Privacy Policy

River Reach Ministries (ROG,Inc.)
Effective Date: August 29, 2025
Last Updated: August 30, 2025

Our Commitment to Your Privacy

At River Reach Ministries (ROG, Inc.), we are committed to protecting your privacy while serving our church community and fulfilling our ministry calling. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, protect, and share information about you when you interact with our church, visit our website, attend our services, participate in our programs, or engage with our ministry activities.

We handle your personal information with the care and respect befitting our Christian values and in compliance with applicable privacy laws, including the Texas Identity Theft Enforcement and Protection Act.

Information We Collect

Information You Provide Directly

• Contact Information: Name, address, phone number, email address
• Church Membership Information: Membership applications, baptism records, confirmation details
• Ministry Participation: Sunday school enrollment, small group participation, volunteer applications, ministry team involvement
• Pastoral Care Information: Prayer requests, counseling session details, pastoral visit records
• Financial Information: Giving records, tithing information, pledge commitments (processed securely through third-party payment processors)
• Event Participation: Registration for church events, retreats, missions trips, conferences
• Family Information: Spouse and children's information for church directory and programming
• Emergency Contacts: For safety and care purposes
• Photos and Videos: Media captured during church events and services (with consent)

Information Collected Automatically

• Website Usage: IP address, browser type, pages visited, time spent on our website
• Service Attendance: Check-in data for services and events
• Communication Records: Emails, texts, and other communications sent through our church management systems

Information from Third Parties

• Background Checks: For volunteer positions involving children or sensitive areas
• References: From membership transfers or ministry applications
• Ministry Partners: Information shared by affiliated churches or Christian organizations

How We Use Your Information

We use your information solely for legitimate church purposes, including:

Ministry and Pastoral Care

• Providing pastoral care, counseling, and spiritual guidance
• Maintaining accurate membership and attendance records
• Facilitating communication about church activities and spiritual matters
• Coordinating prayer chains and prayer requests
• Delivering communion to homebound members

Church Operations

• Managing church membership and directory services
• Organizing and coordinating church events, services, and programs
• Processing donations and maintaining giving records for tax purposes
• Facilitating small group participation and ministry involvement
• Coordinating volunteer activities and service opportunities

Communication and Outreach

• Sending newsletters, announcements, and ministry updates
• Sharing information about church events and programs
• Facilitating connection between church members
• Supporting evangelism and outreach efforts within our community

Safety and Security

• Ensuring the safety of children and vulnerable populations
• Maintaining secure facilities and protecting church assets
• Complying with legal requirements and protecting legal rights

Information Sharing and Disclosure

Within Our Church Community

• Church Directory: Basic contact information may be included in member directories (with your consent)
• Ministry Teams: Relevant information shared with ministry leaders for program coordination
• Prayer Chains: Prayer requests shared within our prayer ministry (with your permission)
• Emergency Situations: Contact information shared in emergencies or urgent pastoral care needs

With Service Providers

We may share information with trusted third parties who assist with church operations:

• Church management software providers
• Payment processors for donations and event fees
• Website hosting and email service providers
• Background check services for volunteer screening
• Accounting and legal services

All service providers are required to protect your information and use it only for authorized church purposes.

Legal Requirements

We may disclose information when required by law, such as:

• Responding to valid legal process (subpoenas, court orders)
• Reporting suspected child abuse as required by Texas law
• Protecting the safety of individuals or the community
• Defending our legal rights and interests

Other Disclosures

• Church Transfers: Providing membership records to your new church home
• Denominational Reporting: Anonymous statistical reporting to denominational bodies
• Ministry Partners: Sharing information with affiliated ministries or mission organizations (with your consent)

Your Privacy Rights and Choices

Access and Correction

You have the right to:

• Access your personal information in our records
• Request corrections to inaccurate information
• Update your contact preferences and communication settings

Opt-Out Rights

You may opt out of:

• Non-essential church communications and newsletters
• Inclusion in church directories or photo releases
• Certain ministry communications (while maintaining essential pastoral communication)

Data Retention

We retain your information as long as necessary for ministry purposes and legal requirements:

• Active Members: Information retained during active membership
• Former Members: Contact information retained for pastoral care and historical records
• Financial Records: Donation records retained for seven years for tax purposes
• Ministry Records: Participation records maintained for program continuity

Protection of Children's Information

We take special care to protect the privacy of children under 18:

• Parental Consent: We obtain parental consent before collecting children's information
• Limited Collection: We collect only information necessary for safe program participation
• Secure Storage: Children's information is stored with enhanced security measures
• Background Checks: All volunteers working with children undergo background screening
• Photo/Video Consent: Separate consent obtained for any media featuring children

Data Security Measures

We implement appropriate security measures to protect your information:

Technical Safeguards

• Secure servers and encrypted data transmission
• Regular security updates and system monitoring
• Access controls and user authentication
• Secure backup and recovery systems

Physical Safeguards

• Locked filing cabinets for paper records
• Restricted access to areas containing sensitive information
• Secure disposal of outdated records

Administrative Safeguards

• Staff training on privacy and security practices
• Regular review and updating of privacy procedures
• Incident response protocols for potential breaches

Website Privacy

Cookies and Tracking

Our website uses cookies to:

• Remember your preferences and improve user experience
• Analyze website traffic and usage patterns
• Provide social media integration features

You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences.

Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of external sites.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of significant changes through:

• Church announcements and bulletins
• Email notifications to members
• Website posting of updated policy

Contact Information

Privacy Questions

For questions about this Privacy Policy or your personal information:

• Email: privacy@riverreachministries.org
• Phone: (972) 423-3632
• Mail: River Reach Ministries
  

  945 Stockton Dr. Unit 8120
  Allen, TX  75013

Data Requests

To access, correct, or request deletion of your personal information:

• Email: Form-ContactUs@RiverReachMinistries.org
• In Person: Visit our church office during business hours
• Phone: [Church Phone Number]

Pastoral Confidentiality

In accordance with Texas law and our Christian beliefs, communications made to pastors in their professional capacity as spiritual advisors are treated as confidential. This includes:

• Private counseling sessions
• Confession and spiritual direction
• Confidential prayer requests
• Personal spiritual matters shared in pastoral context

Such communications are protected by pastoral privilege and will not be disclosed except as required by law or to prevent imminent harm.

Giving and Financial Privacy

Your giving records are maintained with the highest level of confidentiality:

• Only authorized staff have access to individual giving information
• Giving records are never shared with other members or outside parties
• Annual giving statements are provided securely for tax purposes
• All financial data is processed through secure, encrypted systems

This Privacy Policy reflects our commitment to biblical stewardship of the personal information entrusted to our care. We strive to honor God in all our data practices and to serve our church family with integrity and transparency.

Questions? We're here to help. Contact us at Info@RiverReachMinistries.org or speak with any member of our pastoral staff.