Gateway International Church

Terms of Service for Gateway Connect

Effective Date: January 28, 2026 Last Updated: January 28, 2026

Introduction

Welcome to Gateway Connect, the official mobile application of Gateway International Church ("GIC," "we," "our," or "us"). These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the Gateway Connect mobile application (the "App").

By creating an account and using the App, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, do not use the App.

1. Acceptance of Terms

1.1 Agreement to Terms

By downloading, installing, accessing, or using Gateway Connect, you agree to:

1.2 Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will notify you of material changes by:

  • Posting the updated Terms in the App
  • Sending a notification through the App
  • Updating the "Last Updated" date

Your continued use of the App after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

1.3 Eligibility

You must be at least 13 years of age to create an account. If you are under 18, you must have parental or guardian consent to use the App.

By using the App, you represent and warrant that:

  • You are at least 13 years old
  • You have the legal capacity to enter into these Terms
  • You will comply with all applicable laws

2. Account Registration and Security

2.1 Account Creation

To access certain features, you must create an account by providing:

  • Valid email address
  • Full name
  • Secure password
  • Optional: Phone number and profile picture

You may also sign in using Google Sign-In.

2.2 Account Responsibilities

You are responsible for:

  • Maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials
  • All activities that occur under your account
  • Notifying us immediately of any unauthorized access
  • Ensuring your account information is accurate and current

2.3 Account Security

  • Do not share your password with anyone
  • Use a strong, unique password
  • Log out after using shared devices
  • We will never ask for your password via email or phone

2.4 Account Termination by User

You may delete your account at any time through the App settings. Upon deletion:

  • Your personal information will be removed within 30 days
  • Purchased content may no longer be accessible
  • Transaction records will be retained for legal/tax purposes
  • Wallet credits are non-refundable

3. Use of the App

3.1 License Grant

Subject to these Terms, we grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to:

  • Install and use the App on your personal devices
  • Access content and features available to you
  • Download purchased content for personal, non-commercial use

3.2 Restrictions

You agree NOT to:

  • Copy, modify, or create derivative works of the App
  • Reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble the App
  • Remove copyright or proprietary notices
  • Use the App for any illegal or unauthorized purpose
  • Share your account with others
  • Distribute downloaded content to third parties
  • Circumvent security features or payment systems
  • Use automated systems (bots, scrapers) to access the App
  • Interfere with or disrupt the App's operation
  • Violate any applicable laws or regulations

3.3 Acceptable Use

You agree to use the App in a manner consistent with:

  • Christian values and principles
  • Respect for the church community
  • All applicable laws
  • These Terms of Service

4. Content and Intellectual Property

4.1 Our Content

All content available through the App, including but not limited to:

  • Sermon messages and audio recordings
  • Devotional content
  • Text, graphics, images, logos
  • Software code and functionality

is owned by Gateway International Church or its licensors and is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

4.2 License to Use Content

When you purchase or access content through the App:

  • You receive a personal, non-commercial license to access the content
  • You may download content for offline personal use
  • You may NOT:
    • Redistribute, sell, or share purchased content
    • Publicly perform or broadcast content
    • Use content for commercial purposes
    • Remove watermarks or attribution

4.3 User-Generated Content

If you submit content to the App (e.g., profile pictures, prayer requests):

  • You retain ownership of your content
  • You grant us a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, display, and store your content for the purpose of providing the App services
  • You represent that you have the right to submit such content
  • You agree your content does not violate any laws or third-party rights

4.4 Copyright Complaints

If you believe content in the App infringes your copyright, contact us at: Email: [email protected]

Include:

  • Description of the copyrighted work
  • Location of the infringing material
  • Your contact information
  • A statement of good faith belief
  • A statement of accuracy and authorization

5. Purchases, Payments, and Donations

5.1 Digital Wallet System

The App uses a credit-based wallet system:

  • Purchase credits to access premium content
  • Credits can be used for messages, devotionals, and giving
  • Wallet balance is displayed in the App
  • Credits are non-transferable and non-refundable

5.2 Pricing and Payments

  • All prices are displayed in the App before purchase
  • Prices are subject to change without notice
  • Payments are processed securely through Flutterwave
  • We do not store your payment card information
  • Payment methods include:
    • Credit/debit cards
    • Bank transfers
    • USSD
    • Mobile money (where available)

5.3 Purchases and Subscriptions

  • One-Time Purchases: Messages and sermon series
  • Subscriptions: Devotional content (auto-renewing)
  • Donations: Tithes, offerings, vows, and general giving

For subscriptions:

  • Auto-renewal can be managed in your account settings
  • You will be charged at the beginning of each billing cycle
  • Cancel anytime to stop future charges
  • No refunds for partial subscription periods

5.4 Donations and Giving

When you give through the App:

  • Donations are final and non-refundable
  • Receipts are available in your payment history
  • Tax receipts may be provided by Gateway International Church
  • Donations support the ministry and mission of GIC
  • All giving is voluntary

5.5 Refund Policy

General Policy: All purchases are final and non-refundable, except:

  • Technical issues preventing content access (we will resolve the issue or provide a refund)
  • Duplicate charges (we will refund the duplicate)
  • Unauthorized transactions (report within 30 days)

Refund Requests:

  • Contact [email protected] within 30 days of purchase
  • Provide transaction details and reason for request
  • Refunds are reviewed on a case-by-case basis
  • Processing time: 7-14 business days

Non-Refundable:

  • Donations and tithes (all giving is final)
  • Wallet credits
  • Accessed or downloaded content
  • Partial subscription periods

5.6 Taxes

You are responsible for any applicable taxes on purchases. We may charge tax where required by law.

6. Subscriptions and Auto-Renewal

6.1 Subscription Terms

  • Subscriptions automatically renew unless canceled
  • You will be charged at the start of each billing period
  • Subscription prices may change with 30 days' notice
  • Continued use after price change constitutes acceptance

6.2 Cancellation

  • Cancel anytime through the App settings
  • Cancellation takes effect at the end of the current billing period
  • No refunds for unused time in current period
  • Access continues until period end

6.3 Free Trials

If offered:

  • Free trial duration will be clearly stated
  • Auto-renewal begins when trial ends
  • Cancel before trial ends to avoid charges
  • One free trial per user

7. Third-Party Services

7.1 Payment Processing

We use Flutterwave for payment processing. By making a purchase, you also agree to Flutterwave's terms of service and privacy policy.

7.2 Authentication Services

We use:

  • Firebase Authentication for account management
  • Google Sign-In for optional authentication

Your use of these services is subject to their respective terms.

7.3 Third-Party Links

The App may contain links to external websites or services. We are not responsible for:

  • Content on external sites
  • Privacy practices of external sites
  • Any damages resulting from use of external sites

8. Privacy and Data Protection

Your privacy is important to us. Our collection and use of personal information is governed by our Privacy Policy, available at: https://www.gicfamily.org/privacy-policy

By using the App, you consent to our Privacy Policy.

9. Disclaimers and Limitations of Liability

9.1 "As Is" Basis

THE APP IS PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" BASIS WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

  • Warranties of merchantability
  • Fitness for a particular purpose
  • Non-infringement
  • Uninterrupted or error-free operation
  • Accuracy or reliability of content

9.2 No Guarantee of Availability

We do not guarantee that:

  • The App will be available at all times
  • The App will be free from errors or viruses
  • Content will always be accessible
  • Your data will never be lost

9.3 Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, GATEWAY INTERNATIONAL CHURCH SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR:

  • Indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages
  • Loss of profits, data, or goodwill
  • Service interruptions or outages
  • Third-party actions or content
  • Unauthorized access to your account

OUR TOTAL LIABILITY SHALL NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNT YOU PAID TO US IN THE 12 MONTHS BEFORE THE CLAIM, OR $100, WHICHEVER IS GREATER.

9.4 Spiritual Guidance Disclaimer

Content in the App is for spiritual edification and education. It is not a substitute for:

  • Personal pastoral counseling
  • Professional medical or psychological advice
  • Legal or financial advice

For personal spiritual matters, please contact church leadership directly.

10. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Gateway International Church, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including legal fees) arising from:

  • Your use of the App
  • Your violation of these Terms
  • Your violation of any rights of another party
  • Your violation of any applicable laws

11. Termination

11.1 Termination by You

You may terminate your account at any time by:

11.2 Termination by Us

We may suspend or terminate your account immediately, without notice, if:

  • You violate these Terms
  • You engage in fraudulent activity
  • You abuse or harass other users
  • Required by law
  • We discontinue the App

11.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

  • Your license to use the App ends immediately
  • You must stop using the App and delete it from your devices
  • We may delete your data (subject to retention requirements)
  • Purchased content may no longer be accessible
  • Wallet credits are forfeited (non-refundable)
  • Provisions that should survive termination will remain in effect

11.4 Survival

The following provisions survive termination:

  • Intellectual property rights
  • Disclaimer of warranties
  • Limitation of liability
  • Indemnification
  • Dispute resolution

12. Dispute Resolution

12.1 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of [Your State/Country], without regard to conflict of law principles.

12.2 Informal Resolution

Before filing a claim, you agree to contact us at [email protected] to attempt informal resolution. We will attempt to resolve disputes within 30 days.

12.3 Arbitration Agreement

Any disputes not resolved informally shall be resolved through binding arbitration, except:

  • Small claims court matters
  • Intellectual property disputes
  • Injunctive relief requests

Arbitration Terms:

  • Individual basis only (no class actions)
  • Governed by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) rules
  • Location: [Your City, State]
  • Arbitrator's decision is final and binding

12.4 Class Action Waiver

YOU AGREE TO BRING CLAIMS ONLY IN YOUR INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY AND NOT AS A CLASS MEMBER OR REPRESENTATIVE IN ANY CLASS ACTION OR REPRESENTATIVE PROCEEDING.

12.5 Jurisdiction and Venue

If arbitration does not apply, you agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of courts in [Your County, State].

13. General Provisions

13.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Gateway International Church regarding the App.

13.2 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in full effect.

13.3 No Waiver

Our failure to enforce any right or provision does not constitute a waiver of such right or provision.

13.4 Assignment

You may not assign or transfer these Terms. We may assign our rights and obligations without restriction.

13.5 Force Majeure

We are not liable for delays or failures caused by circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including:

  • Natural disasters
  • War or terrorism
  • Government actions
  • Internet outages
  • Third-party service failures

13.6 Notices

Notices to you may be sent via:

  • Email to your registered address
  • In-app notifications
  • Posted updates in the App

Notices to us should be sent to: Email: [email protected] Mail: Gateway International Church, [Address]

13.7 Language

These Terms are written in English. Any translations are for convenience only. In case of conflicts, the English version prevails.

14. App Store Terms

14.1 Apple App Store

If you download the App from the Apple App Store:

  • These Terms are between you and Gateway International Church, not Apple
  • Apple has no obligation to provide support services
  • Apple is not responsible for the App or content
  • Apple is a third-party beneficiary of these Terms
  • You must comply with Apple's App Store Terms of Service

14.2 Google Play Store

If you download the App from Google Play:

  • These Terms are between you and Gateway International Church, not Google
  • Google has no obligation to provide support services
  • Google is not responsible for the App or content
  • You must comply with Google Play's Terms of Service

15. Accessibility

We strive to make the App accessible to all users. If you encounter accessibility issues, contact us at [email protected].

16. Feedback

We welcome your feedback and suggestions. By submitting feedback, you grant us the right to use it without compensation or attribution.

Feedback Email: [email protected]

17. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms of Service:

General Inquiries: [email protected] Legal Questions: [email protected] Technical Support: [email protected] Privacy Concerns: [email protected]

Mailing Address: Gateway International Church [Street Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Country]

Website: https://www.gicfamily.org Support Hours: [Your support hours]

18. Acknowledgment

BY USING GATEWAY CONNECT, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ, UNDERSTOOD, AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THESE TERMS OF SERVICE.

If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not use the App.

Version: 1.0 Effective Date: December 10, 2025 Last Reviewed: December 10, 2025

Revision History

Version Date Changes
1.0 December 10, 2025 Initial Terms of Service created