serve. You can always add more teams later if needed.
</Info>

### Recurring Services

**Web:** Check **This service recurs**, select weekdays, and set **End After** (max **16** occurrences — UI label “Max 16 weeks”; creates up to **20** service instances). The web builder uses weekday selection only — repeat interval is ignored.

**Mobile:** Supports Daily, Weekly, and Monthly patterns with up to **20** occurrences (including true bi-weekly intervals).

1. Check **This service recurs**
2. Select days of the week (web) or pattern (mobile)
3. Set **End After** occurrences
4. Click **Create Service**

## Service Examples

### Weekly Sunday Service

* **Name**: "Sunday Morning Service"
* **Location**: "Main Sanctuary" (or your org address)
* **Start**: Sunday, 10:00 AM
* **End**: Sunday, 11:30 AM
* **Teams**: Worship Team, Ushers, Children's Ministry
* **Recurring**: Yes, every 1 week on Sunday, End after 16 occurrences (web max window)

### Bi-Weekly Bible Study

* **Name**: "Wednesday Bible Study"
* **Location**: "Fellowship Hall"
* **Start**: Wednesday, 7:00 PM
* **End**: Wednesday, 8:30 PM
* **Teams**: Teaching Team, Setup Team
* **Recurring**: Yes, every 2 weeks on Wednesday, End after 16 occurrences (**mobile only** — web ignores repeat interval)

### One-Time Special Event

* **Name**: "Christmas Eve Service"
* **Location**: "Main Sanctuary"
* **Start**: December 24, 7:00 PM
* **End**: December 24, 8:30 PM
* **Teams**: Worship Team, Ushers, Children's Ministry, Sound Team
* **Recurring**: No

## After Creating a Service

Once your service is created:

1. **Schedule People** - Assign specific people to positions in the assigned teams
   * See [Scheduling documentation](/ChurchBuddy/Scheduling/scheduling) for details
   * Use bulk scheduling for multiple services
   * Use auto-scheduling for automatic assignments

2. **View Service Details** - See all teams, positions, and assignments
   * Check availability of team members
   * View scheduling warnings (conflicts, unavailability, fatigue)

3. **Edit or Delete** - Modify service details or remove it if needed
   * Edit individual occurrences of recurring services
   * Delete specific dates or the entire recurring series

4. **Check-In** - Set up check-in for the service (if enabled)
   * See [Service Check-In documentation](/ChurchBuddy/Day-to-Day/service-check-in)

5. **Export** - Export schedules for distribution
   * See [Export documentation](/ChurchBuddy/Scheduling/export)

## Best Practices

1. **Use Consistent Naming** - Name services consistently so they're easy to identify
   * Examples: "Sunday Service", "Sunday Evening", "Wednesday Study"
   * Avoid dates in names for recurring services (they'll have dates automatically)

2. **Set Realistic Times** - Use accurate start and end times
   * Helps with scheduling and availability tracking
   * Important for check-in windows and notifications

3. **Assign All Needed Teams** - Include all teams that serve, even if you'll schedule them later
   * Makes it clear which ministries are involved
   * Helps with planning and communication

4. **Use Recurring Services Wisely** - Set up recurring services for regular gatherings
   * Saves time creating individual services
   * Each occurrence can still be customized

5. **Review Before Scheduling** - Double-check service details before scheduling people
   * Verify date, time, location, and teams
   * Easier to fix before assignments are made

## Troubleshooting

**Can't create service:**

* Make sure you have permission (Owner or Organization Admin)
* Verify all required fields are filled in

**Recurring service not creating instances:**

* Verify the recurrence pattern is set correctly
* Check that "End After" is set (web max **16**, mobile max **20**)
* Make sure the recurrence dates are in the future

**Need to change a recurring service:**

* You can edit individual occurrences without affecting others
* To change the pattern, you may need to delete and recreate
* Consider editing the specific dates you need to change

**Service not showing up:**

* Check the date range you're viewing
* Past services: web **Services** tab shows \~**120 days** back; mobile **My Schedule → Past Schedule** shows **30 days** of your personal assignments (org Calendar → Services has no past-day cutoff)
* Verify the service was created successfully