Privacy Policy for Lifeword Follow App

1. Introduction

Lifeword Media Ministry (“we,” “us,” “our,” or “Lifeword”) operates the Lifeword Follow mobile application (the “App”). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, share, and protect your personal information when you use our App, which provides discipleship training and Christ-follower resources.

We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring transparency about our data practices. This Privacy Policy complies with applicable privacy laws including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and Google Play Store requirements.

2. Contact Information

Lifeword Media Ministry
BMA Global Ministry Center
Conway, Arkansas, United States

Privacy Contact:
Email: info@lifeword.org
Phone: 501-329-6891
Website: https://follow.lifeword.org

For privacy-related inquiries, questions about your data, or to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us using the information above.

3. Information We Collect

3.1 Personal Information You Provide

When you use our App, we may collect the following types of personal information that you voluntarily provide:

Account Information: Name, email address, username, and password when you create an account
Profile Information: Optional biographical information, preferences, and settings
Communication Data: Messages, comments, or questions you submit through the App
Prayer Requests: Information you share when submitting prayer requests
Progress Data: Your progress through discipleship courses and training modules
Survey Responses: Feedback and responses to surveys or questionnaires

3.2 Information Collected Automatically

We may automatically collect certain information when you use the App:

Device Information: Device type, operating system version, unique device identifiers, mobile network information
Usage Data: App features accessed, session duration, interaction with content, pages viewed, time and date of visits
Log Data: IP address, crash reports, system activity, and diagnostic information
Location Data: Approximate location based on IP address (we do not collect precise GPS location)

3.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information from third-party services integrated into our App, including:

Authentication Services: If you sign in using third-party authentication (e.g., Google Sign-In, Facebook Login)
Analytics Providers: Aggregated usage statistics and performance data
Payment Processors: Transaction information if donations or paid features are implemented

4. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

Providing Services: To deliver discipleship training content, track your progress, and personalize your experience
Account Management: To create and manage your user account, authenticate your identity, and provide customer support
Communication: To send you notifications, updates, prayer support, and respond to your inquiries
Improvement: To analyze App usage, improve features, develop new content, and enhance user experience
Ministry Purposes: To understand how our discipleship resources are being used and to fulfill our mission
Security: To detect, prevent, and address technical issues, fraud, and unauthorized access
Legal Compliance: To comply with legal obligations and enforce our terms of service
Analytics: To understand user behavior and improve our services

We do not use your personal information for advertising or marketing purposes without your explicit consent.

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information in the following limited circumstances:

5.1 Service Providers

We share data with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating the App:

Cloud Hosting Providers: For data storage and server infrastructure
Analytics Services: For usage analysis and performance monitoring (e.g., Google Analytics, Firebase)
Communication Tools: For sending notifications and emails
Authentication Services: For secure login functionality

These providers are contractually obligated to protect your data and use it only for specified purposes.

5.2 Ministry Partners

We may share limited, anonymized data with BMA Missions and affiliated Baptist Missionary Association organizations for ministry coordination and reporting purposes.

5.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information when required by law, legal process, court order, or governmental request, or to protect our rights, safety, or property.

5.4 Business Transfers

If Lifeword undergoes a merger, acquisition, or asset sale, your information may be transferred to the new entity.

5.5 With Your Consent

We may share information with your explicit consent for specific purposes not covered above.

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information:

Encryption: Data transmission is secured using HTTPS and current cryptography standards
Access Controls: Limited access to personal data on a need-to-know basis
Secure Storage: Data stored on secure servers with regular security assessments
Authentication: Password-protected accounts with secure authentication mechanisms
Monitoring: Regular monitoring for unauthorized access and security vulnerabilities

While we strive to protect your information, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Data Retention and Deletion

7.1 Retention Period

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to:

Provide you with App services and maintain your account
Comply with legal obligations and resolve disputes
Fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy

Typically, we retain account data while your account is active and for a reasonable period thereafter.

7.2 Data Deletion

You may request deletion of your personal information at any time by contacting us. Upon receiving a verified deletion request, we will:

Delete your account and associated personal data within 30 days
Retain only information required for legal compliance or legitimate business purposes
Anonymize data used for statistical or analytical purposes

Deleted data cannot be recovered.

8. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:

8.1 Rights Under GDPR (European Users)

Right to Access: Request copies of your personal data
Right to Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data
Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data (“right to be forgotten”)
Right to Restrict Processing: Limit how we use your data
Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format
Right to Object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests
Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time where processing is based on consent

8.2 Rights Under CCPA (California Users)

Right to Know: Know what personal information is collected, used, shared, or sold
Right to Delete: Request deletion of personal information
Right to Opt-Out: Opt-out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell data)
Right to Non-Discrimination: Not be discriminated against for exercising your rights

8.3 Rights Under Other U.S. State Laws

Residents of Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, Utah, and other states with privacy laws have similar rights to access, correct, delete, and port their data.

8.4 Exercising Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights, contact us using the information in Section 2. We will respond to verified requests within the timeframes required by applicable law (typically 30-45 days).

9. Children’s Privacy

Our App is designed for users aged 13 and older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we discover that we have inadvertently collected information from a child under 13, we will delete it promptly.

If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.

10. International Data Transfers

Lifeword is based in the United States. If you access the App from outside the U.S., your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States or other countries where our service providers operate.

These countries may have data protection laws different from your jurisdiction. We take appropriate safeguards to ensure your information receives adequate protection in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

11. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

The App may use cookies, local storage, and similar tracking technologies to:

Remember your preferences and settings
Analyze usage patterns and improve functionality
Authenticate your login session
Provide analytics through third-party services

You can manage cookie preferences through your device settings, though some features may not function properly if disabled.

12. Third-Party Links

The App may contain links to third-party websites or resources (e.g., Bible study tools, ministry resources). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any information.

13. Push Notifications

With your consent, we may send push notifications for:

Discipleship lesson reminders
Prayer updates and encouragements
New content availability
Important announcements

You can disable push notifications through your device settings at any time.

14. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. When we make material changes, we will:

Update the “Last Updated” date at the top of this policy
Notify you through the App or via email
Obtain your consent if required by law

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy regularly to stay informed about how we protect your information.

15. Data Safety Section Disclosure

In compliance with Google Play Store requirements, we have completed the Data Safety section that describes:

What data we collect and why
How data is secured
Whether data is shared with third parties
Whether you can request data deletion
Whether data collection is optional or required

This information is available on our Google Play Store listing.

By using the Lifeword Follow App, you consent to this Privacy Policy and our collection, use, and sharing of your information as described herein. If you do not agree with this Privacy Policy, please do not use the App.

17. Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising from this Privacy Policy will be resolved according to the laws of the State of Arkansas, United States, without regard to conflict of law provisions.

For Questions or Concerns:
Please contact Lifeword Media Ministry using the contact information provided in Section 2 of this Privacy Policy.

Key Implementation Notes for Google Play Store Compliance:

Post this policy at a publicly accessible URL before submitting your app
Link the policy in your app’s Google Play Console under “App Privacy & Security”
Complete the Data Safety form accurately matching this policy
Include in-app disclosure for sensitive permissions (if applicable)
Update regularly as your data practices evolve

This privacy policy meets all Google Play Store requirements including developer information, data collection disclosure, security measures, retention policies, user rights, and third-party sharing transparency.