Effective Date: 01/01/2025
Welcome to Pathway Church. These Terms and Conditions govern your relationship with us, including your use of our website, www.gopathwaychurch.com, mobile applications, text messaging services, online giving platforms, and participation in our in-person and online ministries, events, and volunteer programs (collectively, the “Services”).
By accessing our website, opting into our communications, or participating in our ministries, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, please do not use our Services.
1. Digital Content & Website Use
Permitted Use: Our digital platforms are provided to share the Gospel, build community, and manage church administration. You agree to use them only for lawful, faith-based purposes.
Intellectual Property: All sermons, livestream broadcasts, original music, graphics, articles, and logos are the property of the Church and are protected by copyright laws. You may stream, download, and share our media for personal, non-commercial, or small-group use, but you may not sell or repurpose it without written permission.
User-Contributed Content: If you post prayer requests, comments, or join community forums on our platforms, you agree not to post anything defamatory, offensive, or private. We reserve the right to moderate or remove any content at our sole discretion.
2. Financial Stewardship & Online Giving
Secure Processing: Online tithes, offerings, and donations are processed securely through our trusted third-party providers (e.g., [Subsplash, e.g., Planning Center, Stripe, Pushpay]). We do not store credit card details on our servers.
Refund Policy: In alignment with tax laws and standard church accounting, charitable contributions are generally non-refundable. If you believe a processing error has occurred (such as a typo in the amount), please contact our administrative office within 14 days.
3. Communication Terms (SMS & Email)
By providing your contact information to the Church, you agree to receive digital communications from us as outlined below. You can manage or revoke your consent at any time.
A. Email Communication Terms
Consent & Subscription: By creating an account, filling out a connection card, registering for an event, or signing up via our website, you agree to receive emails from the Church. These may include weekly newsletters, ministry updates, spiritual encouragement, giving receipts, and administrative notices.
Frequency: We respect your inbox. While church-wide newsletters are typically sent on a [weekly/monthly] basis, the overall frequency will depend on the specific ministries, groups, or volunteer teams you choose to join.
How to Opt-Out (Unsubscribe): Every marketing or informational email we send includes an "Unsubscribe" or "Manage Preferences" link in the footer. You can click that link at any time to remove yourself from that specific email list or all church communications.
Transactional Emails: Please note that even if you unsubscribe from informational newsletters, you may still receive automated transactional emails from us, such as event registration confirmations, giving statements, or password resets.
B. SMS and Text Messaging Terms
Consent & Opt-In: By providing your mobile number and explicitly opting in (via web form, keyword, or paper sign-up), you consent to receive informational, pastoral, event, and emergency texts from us. Consent is completely voluntary and never a requirement for membership.
Frequency & Rates: Message frequency varies based on the ministries you join. Message and data rates may apply depending on your wireless plan.
How to Opt-Out: You can cancel the SMS service at any time. Just text STOP to [Insert Short Code or Phone Number]. We will send a final confirmation text, and then stop messaging you.
How to Get Help: Text HELP for assistance, or contact us directly at [Insert Email Address].
4. Ministries, Events, and Child Safety
Participation in our physical and digital church communities comes with a shared responsibility to keep everyone safe.
Child and Youth Safety: The safety of minors is our highest priority. Parents or legal guardians must register children for children's ministry (e.g., Sunday School, youth group) and comply with our check-in/check-out policies. The Church enforces strict volunteer screening and background checks in accordance with our Child Protection Policy.
Event Registrations and Fees: Registration fees for conferences, camps, or trips are subject to the specific cancellation and refund policies listed on that event's signup page.
Code of Conduct: We expect all attendees, volunteers, and members to treat one another with dignity, respect, and kindness, creating a safe and welcoming environment across all church activities.
5. Media Release (Photography and Filming)
We love sharing what God is doing in our community. Please be aware of how we handle media:
Public Services: Our main worship services and large public events are often livestreamed, recorded, or photographed. By attending an in-person service, you acknowledge that your image, likeness, or voice may appear in our online broadcasts, social media, or promotional materials.
Opting Out: If you do not wish to be photographed or filmed, please notify an usher or staff member before the service begins, and we will happily direct you to designated "no-film" seating areas.
Minors: We take extra care with children. We will not publish close-up, identifiable photos or videos of minors from children's ministry environments without explicit parental consent.
6. Volunteer Guidelines
If you serve on a volunteer team (e.g., greeting, production, worship, hospitality):
You agree to abide by the Church's internal volunteer handbook and leadership honor code.
You understand that volunteering does not create an employment relationship.
Certain roles (especially those involving finances, youth, or counseling) require passing a background check and completing mandatory training.
7. Disclaimers and Limitation of Liability
"As-Is" Service: Our digital Services are provided on an "as-is" basis. We cannot guarantee that our website or app will never experience downtime or technical glitches.
Pastoral Guidance Disclaimer: The spiritual encouragement, prayer, and pastoral guidance offered by our staff or volunteers are intended for spiritual growth and support. It is not a substitute for professional legal, medical, or mental health counseling.
Limitation: To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Church, its trustees, officers, and employees shall not be liable for any damages arising out of your participation in our digital or physical services.
8. Changes to These Terms
We may update these Terms and Conditions as our ministries evolve. When we do, we will update the "Effective Date" at the top of this page. Your continued engagement with our church constitutes your acceptance of the updated terms.
9. Contact Information
If you have questions, need to update your communication preferences, or want to review our full internal policies, please reach out to us:
Pathway Church
200 Southcity Pkwy, Lafayette, LA 70503
info@gopathwaychurch.com
(337) 501-6612
Welcome to Pathway Church. These Terms and Conditions govern your relationship with us, including your use of our website, www.gopathwaychurch.com, mobile applications, text messaging services, online giving platforms, and participation in our in-person and online ministries, events, and volunteer programs (collectively, the “Services”).
By accessing our website, opting into our communications, or participating in our ministries, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, please do not use our Services.
1. Digital Content & Website Use
Permitted Use: Our digital platforms are provided to share the Gospel, build community, and manage church administration. You agree to use them only for lawful, faith-based purposes.
Intellectual Property: All sermons, livestream broadcasts, original music, graphics, articles, and logos are the property of the Church and are protected by copyright laws. You may stream, download, and share our media for personal, non-commercial, or small-group use, but you may not sell or repurpose it without written permission.
User-Contributed Content: If you post prayer requests, comments, or join community forums on our platforms, you agree not to post anything defamatory, offensive, or private. We reserve the right to moderate or remove any content at our sole discretion.
2. Financial Stewardship & Online Giving
Secure Processing: Online tithes, offerings, and donations are processed securely through our trusted third-party providers (e.g., [Subsplash, e.g., Planning Center, Stripe, Pushpay]). We do not store credit card details on our servers.
Refund Policy: In alignment with tax laws and standard church accounting, charitable contributions are generally non-refundable. If you believe a processing error has occurred (such as a typo in the amount), please contact our administrative office within 14 days.
3. Communication Terms (SMS & Email)
By providing your contact information to the Church, you agree to receive digital communications from us as outlined below. You can manage or revoke your consent at any time.
A. Email Communication Terms
Consent & Subscription: By creating an account, filling out a connection card, registering for an event, or signing up via our website, you agree to receive emails from the Church. These may include weekly newsletters, ministry updates, spiritual encouragement, giving receipts, and administrative notices.
Frequency: We respect your inbox. While church-wide newsletters are typically sent on a [weekly/monthly] basis, the overall frequency will depend on the specific ministries, groups, or volunteer teams you choose to join.
How to Opt-Out (Unsubscribe): Every marketing or informational email we send includes an "Unsubscribe" or "Manage Preferences" link in the footer. You can click that link at any time to remove yourself from that specific email list or all church communications.
Transactional Emails: Please note that even if you unsubscribe from informational newsletters, you may still receive automated transactional emails from us, such as event registration confirmations, giving statements, or password resets.
B. SMS and Text Messaging Terms
Consent & Opt-In: By providing your mobile number and explicitly opting in (via web form, keyword, or paper sign-up), you consent to receive informational, pastoral, event, and emergency texts from us. Consent is completely voluntary and never a requirement for membership.
Frequency & Rates: Message frequency varies based on the ministries you join. Message and data rates may apply depending on your wireless plan.
How to Opt-Out: You can cancel the SMS service at any time. Just text STOP to [Insert Short Code or Phone Number]. We will send a final confirmation text, and then stop messaging you.
How to Get Help: Text HELP for assistance, or contact us directly at [Insert Email Address].
4. Ministries, Events, and Child Safety
Participation in our physical and digital church communities comes with a shared responsibility to keep everyone safe.
Child and Youth Safety: The safety of minors is our highest priority. Parents or legal guardians must register children for children's ministry (e.g., Sunday School, youth group) and comply with our check-in/check-out policies. The Church enforces strict volunteer screening and background checks in accordance with our Child Protection Policy.
Event Registrations and Fees: Registration fees for conferences, camps, or trips are subject to the specific cancellation and refund policies listed on that event's signup page.
Code of Conduct: We expect all attendees, volunteers, and members to treat one another with dignity, respect, and kindness, creating a safe and welcoming environment across all church activities.
5. Media Release (Photography and Filming)
We love sharing what God is doing in our community. Please be aware of how we handle media:
Public Services: Our main worship services and large public events are often livestreamed, recorded, or photographed. By attending an in-person service, you acknowledge that your image, likeness, or voice may appear in our online broadcasts, social media, or promotional materials.
Opting Out: If you do not wish to be photographed or filmed, please notify an usher or staff member before the service begins, and we will happily direct you to designated "no-film" seating areas.
Minors: We take extra care with children. We will not publish close-up, identifiable photos or videos of minors from children's ministry environments without explicit parental consent.
6. Volunteer Guidelines
If you serve on a volunteer team (e.g., greeting, production, worship, hospitality):
You agree to abide by the Church's internal volunteer handbook and leadership honor code.
You understand that volunteering does not create an employment relationship.
Certain roles (especially those involving finances, youth, or counseling) require passing a background check and completing mandatory training.
7. Disclaimers and Limitation of Liability
"As-Is" Service: Our digital Services are provided on an "as-is" basis. We cannot guarantee that our website or app will never experience downtime or technical glitches.
Pastoral Guidance Disclaimer: The spiritual encouragement, prayer, and pastoral guidance offered by our staff or volunteers are intended for spiritual growth and support. It is not a substitute for professional legal, medical, or mental health counseling.
Limitation: To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Church, its trustees, officers, and employees shall not be liable for any damages arising out of your participation in our digital or physical services.
8. Changes to These Terms
We may update these Terms and Conditions as our ministries evolve. When we do, we will update the "Effective Date" at the top of this page. Your continued engagement with our church constitutes your acceptance of the updated terms.
9. Contact Information
If you have questions, need to update your communication preferences, or want to review our full internal policies, please reach out to us:
Pathway Church
200 Southcity Pkwy, Lafayette, LA 70503
info@gopathwaychurch.com
(337) 501-6612