Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

When you interact with Avenue Progressive Baptist Church through our website, membership system, or communications, we may collect the following information:

• Personal Information: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address
• Membership Information: Family details, ministry involvement, membership status, attendance records
• Donation Information: Giving history and fund preferences (payment processing is handled securely by Stripe)
• Visitor Information: How you heard about our church, interests, and prayer requests
• Account Information: Email and password when you create a login account

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Communicate church news, event reminders, ministry updates, and announcements
• Manage church membership and maintain an accurate member directory
• Process and record donations
• Follow up with visitors and welcome new members
• Coordinate ministry activities and volunteer efforts
• Provide access to the church management portal

3. SMS/Text Messaging

Avenue Progressive Baptist Church may send SMS/text messages to members and visitors who have provided their phone number. These messages may include:

• Church announcements and updates
• Event reminders and schedule changes
• Ministry notifications and coordination
• Prayer chain and urgent church communications

Opt-In: Members opt in to receive SMS messages when they provide their phone number through our church management system, during visitor registration, or when added by church staff with their verbal or written consent. You may opt out at any time by replying STOP or by contacting the church office.

4. Information Sharing

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. Your information may be shared only in the following limited circumstances:

• Member Directory: Your name and contact information may appear in the church member directory, visible only to other authenticated members. You can opt out of the directory at any time through your profile settings.
• Service Providers: We use trusted third-party services for payment processing (Stripe) and communications (Twilio for SMS). These providers only receive the minimum information necessary to perform their services and are bound by their own privacy policies.
• Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law or to protect the safety of our members and community.

5. Data Security

We take reasonable measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. This includes encrypted data transmission, secure password storage, and role-based access controls within our church management system. However, no method of electronic storage or transmission is 100% secure.

6. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access the personal information we hold about you
• Request corrections to your information
• Opt out of the member directory
• Opt out of email or SMS communications
• Request deletion of your account and personal data

To exercise any of these rights, please contact the church office using the information below.

7. Children's Privacy

Our online services are not directed to children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without parental consent. If you believe we have inadvertently collected such information, please contact us immediately.

8. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with a revised "Last updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.