Privacy Policy

Last updated: April 2, 2026 · Lagniappe Web Solutions / CongregateHQ

Table of Contents
  1. Who We Are
  2. Information We Collect
  3. How We Use Information
  4. How SMS Opt-Ins Are Collected
  5. SMS Messaging & TCPA Compliance
  6. SMS Opt-In Data Policy
  7. Data Sharing
  8. Data Security
  9. Your Rights
  10. Data Retention
  11. Contact Us

1. Who We Are

CongregateHQ is a church communication platform operated by Lagniappe Web Solutions. We provide SMS messaging, email broadcasting, and event registration tools exclusively for churches and religious organizations across the United States.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect information when you use our platform as a church administrator, or when your information is submitted to us by a church you attend.

2. Information We Collect

From church administrators (account holders):

From congregation members (via their church):

3. How We Use Information

We use the information we collect to:

We do not use your information for advertising, marketing to third parties, or any purpose beyond delivering the services described above.

4. How SMS Opt-Ins Are Collected

CongregateHQ is committed to transparent, consent-based SMS messaging. All SMS opt-ins are collected through one or more of the following methods:

📋 Method 1 — Online Registration Forms

When congregation members register for events or submit information through a church's online registration form, the form includes a clearly visible SMS opt-in checkbox and disclaimer, such as:

"By submitting this form and signing up for texts, you consent to receive marketing messages from [Church Name] via CongregateHQ. Message & data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. Unsubscribe at any time by replying STOP. Reply HELP for help. Phone number will not be shared with third parties for marketing purposes."

The checkbox is unchecked by default and must be actively selected by the individual.

📝 Method 2 — In-Person Signup Sheets

Churches may collect opt-ins through physical signup sheets at services, events, or ministry activities. These sheets include a printed disclosure informing the individual that they are consenting to receive SMS communications from the church. The signed or initialed form is retained by the church as a consent record.

📱 Method 3 — Text-to-Join Keywords

Churches may set up keyword opt-in programs where individuals text a specific keyword to the church's dedicated number. Upon texting in, the individual receives an automatic confirmation message confirming their opt-in and providing opt-out instructions. This constitutes express written consent.

🌐 Method 4 — Church Website or App Forms

Members may provide their phone number through a church's website contact or registration form. These forms include the same SMS consent checkbox and disclaimer as online registration forms described in Method 1 above.

Important: CongregateHQ does not independently collect SMS opt-ins from congregation members. All opt-ins are collected by the church using one of the methods above. CongregateHQ stores consent records on behalf of the church and only delivers messages to individuals who appear in the church's opted-in member list.

5. SMS Messaging & TCPA Compliance

CongregateHQ is fully compliant with the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and CTIA messaging guidelines.

Consent requirement: We only send SMS messages to individuals who have provided explicit opt-in consent to their church to receive text communications. All messaging originates from the church — CongregateHQ is the technology platform that delivers those messages on their behalf.

Opt-out: Recipients may opt out of receiving messages at any time by replying STOP, QUIT, UNSUBSCRIBE, CANCEL, or END to any message. Opt-outs are processed automatically and immediately. The number is permanently added to the church's Do Not Contact list.

Help: Recipients may reply HELP to any message to receive assistance information including the church's contact email and opt-out instructions.

Message frequency: Varies by church. Each church determines how frequently they send messages to their congregation.

Message and data rates may apply depending on your mobile carrier plan.

Confirmation message: Upon opt-in, members receive a confirmation message such as: "You have been subscribed to [Church Name] text alerts. Msg&data rates may apply. Reply STOP to unsubscribe. Reply HELP for help."

6. SMS Opt-In Data Policy

SMS opt-in information and phone numbers collected for SMS purposes are never shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing purposes. This data is used solely to deliver messages from the church that collected the consent.

Congregation members provide their phone numbers directly to their church through one of the opt-in methods described in Section 4. CongregateHQ stores this data to facilitate message delivery on behalf of the church and to maintain accurate consent records.

If a congregation member wishes to have their information removed, they may:

7. Data Sharing

We do not sell, rent, or trade personal information. We share data only with:

All third-party service providers are prohibited from using data we share with them for any purpose other than providing services to us.

8. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information:

If you believe your account has been compromised, contact us immediately at contactus@congregatehq.com.

9. Your Rights

You have the right to:

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at contactus@congregatehq.com.

10. Data Retention

We retain account data for as long as your church account is active. If you cancel your subscription, we retain your data for 30 days to allow for account reactivation, after which it is permanently deleted.

Message logs and delivery records are retained for 12 months to support analytics and troubleshooting, then automatically purged.

Do Not Contact (DNC) records and opt-out records are retained indefinitely to ensure opt-out requests continue to be honored even after account changes.

SMS opt-in consent records are retained for a minimum of 4 years in compliance with TCPA record-keeping requirements.

11. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your data, contact us:

Lagniappe Web Solutions / CongregateHQ

Privacy & Data Inquiries

contactus@congregatehq.com