Sherman Church of the Nazarene Privacy Policy

Sherman Church of the Nazarene (“the Church,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to honoring God by protecting the privacy and personal information of all who worship, serve, visit, or interact with our ministries. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and the choices you have regarding your information.

1. Information We Collect

We collect any and all information necessary for ministry, communication, and church operations. This may include:

1.1 Information You Provide Directly

  • Name, address, phone number, and email address

  • Information submitted through prayer requests

  • Online or in-person contact forms

  • Children’s ministry check-in information

  • Volunteer or membership information

  • Giving records (amounts, dates, method of giving)

  • Event registrations or ministry sign-ups

1.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our website or online platforms, we may automatically receive:

  • IP address

  • Browser type

  • Pages visited (of church’s website)

  • Basic analytics data (used to improve our website and communication)

1.3 Information Collected Through Online Services, Media, and Livestreaming

During worship services and events, we may capture photography, audio, or video for ministry, communication, and marketing purposes.

  • Public services in the main sanctuary are usually livestreamed.

  • Individuals may appear incidentally in recordings.*

  • By attending our public services, you consent to be photographed and/or filmed.

*If you or a family member cannot be filmed or photographed publicly, please let one of our pastors know.

1.4 Sensitive Information

As a church, we may occasionally receive sensitive personal information (such as prayer needs, confessions, or pastoral care concerns). We treat all such information with strict confidentiality and use it only for ministry purposes.


2. How We Use Your Information

We use personal information only for legitimate ministry and operational purposes, including:

  • Communication about church events, ministries, and updates

  • Pastoral care, discipleship, and prayer support

  • Processing tithes, offerings, and designated gifts

  • Managing volunteer teams and church membership records

  • Protecting the safety of children and vulnerable individuals

  • Complying with legal and denominational obligations

Under no circumstances do we sell your personal information.


3. How We Share Information

We may share information only under the following circumstances:


3.1 Within Church Ministries

Information may be shared with staff and approved ministry leaders as needed to fulfill ministry responsibilities.


3.2 Third-Party Service Providers

We may use trusted third-party vendors such as:

  • Church management software

  • Email communication services

  • Online giving platforms

These providers may access personal information to perform contracted services, but are discouraged from using it for any other purpose.

3.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information if required by law, such as for child safety, court orders, or government directives.

4. Data Security

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal information from unauthorized access, loss, or misuse. However, no online system is completely secure, and we encourage you to exercise care when sharing information digitally.

5. Your Choices and Rights

You may request at any time to:

  • Update or correct your personal information

  • Limit certain communications (email, phone, text)

  • Request removal from general mailing lists

  • Request clarification on how your information is used

For giving records or legal documents, certain data may be retained as required by law.

6. Data Retention

We retain personal information as long as it is helpful or necessary for ministry, record-keeping, safety, or legal compliance. 

7. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect ministry needs, best practices, or legal requirements. The most current version will always be available upon request and on our website.

8. Contact Us

If you have questions or requests regarding your personal information or this Privacy Policy, please contact us by address, phone, or email.

Effective Date: 1/16/2026