Terms and Conditions

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing and using the Wounded Shepherd website and services, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree with any part of these terms, please do not use our platform.

These terms apply to all visitors, users, and others who access or use our service, including but not limited to:

• Website visitors and content readers
• Newsletter subscribers and resource downloaders
• Course participants and digital product purchasers
• Consulting clients and speaking engagement hosts

2. Description of Service

Our Mission

Wounded Shepherd provides educational content, resources, and services focused on restoring biblical leadership in evangelical churches. Our offerings include:

• Educational Content: Articles, studies, and resources on biblical eldership and church governance
• Assessment Tools: Self-evaluation instruments for church leadership health
• Digital Products: Courses, guides, and training materials
• Consulting Services: Church governance assessments and leadership transition support
• Speaking Services: Conference presentations and church leadership training

Biblical Foundation

All our content and services are grounded in biblical principles as we understand them through careful study of Scripture. We distinguish between biblical mandates and practical applications while maintaining commitment to orthodox evangelical theology.

3. User Responsibilities

Appropriate Use

You agree to use our platform and services:

• In accordance with all applicable laws and regulations
• For personal or ministry purposes, not for commercial redistribution
• With respect for the biblical principles we teach and promote
• Without violating the rights of others or disrupting our services

Prohibited Activities

You may not:

• Reproduce, distribute, or sell our copyrighted materials without permission
• Use our content for purposes that contradict biblical principles
• Attempt to harm or disable our website or services
• Submit false or misleading information
• Use our platform to promote divisive or unbiblical teachings

4. Intellectual Property Rights

Our Content

All content on our platform, including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, articles, courses, and assessments, is owned by Wounded Shepherd and protected by copyright laws.

Permitted Use

You may:

• Read and study our content for personal or ministry use
• Share brief excerpts with proper attribution for teaching or discussion purposes
• Download resources designated as free for personal use
• Print materials for personal study or small group use

Restrictions

You may not:

• Reproduce entire articles or substantial portions without permission
• Create derivative works based on our content
• Use our materials for commercial purposes without licensing
• Remove copyright notices or attribution requirements

5. Products and Services

Digital Products

Our digital products (courses, guides, assessments) are licensed for personal or single-church use unless otherwise specified. Multiple-user licenses are available separately.

Consulting Services

Consulting services are provided under separate service agreements that supplement these terms. All consulting is educational in nature and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice.

Speaking Engagements

Speaking services are subject to availability and separate agreements. We reserve the right to decline engagements that conflict with our ministry calling or biblical convictions.

6. Payment and Refund Policy

Payment Terms

• Digital Products: Payment due at time of purchase
• Consulting Services: Payment terms specified in service agreement
• Speaking Engagements: Payment terms specified in speaking agreement

Refund Policy

We want you to be satisfied with your investment in biblical leadership development:

• Digital Products: 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied
• Consulting Services: Satisfaction guarantee with specific terms in service agreement
• Speaking Engagements: Refund policy specified in speaking agreement

Process for Refunds

To request a refund, contact us with your purchase details and reason for the request. We will process legitimate refund requests promptly and with grace.

7. Disclaimers and Limitations

Educational Purpose

Our content and services are for educational purposes and should not be considered:

• Legal advice or professional counsel
• Guaranteed solutions to all church leadership challenges
• Binding directives for your specific church situation
• Substitutes for prayer, biblical study, and wise local counsel

No Guarantees

We cannot guarantee that:

• Following our guidance will resolve all leadership conflicts
• Your church will accept biblical leadership principles
• Implementation will be without challenges or opposition
• Results will match your expectations or timeline

Limitation of Liability

Our liability is limited to the amount you paid for our services. We are not responsible for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages related to your use of our platform or services.

8. User-Generated Content

Comments and Feedback

By submitting comments, testimonials, or other content to our platform, you grant us permission to use, modify, and display this content for ministry purposes while respecting your privacy.

Standards for Submissions

All user-generated content must:

• Align with biblical principles and Christian conduct
• Be truthful and not misleading
• Respect the privacy and dignity of others
• Avoid divisive or inflammatory language

9. Privacy and Data Protection

Your privacy is important to us. Our collection and use of personal information is governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these terms by reference.

Communication Preferences

By subscribing to our communications, you consent to receive:

• Educational content and resources via email
• Updates about new offerings and services
• Ministry updates and prayer requests
• Service-related notifications

You may unsubscribe at any time using the links provided in our emails.

10. Termination

Your Right to Terminate

You may stop using our services at any time. You may also request deletion of your account and personal information (subject to legal requirements).

Our Right to Terminate

We reserve the right to terminate or suspend access to our services for:

• Violation of these terms
• Behavior that conflicts with our ministry calling
• Misuse of our platform or services
• Legal or safety concerns

Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

• Your access to services will cease
• Purchased digital products may remain accessible unless there was a violation
• Refund eligibility will be determined based on our refund policy

11. Changes to Terms

We may update these terms periodically to reflect:

• Changes in our services or ministry focus
• Legal or regulatory requirements
• Improved clarity or user protection

We will notify you of significant changes via email or prominent website notice. Continued use of our services after changes indicates acceptance of the updated terms.

12. Governing Law

These terms are governed by the laws of Texas, United States. Any disputes will be resolved through:

• Biblical conflict resolution principles (Matthew 18:15-17)
• Christian mediation when possible
• Legal jurisdiction in Texas when necessary

14. AI and Content Creation Transparency

In keeping with our commitment to biblical integrity and transparency, we disclose that we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools in various aspects of our ministry, including:

Content Development

• Writing Support: AI may assist with drafting, editing, and improving the clarity of our educational content
• Research Assistance: AI tools may help gather and organize information for our biblical studies and resources
• Technical Creation: AI may assist in developing website elements, assessments, and digital tools
• Administrative Tasks: AI may help with scheduling, correspondence, and operational efficiency

Our Standards for AI Usage

We maintain strict standards when using AI tools:

• Human Authority: All content is reviewed, verified, and approved by human leadership before publication
• Biblical Fidelity: We personally verify all Scripture references, theological positions, and biblical applications
• Authentic Experience: Personal testimonies, ministry experiences, and pastoral insights remain genuinely human
• Accuracy Verification: We fact-check and validate all information regardless of its source
• Ministry Purpose: AI usage serves our ministry calling rather than replacing human wisdom and discernment

What Remains Fully Human

Certain aspects of our ministry remain entirely human:

• Personal experiences and testimonies shared
• Biblical interpretation and theological positions
• Pastoral counsel and ministry guidance
• Strategic ministry decisions and direction
• Prayer, spiritual discernment, and calling

We believe this transparent approach honors both technological stewardship and human dignity while serving you with integrity.

16. Severability

If any provision of these terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect. We will work to replace any invalid provisions with similar valid terms that achieve the same purpose.

17. Entire Agreement

These Terms and Conditions, together with our Privacy Policy and any separate service agreements, constitute the entire agreement between you and Wounded Shepherd regarding the use of our services.