Privacy Statement
At Ephesus Gatherings Worldwide, we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring you have a positive experience on our website.
Last Updated: April 2026
This Privacy Statement is effective as of April 2026 and supersedes all previous versions.
Introduction
Ephesus Gatherings Worldwide ("EGW," "we," "us," "our," or "Company") is committed to respecting your privacy. This Privacy Statement explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, ephesusgatheringsworldwide.com, and our related services.
Please read this Privacy Statement carefully. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our website. By accessing and using our website, you signify that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by all the terms of this Privacy Statement.
Our Commitment: We believe transparency builds trust. We only collect information necessary to provide our services and improve your experience. We will never sell your personal data to third parties.
Information We Collect
We collect information from you in several ways:
Directly From You
You may provide information voluntarily when you:
- Fill out contact forms on our website
- Subscribe to our mailing lists for events, sermons, or daily readings
- Register for events or services
- Submit prayer requests or testimonies
- Donate to the organization
- Communicate with us via email or contact forms
This information typically includes: name, email address, phone number, address, and messages or comments you provide.
Automatically Collected Information
When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information about your device and browsing activity:
- Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device type (mobile, desktop, tablet)
- Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on each page, links clicked, referral source
- Cookies & Tracking: We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience
- Location Data: General geographic location (country, region) based on IP address — NOT precise location
This information is collected through server logs, analytics tools, and tracking technologies. See our Cookies Statement for more details.
Third-Party Information
In certain circumstances, we may receive information about you from third parties:
- Payment processors (for donations or event registrations)
- Email marketing platforms (to manage subscriptions)
- Google Analytics and similar analytics providers
- Third-party integrations for streaming, event management, or communication
We only use information from third parties as described in this Privacy Statement and in accordance with applicable laws.
How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect for the following purposes:
Service Delivery & Operations
- Process your requests and fulfill your orders or event registrations
- Send you important updates about services, events, and resources
- Manage your account and subscriptions
- Process donations and maintain donation records
- Provide technical support and respond to your inquiries
Communication & Marketing
- Send newsletters, event announcements, and daily reading content (only with your consent)
- Notify you of updates to policies or services
- Invite you to participate in surveys, feedback, or focus groups
- Send pastoral care messages or prayer resources
Website Improvement & Analytics
- Analyze usage patterns to improve website functionality and design
- Understand which content resonates with our community
- Monitor site performance and technical issues
- Personalize your experience based on your preferences
Legal & Compliance
- Comply with legal obligations and government requests
- Enforce our Terms of Service and other agreements
- Protect against fraud, abuse, or security threats
- Maintain records for accounting and audit purposes
Information Sharing
We do NOT sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. However, we may share your information in the following limited circumstances:
Service Providers
We may share information with trusted service providers who perform services on our behalf, such as:
- Email marketing and communication platforms
- Website hosting and content delivery providers
- Payment processors and donation platforms
- Analytics providers (Google Analytics)
- Event management and registration platforms
These service providers are contractually bound to use your information only as necessary to provide services and to maintain confidentiality.
Legal Requirements & Safety
We may disclose your information if required by law or when necessary to:
- Comply with legal process, court orders, or government requests
- Protect the rights, privacy, safety, or property of EGW or others
- Enforce our Terms of Service and other agreements
- Prevent fraud, abuse, or security threats
Organizational Leadership
Information about prayer requests, pastoral needs, and testimonies may be shared with EGW leadership and pastoral staff on a need-to-know basis to provide spiritual care and support.
No Third-Party Marketing: We do not share your email address or personal data with third-party marketers or advertisers. Your information is used only for EGW's internal purposes and to serve your needs.
Data Security
We implement comprehensive security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. Our security practices include:
Technical Safeguards
- SSL/TLS Encryption: Our website uses HTTPS encryption to protect data transmitted between your browser and our servers
- Secure Servers: Your information is stored on secure servers with restricted access
- Firewalls & Intrusion Detection: We use firewalls and monitoring systems to prevent unauthorized access
- Regular Security Updates: We maintain current software patches and security protocols
Administrative & Physical Controls
- Limited access to personal data on a need-to-know basis
- Employee confidentiality agreements
- Regular security training and awareness programs
- Physical security measures to protect servers and facilities
Important Note: While we implement strong security measures, no online transmission is 100% secure. We encourage you to use strong passwords and to protect your login credentials. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of any passwords or account information you create.
Your Privacy Rights
Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information:
Access & Portability
You have the right to request access to the personal information we hold about you and, in many cases, to receive a copy of that information in a portable format.
Correction & Deletion
You may request that we correct inaccurate information or delete your personal data, subject to legal and operational requirements. Some information may need to be retained for legal compliance or service fulfillment.
Opt-Out of Marketing Communications
You can unsubscribe from marketing emails and newsletters at any time. Simply click the "unsubscribe" link in any email or contact us directly. We will honor your request within 10 business days.
Withdraw Consent
If we are processing your information based on your consent, you have the right to withdraw that consent at any time. This will not affect the lawfulness of processing before your withdrawal.
Do Not Track (DNT)
Some browsers include a "Do Not Track" feature. Our website does not currently respond to DNT signals, but you can manage tracking through browser settings and cookie preferences as described above.
How to Exercise Your Rights: To submit a request to access, correct, delete, or export your personal information, please contact us at privacy@ephesusgatheringsworldwide.com with "Privacy Request" in the subject line.
Children's Privacy
Our website is not intentionally directed toward children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete such information and terminate the child's account as soon as practicable.
Parental Involvement
If a child under 13 has provided information through our website, parents or guardians may contact us to request deletion of that information. Please contact us at privacy@ephesusgatheringsworldwide.com with proof of guardianship.
Teens & Young Adults (13-18)
For users ages 13-18, we collect only the minimum information necessary. Parents/guardians may request information about what data their child has provided by contacting us with appropriate identification.
COPPA Compliance: We comply with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and applicable regulations in other jurisdictions protecting children's privacy.
International Data Transfers
Ephesus Gatherings Worldwide operates internationally with members and supporters across multiple countries. When you provide information to us, it may be transferred to, stored in, and processed in countries other than your country of residence.
Jurisdictions Where We Operate
- Canada: Primary headquarters in Edmonton, Alberta
- United States: Server hosting and payment processing
- United Kingdom: Digital services and content delivery
- Germany: GDPR-compliant data processing
- Ghana: International ministry operations
- Other Countries: As required for service delivery
Data Protection Standards
We transfer your information only to countries and service providers that meet adequate data protection standards. We ensure that:
- All transfers comply with applicable privacy laws
- Service providers maintain contractual data protection obligations
- Standard contractual clauses or adequacy decisions are in place where required
- Your data is protected by security measures equivalent to those described in this Privacy Statement
GDPR & UK Data Protection
For users in the European Union and United Kingdom, we comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and UK Data Protection Act 2018:
- Data is transferred based on appropriate safeguards
- You have the right to lodge a complaint with your supervisory authority
- We provide the same data protection rights as described in this Privacy Statement
Canada & Provincial Privacy Laws
For users in Canada, we comply with PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act) and Alberta's provincial privacy laws. Your personal information is protected with appropriate safeguards and security measures.
Questions About Transfers? If you have concerns about how your data is transferred internationally, please contact us at privacy@ephesusgatheringsworldwide.com.
Changes to This Privacy Statement
We may update this Privacy Statement from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of significant changes by:
How We Notify You
- Posting the updated Privacy Statement on this page with a new "Last Updated" date
- Sending you an email notification for material changes (if we have your email)
- Obtaining your explicit consent if required by law
Your Consent to Changes
By continuing to use our website after updates are posted, you consent to the updated Privacy Statement. If you do not agree with the changes, please discontinue use of our website and contact us if you have concerns.
Archive of Previous Versions: If you would like to review previous versions of this Privacy Statement, please contact us at privacy@ephesusgatheringsworldwide.com.
Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Statement or our privacy practices, please contact us:
Governing Law
This Privacy Statement is governed by the laws of the Province of Alberta, Canada, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any legal action or proceeding related to this Privacy Statement shall be brought exclusively in the courts located in Edmonton, Alberta.
Last Updated: April 2026
This Privacy Statement is effective as of April 2026. Thank you for trusting Ephesus Gatherings Worldwide with your personal information.