HFC
"No one can be known for who he is except through the friends he has." - St. Augustine "Tell me with whom you associate, and I will tell you who you are." - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe "A man is known by the company he keeps." - Aesop "Show me your friends and I'll show you your future." - Modern proverb "No one can be known for who he is except through the friends he has." - St. Augustine "Tell me with whom you associate, and I will tell you who you are." - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe "A man is known by the company he keeps." - Aesop "Show me your friends and I'll show you your future." - Modern proverb

Privacy Policy

Last Updated: December 29, 2025

Introduction

Help Us Follow Christ ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our platform to organize and participate in faith-based small groups.

By using our service, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

Information We Collect

Personal Information

When you register for an account, we collect:

  • Name (first and last name)
  • Email address
  • Phone number (optional, for SMS notifications)
  • Password (encrypted)

Group and Activity Information

When you use our platform, we collect:

  • Group memberships and leadership roles
  • Meeting RSVPs and attendance
  • Commitments and progress tracking
  • Comments and notifications within groups
  • Organization affiliations

Technical Information

We automatically collect:

  • IP address and browser type
  • Device information
  • Usage data and analytics
  • Cookies and similar tracking technologies

SMS Text Messaging Program

Opt-In and Consent

By providing your phone number and verifying it through our platform, you consent to receive SMS text messages from Help Us Follow Christ. This is an optional service, and you are not required to provide your phone number to use our platform.

Types of SMS Messages

If you opt in, you may receive:

  • Account Verification Codes: One-time codes to verify your phone number
  • Meeting Reminders: Notifications about upcoming group meetings
  • Group Announcements: Important updates from your group leaders
  • RSVP Confirmations: Confirmations when you RSVP to meetings
  • Invitation Notifications: Alerts when you're invited to join a group
  • Commitment Reminders: Reminders about commitments you've made

Note: Verification codes are sent separately and are not part of the marketing/reminder campaign.

Message Frequency

Message frequency varies based on your group activity and participation. You may receive up to 10 messages per month during active periods. We strive to send only relevant, timely information.

How to Opt-Out

You can stop receiving SMS messages at any time by:

  • Reply STOP: Text "STOP" to any message you receive from us
  • Account Settings: Remove your phone number in your account settings
  • Contact Us: Email us at support@helpusfollowchrist.org

After you opt out, you will receive one final confirmation message, and then no further messages will be sent.

Message and Data Rates

Message and data rates may apply. Standard text messaging rates from your mobile carrier will apply to all SMS messages sent and received. Please contact your mobile carrier for details about your messaging plan.

Supported Carriers

Our SMS service is available on all major U.S. carriers including AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint, and others. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.

Help and Support

For help with SMS messages, text "HELP" to any message you receive, or contact us at support@helpusfollowchrist.org.

How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

  • Provide and maintain our service
  • Facilitate group organization and communication
  • Send notifications about meetings, RSVPs, and group activities
  • Send SMS messages (if you've opted in)
  • Authenticate your identity and prevent fraud
  • Improve and personalize your experience
  • Respond to your requests and provide customer support
  • Analyze usage patterns to improve our platform
  • Comply with legal obligations

Information Sharing and Disclosure

Within Groups

When you join a group, your name and basic profile information are visible to other group members and leaders. Group leaders can see your contact information (email and phone number if provided) to facilitate group communication.

Service Providers

We may share your information with third-party service providers who help us operate our platform, including:

  • Twilio: For SMS message delivery (if you opt in)
  • Email Service Providers: For sending email notifications
  • Hosting Providers: For data storage and platform hosting
  • Analytics Services: For understanding platform usage

These providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only for the services they provide to us.

Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law, court order, or governmental request, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of Help Us Follow Christ, our users, or others.

We Do Not Sell Your Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your information, including:

  • Encryption of data in transit (HTTPS/TLS)
  • Encrypted password storage
  • Regular security assessments
  • Access controls and authentication
  • Secure data storage practices

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Your Rights and Choices

Access and Update

You can access and update your personal information at any time through your account settings.

Delete Your Account

You may request deletion of your account by contacting us at support@helpusfollowchrist.org. We will delete your personal information, subject to legal retention requirements.

Opt-Out of Communications

You can opt out of email notifications in your account settings. To opt out of SMS messages, reply "STOP" to any text message or remove your phone number from your account.

Data Portability

You may request a copy of your personal data in a portable format by contacting us.

Children's Privacy

Our service is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us.

Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide you services. We will retain and use your information as necessary to comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements.

International Users

Our service is hosted in the United States. If you access our service from outside the United States, your information will be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States. By using our service, you consent to this transfer.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date. Significant changes will be communicated via email or prominent notice on our platform.

Your continued use of our service after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

Email: support@helpusfollowchrist.org

Response Time: We aim to respond to all inquiries within 48 hours

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