Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where is MissionInsite located?

MissionInsite maintains offices in both Irvine, CA on the West Coast and Columbus, GA on the East Coast.

2. Where does MissionInsite get its information?

Data from our clients is central to the congregant information we provide, but we also extract information from a variety of community demographic products.

Census Data:

MissionInsite possesses both the 2000 Census SF3 Data at a block group level which includes 5000 census variables and Census SF3+ which includes 15,000 variables at the census tract level. Live birth data is obtained from state departments of health. Demographic Updates and Projections are purchased from Claritas at a block group level. These data are updated once per year.

Geographic Data:

Mapping data is purchased from MapInfo and includes street files and standard census geography boundary files and postal zip code boundary files. These are all critical to the creation of useful maps in client reports. These data are updated four times a year.

Client Data:

When the congregant plot option is chosen, local congregations upload information on their congregant population. This allows us to attach a geocode to each congregant record (geocoding means attaching a latitude and longitude coordinate to each record for mapping and analysis). An agency also provides us with church site addresses (also for geocoding).

New Residential Development Data:

New development data is collected from multiple sources including local developers and, when necessary, city or county planning departments.

Parcel Data:

Where available, MissionInsite purchases county parcel data. This information is used to supplement address geocoding, street maps and addresses.

Aerial Imagery:

The MI System integrates at least three quality levels of aerial imagery. The highest quality is obtained through our strategic partnership with Eagle Aerial Imagery. For areas where Eagle images are not available, The MI System supplements with USGS color photography for urban areas and USGS black and white imagery for all areas of California. MissionInsite, in its partnership with Eagle Aerial, will continue to explore ways to provide greater coverage with higher quality imagery. Eagle Images are updated annually.

3. How many users are included in a typical MissionInsite agreement?

MissionInsite believes that denominational agencies and churches gain the best value by granting access to as many persons as necessary. Therefore we do not limit the number of users. Nonetheless, access to The MI System is user and password protected.

4. What kind of system maintenance must a client manage?

None! This is the beauty of The MI System. There is nothing for the client to manage, no data to update, no software to keep up, no information to back up. This is all part of the service. Clients simply log in and explore. And the user can not harm any of the data. It is all protected on our servers.

5. What if new residential development is occurring?

In order to realistically consider the potential impact of new residential development upon a church plant, a regional agency needs to know the number of new residences that are planned and the year of expected occupancy. MissionInsite then generates estimated new population based upon average persons per households for the general region. MissionInsite can provide these research services for an additional fee.

6. How long does it usually take from the moment a contract is signed until a client has access?

There are several steps taken in setting up a denominational agency for the first time. Church sites are geocoded and the denominational agency’s boundaries are digitally drawn. Once these are done, a client is given access to the system. On average, a new agency will have initial access within two weeks.

7. How much does it cost for training in the use of The MI System?

MissionInsite does not charge extra for the basic online training workshop. It is included in the price. Furthermore, since The MI System is so easy to use, most new users reach full competency very quickly.

8. What if I need support in using the system?

Quick response to clients is critically important to the MissionInsite team. Generally speaking, support questions are handled on the same day the request for assistance is made.

9. Who do I contact with support questions?

If you are a client and have technical questions, please contact us at support@MissionInsite.com. If you are not a client but are interested in learning more about our products and services, contact us at (877) 230-3212 ext. 323.

10. How much do MissionInsite’s products and services cost?

Pricing for our MI Resource Packages is based upon several variables including the number of churches within the regional body. We can quickly provide you with a quote reflecting your specific information requirements.