YOUR CHURCH provides all Administrative, Support, and Pastoral staff with a computer (desktop or laptop depending on specific need) with a standard suite of software. Each staff member is expected to use the provided computer and software in a manner that is consistent with normal business practice. Questions about the proper use of computers and software should be directed to the Executive Pastor.
It’s important that YOUR CHURCH staff understand the importance of the proper use of e-mail communication. E-mails should be written with care and sensitivity, understanding the person receiving the e-mail might misunderstand or otherwise misconstrue the intended meaning of the communication. For this reason, most forms of feedback or other confrontational communication should be done face-to-face, not via e-mail.
It is also important that YOUR CHURCH staff regard e-mail communication as somewhat formal, with the understanding that an e-mail is a formal document. E-mails should be well written and free from typographical and other errors, at least to the best of the author’s ability. Wide communications via e-mail (all congregation, other significant distribution lists, etc.) should be proof read by as many staff members as are available within a reasonable timeframe.
YOUR CHURCH staff should also regard e-mail from other staff members, volunteers, congregants, etc. as a two-way form of communication. Meaning, when an e-mail is addressed to the staff member directly (not a cc distribution) they should always respond to the e-mail and do so in a timely manner. For the purposes of this policy, “timely” is defined as within “hours” not “days.”
YOUR CHURCH strictly prohibits the use of software without proper license. Any such software discovered by a YOUR CHURCH staff member should be reported to the Executive Pastor. Use of unlicensed software by a staff member may result in corrective action up to and including termination.
YOUR CHURCH provides internet access to all staff members. While internet access is provided for ministry related purposes, reasonable personal use is also permitted.
It’s important that all YOUR CHURCH staff recognize that information created or received via the internet is considered to be YOUR CHURCH record. These records are not only subject to YOUR CHURCH leadership oversight, they are subject to subpoena in the event CCV is involved in any legal action. Therefore, YOUR CHURCH staff should always ensure all information contained in internet e-mail messages and other transmissions is accurate, appropriate, ethical, and legal.
The equipment, services, and technology that are provided for YOUR CHURCH staff are the property of YOUR CHURCH and therefore, are subject to monitoring and oversight by YOUR CHURCH’s leadership. YOUR CHURCH reserves the right to monitor internet usage if needed, as well as access any data stored on servers, drives, etc.
YOUR CHURCH staff members are not permitted to author, send, read, or receive data via the internet that contains content that could be considered discriminatory, offensive, obscene, threatening, harassing, intimidating, or disruptive.
Examples of unacceptable content include (but are not limited to) sexual comments or images, racial slurs, gender-specific comments, or other comments or images that could reasonably offend someone on the basis of race, age, sex, religious or political beliefs, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.
YOUR CHURCH does not allow the unauthorized use, installation, copying, or distribution of copyrighted, trademarked, or patented material on the internet. As a general rule, if a staff member did not create the material, does not own the rights to it, or has not received authorization for its use, the staff member may not put the material on the internet. Staff members are also responsible for making sure that anyone sending them material over the internet has the appropriate distribution rights.
Use of the internet in a way that violates the law and/or YOUR CHURCH policy, may result in corrective action, up to and including termination of employment. In some cases a staff member may also be held personally liable for illegal activity or violation of CCV’s internet usage policy.
The following are some examples of prohibited activities that violate this internet policy:
- Sending or posting discriminatory, harassing, or threatening messages or images
- Using the organization’s time and resources for personal gain
- Stealing, using, or disclosing someone else’s code or password without authorization
- Copying, pirating, or downloading software and electronic files without permission
- Sending or posting confidential material or proprietary information outside of the organization without permission from the Executive Pastor
- Violating copyright law
- Failing to observe licensing agreements
- Engaging in unauthorized transactions that may incur a cost to the organization or initiate unwanted internet services and transmissions
- Sending or posting messages or material that could damage the organization’s image or reputation
- Participating in the viewing or exchange of pornography or obscene materials
- Sending or posting messages that defame or slander other individuals
- Attempting to break into the computer system of another organization or person
- Refusing to cooperate with a security investigation
- Sending or posting chain letters, solicitations, or advertisements not related to ministry purposes or activities
- Using the internet for political causes or activities or any sort of gambling
- Jeopardizing the security of the organization’s electronic communications systems
- Engaging in any other illegal activities
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