Let's Connect Your Community
Follow these steps to set up the Notion backend for your private directory. It should only take about 5-7 minutes.
Duplicate the Master Template
This is the heart of your directory. Click the button below to open our pre-built template in a new tab. Once it loads, click the "Duplicate" button in the top-right corner of the Notion page to copy it into your own private workspace.
Open Notion TemplateCreate an Integration & Get Your API Key
Next, you'll create a private "integration" to allow our secure web app to read your directory data.
- Go to Notion's "My Integrations" page.
- Click the "+ New integration" button.
- Give it a memorable name, like
TSI Church Directory
. - Select the correct Notion Workspace where you duplicated the template.
- Under "Capabilities," ensure "Read content" is selected. No other permissions are needed.
- Click "Submit". You will be taken to a page showing your integration's secret token.
CRITICAL: Your API Key (Secret Token)
On the final screen, Notion will show a secret token that starts with secret_...
. This is your API Key. Treat this key like a password. Click "Show" and then "Copy". You will need this key later to connect your directory to our web app.
Connect Your New Database
The final step is to give your new, private integration permission to access the directory you just duplicated.
- Go back to the duplicated "TSI Master Directory" page in your Notion workspace.
- Click the three-dots menu (
...
) in the top-right corner of the page. - Near the bottom of the menu, click "+ Add connections".
- Find and select the integration you just created (e.g.,
TSI Church Directory
) from the list. - Click "Confirm".
Pro-Tip: Use a Notion Form for Submissions
Instead of giving every member access to the full database, you can create a Notion Form from your "Skills & Services" database view. Simply share the link to this form. Members can submit their information easily, and it will automatically populate your directory without them ever needing to see the full backend.
Setup Complete! What's Next?
Your directory backend is now ready. The next crucial step is to connect it to the TSI web application by providing your API Key. This will generate a beautiful, private, and searchable directory page exclusively for your community.
Once your directory is live, you can invite your members. They will go to our website, find your organization, and be able to browse the skills and services available within your trusted community.
Connect Your API Key & Launch Your Directory