Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

We collect information you voluntarily provide when you:

• Fill out our Connect Card or Plan Your Visit form (name, phone, email)
• Register for an event such as VBS, Back-to-School Bash, or community meals
• Submit a prayer request (name, contact info, prayer details)
• Sign up for sermon emails or event updates (name, email)
• Make an online gift (name, email, payment information handled by our processor)

We also collect limited technical information automatically when you visit our site, such as your browser type and general location, through standard web analytics tools.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information you provide to:

• Follow up with first-time visitors and new members
• Send event confirmations and reminders
• Deliver prayer request responses and pastoral care
• Send weekly sermon emails or bulletins you've subscribed to
• Process and acknowledge your online gifts
• Send birthday and anniversary messages to congregation members who have opted in
• Improve our website and ministry communications

We will never use your information to send unrelated third-party marketing or spam.

3. How We Store and Protect Your Information

Your information is stored securely in our church management system (GoHighLevel CRM), which uses industry-standard encryption and access controls. Only authorized church staff and leadership have access to your personal data.

We retain your information for as long as you are engaged with our church community. You may request deletion of your information at any time by contacting us at flatshoalsbaptist@gmail.com.

4. Online Giving and Financial Data

All online donations are processed through a PCI DSS-compliant third-party payment processor. Flat Shoals Baptist Church does not store, see, or have access to your full credit card number or bank account details.

Payment data is encrypted using 256-bit SSL/TLS technology during transmission. Your financial information is handled exclusively by our secure payment processor in compliance with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS).

For questions about a transaction, contact us at flatshoalsbaptist@gmail.com or (706) 498-2629.

5. Cookies and Analytics

Our website may use cookies — small text files stored on your device — to improve your browsing experience and understand how visitors use our site. We use standard analytics tools (such as Google Analytics) to track general usage patterns.

We do not use cookies to collect personally identifiable information. You can disable cookies in your browser settings at any time, though some website features may not function properly as a result.

6. Children's Privacy

Our website is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information directly from children under 13 without verifiable parental or guardian consent.

For children's ministry registrations — including Vacation Bible School, Children's Service, and Back-to-School Bash — all information is submitted by a parent or guardian. This information is used only for the purposes of that specific ministry activity and is not shared with outside parties.

Parents or guardians may contact us at any time to review, correct, or request deletion of information submitted on behalf of their child:
flatshoalsbaptist@gmail.com | (706) 498-2629

7. SMS and Email Communications

By providing your phone number or email address and opting in, you consent to receive communications from Flat Shoals Baptist Church, which may include:

• Event reminders and confirmations
• Weekly bulletin and sermon updates
• Birthday and anniversary messages
• Pastoral care follow-ups
• Church announcements

You may opt out of SMS messages at any time by replying STOP. You may unsubscribe from emails at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in any email we send. Opting out will not affect your relationship with the church.

8. Sharing Your Information

Flat Shoals Baptist Church does not sell, rent, trade, or share your personal information with third-party companies for marketing purposes. Ever.

We may share limited information with trusted service providers who assist us in operating our website and ministry — such as our CRM platform, email delivery provider, and payment processor — under strict confidentiality agreements. These providers are not permitted to use your information for any other purpose.

We may disclose information when required by law or to protect the safety of our congregation and community.

9. Your Rights and Choices

You have the right to:

• Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Request corrections to inaccurate information
• Request deletion of your personal information from our systems
• Opt out of SMS or email communications at any time
• Ask questions about how your information is used

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at:
flatshoalsbaptist@gmail.com | (706) 498-2629

10. 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 effective date. Continued use of our website after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.

11. Contact Us