Safeguarding Policy

Maranatha exists to serve people gently and safely. This policy explains how we protect the people who use our services and how we expect our responders, staff and partner churches to behave.

Who our services are for

Our one-to-one services (questions, prayer requests, introductions) are for adults, 18 and over. We do not knowingly communicate with minors. If we discover that someone under 18 has written to us, we will not continue a one-to-one conversation, and we may direct them to a trusted adult or an appropriate helpline.

Responder screening and training

• Responders are approved by a super administrator before they can see any requests.
• Each responder must read and agree to this policy and a confidentiality commitment before their first shift.
• Responders receive guidance on listening well, on what to do when someone is in crisis, and on when to hand a case to an administrator.
• Responders see only the items assigned to them.

How responders communicate

• Responders reply only through the Maranatha platform, which sends email on their behalf. They do not use personal email addresses or phone numbers with the people they help.
• Responders do not exchange phone numbers, social media handles, or home addresses with the people they help.
• Responders do not arrange in-person meetings through the platform.
• Responders do not ask for or accept money, gifts, or favors.
• Replies are written by people, not by artificial intelligence.

Crisis and disclosure

If a message suggests that someone may harm themselves or others, or is being harmed, our systems flag it. The person is shown crisis resources immediately, and administrators are alerted so that a trained person reviews the message promptly. Maranatha is not an emergency service. We always encourage people in danger to call 911 or, in the US, to call or text 988.

If someone discloses abuse, responders will listen without judgment, will not promise to keep it secret if there is a risk of serious harm, and will pass it to an administrator, who decides on next steps, including any reporting the law requires.

Children

We do not run programs for children. Partner churches that run children's programs are independent and are responsible for their own child protection practices. We expect churches to use background checks, two-adult rules, and secure check-in. Introductions from Maranatha are for adults only, and churches must not use them to contact minors.

Reporting a concern

If you are worried about a responder, a church, or anything you have seen on Maranatha, please tell us through the contact form and mark it "Safeguarding concern." We take every report seriously and will respond as quickly as we can.

This document is a draft and has not been reviewed by an attorney or a safeguarding professional.