Our Commitment to Privacy
Bible Ministries International (BMI) is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of all individuals who interact with our ministry. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit religious educational organization, we handle personal information with integrity and in accordance with our Christian values of respect, stewardship, and love for others.
Information We Collect
Information You Provide Directly
- Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, and mailing address when you request materials, donate, or contact us
- Donation Information: Processed securely through our third-party payment processor, Zeffy
- Communication Records: Correspondence through email, phone calls, or our OpenEars spiritual support service
- Program Participation: Information when you join our Bible studies, seminars, or community programs
Information Collected Automatically
- Website Usage: Basic analytics about how visitors use our websites (BibleMinistriesInternational.org and BiblicalTools.org)
- Technical Information: IP address, browser type, and device information for website functionality and security
How We Use Your Information
We use personal information solely for legitimate ministry purposes:
- Ministry Services: Providing Bible study resources, spiritual support, and educational materials
- Communication: Sending ministry updates, prayer requests, and educational content
- Donation Processing: Managing contributions and providing tax receipts
- Program Administration: Facilitating participation in Bible studies, seminars, and community programs
- Website Improvement: Enhancing user experience on our digital platforms
Information Sharing and Disclosure
We do not sell, rent, or trade personal information. We may share information only in these limited circumstances:
- Service Providers: With trusted third-party services like Zeffy (donation processing) under strict confidentiality agreements
- Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect the safety of individuals
- Ministry Partners: With explicit consent for specific collaborative ministry purposes
Special Protections for Spiritual Counseling
Our OpenEars spiritual support service maintains the highest standards of confidentiality:
- Communications are treated with pastoral care confidentiality
- Personal information shared during spiritual counseling is not used for any other purpose
- Records are kept secure and accessed only by authorized ministry staff
- We follow principles consistent with professional counseling ethics
Data Security
We implement reasonable security measures to protect personal information:
- Secure Connections: Encrypted internet connections through Starlink satellite service
- Third-Party Security: Donation data stored securely on Zeffy's protected servers
- Access Controls: Personal information accessible only to authorized staff
- Physical Security: Paper records stored in secure, locked facilities
- Regular Reviews: Periodic assessment of our security practices
Your Rights and Choices
You have the right to:
- Access: Request information about what personal data we have about you
- Correction: Request correction of inaccurate information
- Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from email communications at any time
- Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal and legitimate ministry requirements)
- Restriction: Request limitation on how we use your information
To exercise these rights, contact us using the information below.
Children's Privacy
We respect children's privacy in our educational programs. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without parental consent. Our "Animals of the Bible" series and other children's materials are designed to be used with parental guidance.
Cookies and Website Analytics
Our websites may use cookies and similar technologies to:
- Remember your preferences
- Analyze website traffic and usage patterns
- Improve website functionality
You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences.
Third-Party Links
Our websites may contain links to external sites. This privacy policy applies only to BMI's websites and services. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any external sites you visit.
International Users
While BMI is based in California, USA, our ministry serves people worldwide. If you are outside the United States, please be aware that your information may be transferred to and processed in the United States.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this privacy policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will post the updated policy on our website and indicate the effective date of changes.
Retention of Information
We retain personal information only as long as necessary for legitimate ministry purposes or as required by law. Donation records are maintained according to IRS requirements for tax-exempt organizations.
Contact Information
Legal Basis for Processing (International Users)
For users in regions with specific data protection laws (such as GDPR), our legal basis for processing personal information includes:
- Legitimate Interests: Providing ministry services and maintaining donor relationships
- Consent: When you voluntarily provide information or opt-in to communications
- Legal Obligations: Maintaining records as required by tax and non-profit regulations