Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information when you use our Services:

A. Personal Information You Provide

When you interact with our Services, you may voluntarily provide personal information, including but not limited to:

• Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address
• Communication Data: Messages, prayer requests, or inquiries submitted through contact forms
• Giving Platform/Payments Processors: Our online giving is processed through Realm (onrealm.org). When you donate, your payment information is handled by Realm and their payment processing partners under their privacy and security practices.
• Event Registration: Information provided when registering for church events, programs, or services
• Ministry Involvement: Information related to ministry participation, volunteer activities, or group memberships

B. Automatically Collected Information

When you access our Services, we may automatically collect certain technical information, including:

• Device Information: Device type, operating system, browser type and version
• Usage Data: IP address, pages visited, time spent on pages, referring website URLs
• Location Data: General geographic location (city/region level) based on IP address
• Analytics Data: Interaction with our website and app features through analytics tools

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for various purposes, including:

• Ministry Communication: To respond to inquiries, prayer requests, and provide church updates and announcements
• Service Delivery: To provide, maintain, and improve our Services, including event management and ministry coordination
• Giving Processing: To process donations and provide giving statements for tax purposes
• Community Engagement: To connect you with relevant ministries, LifeGroups, and church activities
• Technical Operations: To ensure the security, functionality, and optimization of our website and app
• Analytics: To understand how visitors interact with our Services and improve user experience
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws, regulations, and legal processes

3. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our Services use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience:

• Essential Cookies: Necessary for basic website functionality
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our Services (e.g., Google Analytics)
• Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings

You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may limit certain features of our Services. For more information about how Google uses data, visit Google's Privacy Policy.

4. Third-Party Services and External Links

Our Services may include links to or integrate with third-party services, including:

• YouTube: Embedded videos and live streams. YouTube's data collection is governed by Google's Privacy Policy
• Social Media Platforms: Instagram, Facebook, and other social networks where we maintain a presence
• Payment Processors: Secure third-party services for online giving (such as Realm)
• Maps Services: Google Maps for location information

When you interact with these third-party services, their respective privacy policies apply. Lifeline CF is not responsible for the privacy practices of external websites or services.

5. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties.

We may share your information only in the following limited circumstances:

• Service Providers: With trusted third-party vendors who assist in operating our Services (e.g., email service providers, hosting services, payment processors), who are contractually obligated to protect your information
• Ministry Operations: With church staff and authorized volunteers as necessary to fulfill ministry purposes you've consented to
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, legal process, or to protect our rights, safety, or security
• With Your Consent: In any other situations with your explicit permission

6. Children's Privacy

Our Services are not directed to children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. Parents and guardians who register their children for youth programs provide information on their behalf.

If you believe a child under 13 has provided us with personal information without parental consent, please contact us immediately, and we will take steps to remove such information.

7. Data Security

We implement reasonable technical, administrative, and physical security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, and destruction. These measures include:

• Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption for data transmission
• Restricted access to personal information to authorized personnel only
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Secure data storage practices

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. Your Rights and Choices

You have certain rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request access to the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to certain exceptions)
• Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications by using the unsubscribe link in emails or contacting us directly
• Cookie Control: Manage cookie preferences through your browser settings

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information provided in Section 10 below.

9. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. When information is no longer needed, we will securely delete or anonymize it.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of any material changes by:

• Posting the updated Privacy Policy on this page with a new "Effective Date"
• Providing notice through our Services or via email if appropriate

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically. Your continued use of our Services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.