Introduction

Acts Christian Church ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose and safeguard your information when you visit our website, attend our services, participate in our ministries, or interact with our church community.

Information We Collect

Personal Information

We may collect the following types of personal information:

• Name and surname
• Email address
• Phone number
• Physical address
• Campus affiliation
• Age group information (for ministry participation)
• Emergency contact details
• Ministry involvement and spiritual gifts

Ministry-Specific Information

• Prayer requests and pastoral care needs
• Testimony submissions
• Feedback and suggestions
• Child registration details for Acts Kids
• Life group participation
• Volunteer service information

Financial Information

• Donation amounts and frequency
• Payment processing information (processed securely through PayFast)
• Banking details for direct donations

Technical Information

• Website usage data and analytics
• IP address and browser information
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies
• Device information and preferences

How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

• To provide pastoral care and spiritual guidance
• To communicate about church events, services and ministry opportunities
• To process donations and provide tax receipts
• To facilitate participation in ministries and life groups
• To respond to prayer requests and provide support
• To improve our services and ministry effectiveness
• To ensure the safety and security of our community
• To comply with legal obligations and church governance

Information Storage and Security

Data Storage Systems

Your information is securely stored in our approved systems:

• Anatomy CRM: Our primary customer relationship management system for member information
• CCMS (Comprehensive Church Management System): For ministry participation and event management
• Secure databases: Protected with industry-standard encryption and access controls

Security Measures

• SSL encryption for all data transmission
• Regular security audits and updates
• Access controls and staff training
• Secure backup and disaster recovery procedures
• Monitored call centre operations for phone-based interactions

Call Centre Monitoring

Our call centre operations are closely monitored to ensure the confidentiality and security of your personal information. All staff members are trained in privacy protection and data security protocols.

Third-Party Services

We work with trusted third-party service providers to enhance our ministry:

• PayFast: Secure payment processing for donations
• Google reCAPTCHA: Website security and spam prevention
• Email service providers: For newsletters and communications
• Cloud storage providers: For secure data backup and storage
• Analytics services: To improve website functionality and user experience

These third parties are carefully selected and bound by strict confidentiality agreements. They are only permitted to use your information for the specific services they provide to us.

Communication

We may communicate with you through various channels:

• Email: Church newsletters, event notifications and ministry updates
• Phone calls: Pastoral care, prayer support and important announcements
• Push notifications: Mobile app alerts for services and events
• SMS: Emergency notifications and service reminders
• Postal mail: Official church communications and documentation

You can opt out of non-essential communications at any time by contacting us using the information provided below.

Information Sharing

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

• With your explicit consent
• For pastoral care purposes within our ministry team
• To comply with legal obligations or court orders
• To protect the safety and security of our community
• With trusted service providers bound by confidentiality agreements

Your Rights

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request removal of your personal information from our systems
• Portability: Request your data in a portable format
• Restriction: Request limitations on how we process your information
• Objection: Object to certain types of processing

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided in the "Contact Us" section below.

Children's Privacy

We are committed to protecting the privacy of children in our care:

• Parental consent is required for children under 18 to participate in Acts Kids
• We collect only necessary information for child safety and ministry participation
• Children's information is kept strictly confidential and secure
• Parents have the right to access and control their child's information
• We comply with all applicable child protection regulations

If you have concerns about your child's privacy or information, please contact our Acts Kids ministry team immediately.

Data Retention

We retain your personal information for the following periods:

• Active members: As long as you remain part of our church community
• Former members: Up to 7 years for legal and administrative purposes
• Donation records: 7 years as required by tax regulations
• Ministry participation: 3 years after last involvement
• Website data: 2 years for analytics and improvement purposes

We regularly review and securely dispose of information that is no longer needed for legitimate church purposes.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to:

• Improve website functionality and user experience
• Remember your preferences and settings
• Analyze website traffic and performance
• Provide security features and prevent fraud

You can control cookies through your browser settings, though this may affect website functionality.

International Data Transfers

Your information is primarily stored and processed in South Africa. In some cases, we may use international service providers with appropriate safeguards and data protection agreements in place to ensure your information remains secure.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, want to exercise your rights, or need to request removal of your information, please contact us:

Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. When we make changes, we will:

• Update the "Last updated" date at the top of this policy
• Notify you via email for significant changes
• Post announcements on our website
• Provide notice during church services when appropriate

Your continued use of our services after policy updates constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.

Governing Law

This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of South Africa, including the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and other applicable privacy legislation.