Privacy Policy

Houston's First Baptist Church (“Houston’s First,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) respects your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains what personal information we collect, how we use it, who we share it with, and the choices you have. It applies to our website (https://www.houstonsfirst.org), your online account, our mobile app, online giving, event registration, check-in, and any other service we operate (together, the “Services”).

If you have questions about this policy or about your personal information, email us at memberservices@houstonsfirst.org.

What Information Do We Collect?

Information you give us. When you fill out a connection card, register for an event, join a group, give online, check in your children, request prayer, apply to volunteer, or contact us, you may provide information such as your name, address, email address, phone number, date of birth, family relationships, photos, and the content of your requests. Giving includes payment details, which are processed by our payment provider; we do not store full card or bank account numbers.

Information about children. Parents and guardians provide information about their children for check-in, ministry programs, and safety, including name, birthdate, allergies, and authorized pick-up persons. We collect this information only from a parent or guardian.

Information collected automatically. When you use our website or app, we collect standard technical information such as IP address, browser type, device type, pages visited, and interaction data through cookies and similar technologies. We use this to keep the Services working, measure use, and improve them.

Background checks. Volunteers and staff who serve with minors or in other sensitive roles complete background screening through a third-party provider. Results are kept confidential and used only to determine eligibility to serve.

How Do We Use Your Information?

We use personal information to:

• Provide the Services you request, such as registrations, giving receipts, and group membership.
• Communicate with you about ministry, events, and your requests.
• Care for you and your family through our pastoral and ministry teams.
• Keep children and vulnerable people safe through check-in and volunteer screening.
• Provide annual giving statements and meet our financial and legal obligations.
• Operate, secure, and improve the Services.

We do not sell personal information, and we do not use it for third-party advertising.

Will Your Information Be Shared?

We share personal information only as needed to operate the church and the Services:

• Ministry leaders and approved volunteers receive the information needed to care for the people they serve. Every volunteer with database access signs a confidentiality agreement.
• Service providers who host our systems, process payments, send email and text messages, and run background checks. They may use your information only to provide services to us.
• Legal requirements, such as a subpoena, court order, or a report required by law, including reports of suspected abuse or neglect of a child.
• With your consent, such as when you choose to share a testimony or appear in a group directory.

What Choices Do You Have?

• Communications. You can manage your email and text subscriptions at any time in My Account, use the unsubscribe link in any message, or contact us.
• Access and correction. You can review and update your information in My Account or by contacting us.
• Deletion. You can request that your account be deleted (see below). We may keep records we must retain for legal, financial, or safety reasons, such as giving records and background check results.

How Do We Protect Your Information?

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal information, including access controls, activity logging, encryption in transit, and staff and volunteer confidentiality agreements. No system is perfectly secure. If we learn of a breach that affects your information, we will notify you as required by law.

How Do We Handle Social Logins?

If you sign in with a social media or third-party account, we receive the profile information that provider makes available, such as your name and email address. We use it only to create and manage your account.

How Do I Delete My Account?

You can request that your account be deleted at Delete Account. Alternatively, you can contact us using the number or email address provided below.

Third-Party Websites

Our Services may link to websites we do not operate. This policy does not cover those sites, and we are not responsible for their privacy practices or content.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. The effective date at the top shows when it was last changed. Continued use of the Services after a change means you accept the updated policy.

Contact Us

For questions about this Privacy Policy, reach out to:

Houston's First Baptist Church