Privacy Policy

The Shepherd’s Tool®

Effective Date: 8/13/2026

Welcome to The Shepherd’s Tool® (“we,” “our,” or “us”). We are committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining your trust. The Shepherd’s Tool® exists to help individuals share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, grow as disciples, connect with others, and access encouragement, guidance, and support resources.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, protect, and share information when you use our website, applications, services, and related tools (collectively, the “Platform”).

By using The Shepherd’s Tool®, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

1. Information We Collect

We collect information necessary to provide, improve, protect, and personalize our services.

A. Information You Provide

When you register or interact with The Shepherd’s Tool®, we may collect:

  • Name
  • Email address
  • Account login information
  • City, state, zip code, and country
  • Church or ministry affiliation (if provided)
  • Profile information you choose to share
  • Messages, requests, or communications submitted through the Platform
  • Payment or contribution information when accessing additional features or supporting the ministry

We do not intentionally collect information that is unnecessary for fulfilling the mission and services of The Shepherd’s Tool®.

2. Gospel Sharing and Impact Tree Information

A core feature of The Shepherd’s Tool® allows users to share Gospel messages and view the impact of those shares.

To provide this feature, we may collect and display information such as:

  • When a Gospel message is shared
  • When someone connects through an invitation link
  • Growth and connection activity within an Impact Tree
  • General impact statistics

The purpose of this information is to encourage discipleship, spiritual growth, and responsible follow-up.

We do not sell Impact Tree information or use it for advertising purposes.

3. Grow & Support Services

The Shepherd’s Tool® may provide access to discipleship resources, guidance, community support, and connections to organizations or service providers.

Information shared through support requests may be used to:

  • Understand needs
  • Provide guidance
  • Recommend available resources
  • Connect users with appropriate support providers

Only information necessary to provide assistance will be used or shared.

4. How We Use Your Information

We may use information collected to:

  • Create and manage user accounts
  • Provide access to Platform features
  • Allow Gospel sharing and impact tracking
  • Provide discipleship and support resources
  • Improve our services
  • Communicate updates and important information
  • Maintain security and prevent misuse
  • Process payments, donations, or sponsorships
  • Measure overall ministry impact

5. Payments, Contributions, and Sponsorships

The Shepherd’s Tool® may offer optional paid features, sponsorship opportunities, or ways to financially support the mission.

Payment information is processed through secure third-party payment providers. We do not store full credit card or banking information on our systems.

Payment-related information may be used for:

  • Confirming transactions
  • Providing access to additional features
  • Maintaining financial records
  • Processing donations or sponsorship activities

6. Information Sharing

We respect your privacy. We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information.

We may share limited information only:

  • With trusted service providers who help operate the Platform
  • With partner organizations when needed to provide requested assistance
  • When required by law
  • To protect users, prevent fraud, or maintain Platform security
  • With your permission

7. Partner Organizations

The Shepherd’s Tool® may connect users with churches, ministries, nonprofits, and community organizations.

Partner organizations are responsible for their own privacy practices when users choose to interact directly with them.

We encourage users to review the privacy policies of any third-party organization.

8. Children and Youth Privacy

The Shepherd’s Tool® values the protection of children and families.

The Platform is not intended to knowingly collect personal information from children under the age required by applicable law without appropriate parental or guardian consent.

If we discover that information has been collected improperly from a child, we will take appropriate steps to remove it.

9. Security

We use reasonable safeguards to protect your information from unauthorized access, misuse, loss, or disclosure.

However, no online platform can guarantee complete security. Users are encouraged to protect their login information and notify us of any unauthorized account activity.

10. Email and Communications

By creating an account, you may receive messages related to:

  • Your account
  • Platform updates
  • Ministry encouragement
  • Discipleship resources
  • Support opportunities

You may adjust communication preferences where available.

11. Data Retention

We retain information only as long as reasonably necessary to:

  • Provide services
  • Maintain user accounts
  • Fulfill ministry purposes
  • Meet legal requirements
  • Protect Platform integrity

Users may request account deletion according to available procedures.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically as The Shepherd’s Tool® grows and new features are added.

Updated versions will include a revised effective date.

Continued use of the Platform after updates means you accept the revised Privacy Policy.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how your information is handled, please contact us:

The Shepherd’s Tool®

Email: info@theshepherdstool.com

Website: theshepherdstool.com

The Shepherd’s Tool®

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