Privacy Policy
Last Updated: Tuesday, October 14, 2025
1. Introduction
Shepard's Gate Church (“we,” “our,” or “us”) operates both our main church website and this online Merch Store to support our mission, community, and outreach.
We value your trust and are committed to protecting your personal information.
This Privacy Policy explains what data we collect, how it’s used, and how we protect it across all Fill in later platforms.
2. Information We Collect
Depending on how you engage with us — through our Merch Store, Planning Center, The Church App, or other church systems — we may collect:
Personal Information:
Name, email address, phone number, mailing address, and related contact details.
Payment & Transaction Information:
Payment information for orders, donations, or event registrations (processed securely by third-party payment providers — we do not store full credit card numbers).
Church Directory Information:
Member profiles, attendance, group participation, and related church engagement data (stored within Planning Center or The Church App).
Order & Fulfillment Data:
Product selections, shipping details, and order history from our merch store (fulfilled by Printful).
Technical Information:
IP address, browser type, and usage data collected automatically to improve website performance and communication tools.
3. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to:
Process and fulfill orders through our merch store.
Manage church directory records, attendance, and giving through Planning Center and The Church App.
Communicate with members and supporters about church news, events, or orders.
Maintain secure financial records for donations, purchases, and reimbursements.
Improve our digital tools, communication, and ministry effectiveness.
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to any third parties.
4. Sharing of Information
We share data only with trusted service providers that help us operate effectively and securely:
Printful — for printing and shipping merch store orders.
Planning Center — for member directory, communication, donations, and volunteer management.
The Church App — for mobile app communications and community engagement.
Payment Processors (e.g., Stripe, PayPal, Planning Center Giving) — to handle donations and purchases securely.
Website / Hosting Platforms — such as Shopify, Squarespace, or WordPress, to operate our online presence.
These integrated platforms receive only the information necessary to perform their specific functions and are required to handle it responsibly and securely.
5. Cookies and Analytics
We may use cookies or analytics tools to understand how visitors use our websites and apps and to improve user experience.
You can adjust cookie settings in your browser at any time.
6. Data Retention
We keep your data only as long as needed to:
- Complete your orders or donations,
- Provide ongoing church services or communication,
- Comply with legal and accounting requirements.
When information is no longer needed, it is securely deleted or anonymized.
7. Your Rights
Depending on your location, you may have the right to:
- Access the information we hold about you,
- Request corrections or deletion,
- Withdraw consent for communications.
To request data updates or removal, please contact:
📧 [Insert contact email, e.g., ...]
8. Children’s Privacy
Our websites and online store are not directed toward children under 13.
If a child’s personal information is submitted unintentionally, we will delete it upon request.
9. Security
We use secure, encrypted connections and trusted third-party platforms to protect your data.
While no system is completely invulnerable, we take all reasonable steps to safeguard your information.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time.
The “Last Updated” date below reflects the most recent version.
11. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how your data is handled, please contact us:
📧 Fill in later
All items sold at cost. Shepherd’s Gate Church does not profit on any item sales.
All Rights Reserved. 2025. Shepard's Gate. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service