Privacy Policy

Introduction

Barnabas Software ("we," "our," or "us") provides web-based tools designed to assist independent Baptist churches and pastors in the stewardship of their congregations. We recognize that the data entrusted to us is sensitive and spiritual in nature. This policy outlines our commitment to protecting the privacy of both the Ministry Leaders (our customers) and their Church Members (the end-users).

Relationship of Parties

• The Church as Data Owner: The church using Barnabas Software is the "owner" and "controller" of their data. Barnabas Software acts as a "processor," providing the platform to store and manage that information.
• Pastoral Confidentiality: We respect the sanctity of the pastor-parishioner relationship. Our staff will never access your specific pastoral notes or membership records unless explicitly requested by you for technical support purposes.

Information We Collect

We collect information in the following ways:

• Account Information: When a church signs up, we collect contact and billing information (names, email, phone, and payment details).
• Service Data: This is the information you upload to your portal (pastoralcarepco.barnabassoftware.com), such as member names, addresses, spiritual milestones, and pastoral care notes.
• Messaging & SMS Data: When a church uses our messaging tools, we collect the mobile phone numbers of opted-in recipients, the date and time of opt-in, the opt-in method (e.g., web portal enrollment or keyword reply), and message delivery records. This data is stored solely to enable and manage the church's messaging program.

How We Use Information

• To Provide the Service: To maintain your portal, process subscriptions, and ensure software functionality.
• SMS & Messaging Delivery: Phone numbers and opt-in records collected through our messaging tools are used exclusively to send church-authorized SMS messages to consenting recipients. This data is never used for Barnabas Software's own communications or shared with other organizations.
• Technical Support: To troubleshoot issues you report to us.
• Security: To monitor for unauthorized access and protect the integrity of the database.
• No Data Mining: We do not scan, "mine," or analyze your congregation's data for advertising or third-party marketing.

Data Security

We implement robust security measures to protect your ministry's data:

• Encryption: All data is encrypted in transit via SSL/TLS and encrypted at rest on our servers.
• Isolation: Each church's data is logically separated to ensure that one congregation cannot access the records of another.
• Backups: Regular backups are performed to prevent data loss.

Sharing and Disclosure

• Third-Party Service Providers: We use reputable third-party providers (such as secure server hosting and payment processors). These providers are only permitted to use your information to perform their specific tasks.
• Legal Mandates: We will only disclose stored data if required by a valid legal order (subpoena or warrant). If legally permitted, we will attempt to notify the Church Pastor before such disclosure.
• No Sale of Data: We will never sell your church's data or your members' contact information to any third party.

Mobile Messaging Consent & SMS Program Disclosures

Barnabas Software provides SMS and messaging tools to churches as part of our platform. The following disclosures apply to the collection, use, and protection of mobile opt-in information. This privacy policy is publicly accessible at:

• No Sharing for Marketing: Mobile opt-in data and messaging consent information will never be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes.
• How Opt-In Works: Church members provide opt-in consent directly within the church's Barnabas Software portal. Opt-in may occur via a web-based enrollment form, a keyword reply to a designated number, or verbal/written consent recorded by church staff. The opt-in record (phone number, timestamp, and method) is retained to document consent.
• Consent is Church-Specific: Consent applies solely to communications from that specific church. It does not constitute consent to receive messages from Barnabas Software or any other organization.
• How Messaging Data Is Used: Phone numbers and consent records are used only to deliver SMS messages that church administrators send through the platform (e.g., service reminders, announcements, pastoral care follow-ups). This data is not used for any other purpose.
• Message Frequency: Message frequency varies and is determined solely by the church administrator. Recipients can expect to receive messages based on their church's communication schedule.
• Message & Data Rates: Message and data rates may apply depending on the recipient's mobile carrier and plan.
• Opt-Out: Recipients may reply STOP at any time to unsubscribe from a church's SMS messages. Reply HELP for support information. Opt-out requests are honored immediately and the recipient's number is added to the church's suppression list.

Data Retention and Deletion

• Account Closure: If you choose to cancel your subscription, you may request an export of your data. Following cancellation, we will delete your church's database after a standard grace period (typically 30–60 days) unless a sooner deletion is requested.

Contact Information

For questions regarding this policy or to request technical assistance, please contact Barnabas Software through our website.