Terms of Service

Terms of Service and Release Agreement

Greg Lancaster Ministries, Inc. and Vine Fellowship Network
Effective Date: July 8, 2025

1. Introduction

Greg Lancaster Ministries, Inc. (GLM) (Document Number N98000004130) and Vine Fellowship Network (VFN) provide access to our Services, including the GLM APP, teachings, counseling, and other resources, on a voluntary basis. No guarantees of spiritual, emotional, or other outcomes are made, and all terms, conditions, and risks, including any potential for harm, are governed exclusively by this Terms of Service and Release Agreement (“Agreement”). This Agreement applies to all interactions with, use of, or participation in any services, resources, or activities provided by GLM and VFN, including their respective conceptual initiatives, such as the VFN HUB (a platform for networking churches, ministries, ministers, and groups) and GLM HUB (a platform for apostolic leadership and ministry resources), and their directors, officers, employees, volunteers, ministers, agents, affiliates, and representatives (collectively, “GLM/VFN Entities”). By accessing or using the Services, you (“User” or “You”) agree to be bound by this Agreement in its entirety. If you are entering into this Agreement on behalf of a church, ministry, group, or other organization (e.g., as a church leader, minister, ministry leader, or group coordinator), you represent and warrant that you have the authority to agree to these terms on behalf of such organization, and “You” refers to both you individually and the organization you represent. Church leaders, ministers, ministry leaders, or group coordinators must sign this Agreement to indicate acceptance for their organization or group. All other users must indicate acceptance by checking the “I have read and agree” box or by using the Services. If you do not agree, you must not access or use the Services.

2. No Legal, Corporate, Partnership, or Membership Relationship

2.1. No Obligation

GLM and VFN provide support for planting, ministry, and related activities as a ministry and courtesy, with no legal, corporate, contractual, or other obligation to You. Your use of or participation in GLM and VFN support does not create any partnership, joint venture, agency, employment, membership, affiliate, or fiduciary relationship between You and GLM or VFN. Participation is entirely voluntary.

• For New Related Entities: If you are a church, minister, ministry, group, or other entity not previously a GLM or VFN member, this agreement establishes a voluntary relationship for support in planting or ministry. We invite you to review and consider our Statement of Faith (available at GregLancaster.org/Beliefs) and core values (available at GregLancaster.org/Values) to understand our faith-based principles.
• For Transitioning Members: If you are a maturing GLM or VFN member transitioning to lead or plant an independent church, ministry, minister, or group, this agreement transitions your role from a member to a supported independent entity, maintaining a voluntary relationship. Your prior adherence to the Statement of Faith and core values is noted, and continued alignment is encouraged. By signing, you acknowledge the end of your member status and the start of this voluntary support relationship.
  Agreement to the Statement of Faith or core values is not required for access or use. GLM and VFN reserve the right to limit or end support to those who do not voluntarily align with our comprehensive faith-based principles, including the Statement of Faith and core values, with no legal obligations or liabilities imposed on GLM or VFN.

2.2. No Membership

Neither GLM nor VFN is a membership organization. By engaging with the Services, You acknowledge that You are not a member of GLM, VFN, or any GLM/VFN Entity, and You have no rights, privileges, or obligations associated with membership.

2.3. Voluntary Participation

Your participation in the Services, including joining or leaving groups, churches, ministries, ministers, the GLM APP, or any supportive platform or service, is entirely voluntary. You are free to engage with or discontinue using any aspect of the Services at any time, with no obligation to the GLM/VFN Entities, and the GLM/VFN Entities have no obligation to continue providing the Services to You.

2.4. Relationships with Related Entities

GLM and VFN maintain relationships with certain independent churches, ministries, ministers, and groups, including small group gatherings (collectively, “related entities”), based on shared faith-based values and advisory support. These related entities are separate organizations or individuals, whether incorporated (e.g., as 501(c)(3) nonprofits) or unincorporated (e.g., informal small group gatherings in any location of their choosing), not affiliated with, controlled by, or legally responsible to us. We may provide guidance, resources, or referrals to these related entities, but we do not manage their operations, membership, activities, or gatherings.

3. Release of Liability

3.1. Assumption of Risk

You acknowledge that Your use of the Services, including but not limited to the GLM APP, messages, books, audios, podcasts, streaming content, counseling, spiritual guidance, background checks, suggested procedures for church operations, online teachings, online supportive services, or third-party online donation platforms and church management systems (e.g., Pushpay’s CHMS and giving apps), is at Your sole risk. The GLM/VFN Entities make no warranties or representations regarding the accuracy, reliability, suitability, or outcomes of the Services.

3.2. Broad Release

To the fullest extent permitted by law, You hereby release, discharge, and hold harmless the GLM/VFN Entities from any and all claims, demands, actions, causes of action, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, or expenses (including attorneys’ fees) arising out of or related to Your use of the Services, including but not limited to personal injury, emotional distress, property damage, financial loss, or any other harm, whether direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive, regardless of the legal theory (e.g., negligence, contract, tort, or otherwise). This release also covers any claims arising from the actions, omissions, or conduct of other users, third parties, or any related entity within the network.

3.3. No Responsibility for Outcomes

The GLM/VFN Entities are not responsible for any decisions, actions, or outcomes resulting from Your use of the Services, including spiritual, personal, financial, or legal consequences. You assume full responsibility for evaluating and applying any information, guidance, or content provided through the Services.

4. Compliance with Local Laws

4.1. User Responsibility

You are solely responsible for ensuring that Your use of the Services complies with all applicable local, state, national, and international laws, regulations, and ordinances, including but not limited to laws governing religious organizations, nonprofit entities, employment practices, and tax obligations. If any aspect of the Services is illegal or prohibited in Your jurisdiction, You must not use the Services and are solely responsible for any legal consequences.

4.2. No Liability for Legal Violations

The GLM/VFN Entities are not liable for any violations of law resulting from Your use of the Services. You agree to indemnify and hold harmless the GLM/VFN Entities from any claims or liabilities arising from Your non-compliance with applicable laws.

5. No Warranties

5.1. As-Is Basis

The Services are provided on an “as-is” and “as-available” basis, without warranties of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement, or availability. The GLM/VFN Entities do not guarantee that the Services will be uninterrupted, error-free, secure, or free from viruses or other harmful components.

5.2. Content Accuracy

Any content provided through the Services (e.g., messages, books, podcasts, suggested procedures, online teachings) reflects the opinions or teachings of the GLM/VFN Entities and is not guaranteed to be accurate, complete, or suitable for Your needs. You use such content at Your own discretion and risk.

6. Intellectual Property

6.1. Ownership

All content, materials, and intellectual property associated with the Services, including the GLM APP, messages, books, audios, podcasts, streaming content, suggested procedures, online teachings, and forms within church management systems, are owned by or licensed to the GLM/VFN Entities and are protected by copyright, trademark, and other laws. Content provided by third-party services (e.g., Pushpay, CHMS) is subject to the intellectual property rights of those providers. User-Generated Content is subject to the license and rights release in Section 13.3.

6.2. Limited License

You are granted a non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to access and use the Services for personal, non-commercial purposes, subject to this Agreement. You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, or create derivative works from the Services without prior written consent from the GLM/VFN Entities or applicable third-party providers.

7. Termination and Discontinuation

7.1. GLM/VFN Entities’ Rights

The GLM/VFN Entities may, at their sole discretion, terminate or suspend Your access to the Services, including participation in or management of groups, at any time, with or without notice, for any reason, including but not limited to violation of this Agreement or conduct that the GLM/VFN Entities, in their sole judgment, determine to conflict with the voluntary, faith-based environment we aim to foster for personal, relational, and Jesus-centered group connections.

7.2. User’s Freedom

You may discontinue using the Services at any time without notice or obligation to the GLM/VFN Entities.

8. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the GLM/VFN Entities from any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, or expenses (including attorneys’ fees) arising out of or related to Your use of the Services, violation of this Agreement, infringement of any third-party rights, including intellectual property rights, or Your interactions with other users, related entities, or third parties through the Services.

9. Governing Law and Arbitration

9.1. Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida, without regard to its conflict of law principles.

9.2. Binding Arbitration

Any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or relating to this Agreement or Your use of the Services, including but not limited to breach, enforcement, interpretation, or validity, shall be resolved exclusively through binding arbitration conducted in Escambia County, Florida. The arbitration shall be administered by a single arbitrator selected by the GLM/VFN Entities, in accordance with the rules of a reputable arbitration provider chosen by the GLM/VFN Entities (e.g., American Arbitration Association or a Christian arbitration service). The arbitration shall be conducted in accordance with Florida law, and the arbitrator shall apply Florida substantive law in resolving the dispute. The arbitrator’s decision shall be final and binding, and judgment on the award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction.

9.3. Costs and Confidentiality

Each party shall bear its own costs and attorneys’ fees in arbitration, unless the arbitrator awards otherwise as permitted by law. Arbitration proceedings shall be confidential, except as required for enforcement of the award.

9.4. No Class Actions or Collective Arbitration

You agree to resolve disputes individually and waive any right to participate in a class action, class arbitration, consolidated arbitration, or representative action against the GLM/VFN Entities.

9.5. Severability of Arbitration Clause

If any portion of this arbitration clause is found to be unenforceable, the remaining portions shall remain in effect, and disputes shall be resolved in the state or federal courts of Escambia County, Florida, as specified in Section 9.6.

9.6. Fallback Venue

In the event arbitration is deemed inapplicable or unenforceable, any legal action or proceeding arising under this Agreement shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Escambia County, Florida, and You consent to the personal jurisdiction and venue of such courts.

10. Entire Agreement

This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between You and the GLM/VFN Entities regarding the Services and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous agreements, whether written or oral. No amendment to this Agreement shall be effective unless in writing and signed by an authorized representative of the GLM/VFN Entities.

11. Severability

If any provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect, and the invalid provision shall be reformed to the extent necessary to make it enforceable.

12. Third-Party Services

12.1. Third-Party Providers

Certain Services, such as online donation platforms and church management systems (e.g., Pushpay’s CHMS and giving apps), are provided by third-party providers and are subject to their own terms of service, privacy policies, and data protection practices. The GLM/VFN Entities license or facilitate access to these third-party services, with Pushpay processing all electronic payments, but do not operate, control, or maintain them, nor are they responsible for their performance, security, availability, payment processing, or compliance with applicable laws.

12.2. No Liability for Third-Party Services

You acknowledge that Your use of third-party services is at Your sole risk, and the GLM/VFN Entities are not liable for any claims, damages, losses, or liabilities arising from or related to such services, including but not limited to data breaches, transaction errors, payment processing issues, or service interruptions. The GLM/VFN Entities are not liable for any recommendations, endorsements, or facilitation of third-party services, and You acknowledge that any reliance on such recommendations is at Your sole risk. You agree to direct any claims or disputes related to third-party services to the respective provider (e.g., Pushpay.com for its CHMS or giving apps).

12.3. Compliance with Third-Party Policies

You are solely responsible for complying with the terms, policies, and legal requirements of third-party providers when using their services through GLM or VFN.

13. User-Generated Content and Interaction Risks

13.1. User-Generated Content

The Services, including the GLM APP, websites, social media platforms used by GLM or VFN, or other online platforms, may allow You or other users to post, upload, or share content, such as images, personal images, videos, text, or other materials (“User-Generated Content”). GLM and VFN do not assume any responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or legality of User-Generated Content, and pursuant to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996, GLM and VFN are not liable for any User-Generated Content. The GLM/VFN Entities do not control, monitor, or endorse User-Generated Content and have no obligation to monitor, review, or remove User-Generated Content, and any decision to do so is at their sole discretion and does not create a duty to act. You acknowledge that User-Generated Content may include offensive, harmful, or inappropriate material, and You use the Services at Your sole risk.

13.2. No Liability for User-Generated Content

You hereby release, discharge, and hold harmless the GLM/VFN Entities from any and all claims, damages, losses, or liabilities arising from or related to User-Generated Content, including but not limited to claims of defamation, invasion of privacy, emotional distress, or intellectual property infringement. You agree to direct any claims related to User-Generated Content to the user responsible for posting it.

13.3. Content License and Rights Release

By posting, uploading, or sharing User-Generated Content on any GLM/VFN platform, including but not limited to the GLM APP, websites, or social media accounts operated by GLM or VFN, You grant the GLM/VFN Entities a perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide, royalty-free, non-exclusive license to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, distribute, display, and create derivative works from such content, in whole or in part, in any media (e.g., video, print, digital, or social media) for any purpose consistent with the vision and mission of GLM/VFN, including but not limited to promotional, educational, or ministry activities, without compensation or further consent. You release and waive all rights to such User-Generated Content, including but not limited to copyright, moral rights, and rights of publicity or privacy, and You represent and warrant that You have the authority to grant this license and release, including for any individuals depicted in the content (e.g., personal images or videos). You further represent and warrant that Your User-Generated Content does not infringe the intellectual property rights of any third party, and You agree to indemnify the GLM/VFN Entities for any claims arising from such infringement.

13.4. Interaction Risks

The Services, including the GLM APP, may enable users to connect, communicate, or interact with each other, with or without the knowledge or involvement of the GLM/VFN Entities. This includes, but is not limited to, participation in groups, small group gatherings in any location of their choosing, or activities organized through the Services by related entities or other users. You acknowledge that such interactions carry inherent risks, including the potential for physical, emotional, financial, or other harm, fraud, or illegal activity, and You engage in these interactions at Your sole risk. The GLM/VFN Entities are not responsible for any harm, loss, or liability resulting from user interactions, including but not limited to harm occurring within groups or small group gatherings formed on the GLM APP. You are free to join or leave any group, related entity, the GLM APP, or any supportive platform or service at any time, without obligation to the GLM/VFN Entities.

13.5. Responsibility for Minors

If You permit minor children to access or use the Services, including the GLM APP, You are solely responsible for supervising their activities, protecting them from exposure to inappropriate User-Generated Content or harmful interactions, and ensuring their safety. You acknowledge that the Services are not intended for unsupervised use by minors, and the GLM/VFN Entities are not liable for any claims arising from a minor’s exposure to User-Generated Content or interactions, even if such content or interactions are inappropriate or harmful.

13.6. Compliance with Laws and Policies

You are solely responsible for ensuring that Your User-Generated Content and interactions comply with all applicable laws (e.g., laws regarding obscenity, privacy, or intellectual property) and the policies of the GLM/VFN Entities or third-party providers (e.g., Pushpay). The GLM/VFN Entities may remove or restrict access to User-Generated Content at their discretion, without liability.

13.7. Communication Methods

GLM/VFN may use ClearStream and/or other texting platforms to communicate with some or all individuals, churches, ministries, or groups in a voluntary relationship with GLM/VFN for purposes including, but not limited to, events, updates, safety notifications, and encouragement. By accepting these Terms of Service, you provide prior express consent to receive text communications from GLM/VFN. You may opt out of receiving texts at any time by replying ‘STOP’ to any message, updating your preferences in the GLM APP, or contacting GLM/VFN at [email protected] or 850-780-6520. GLM/VFN will honor opt-out requests promptly and maintain the confidentiality of your information per Florida law (Fla. Stat. § 501.171).

14. Referrals and Connections

Any reference on our website, printed materials, or other platforms to “connecting with” or “joining” related entities (e.g., “How to Connect with Our Related Entities”) is intended as a service to direct individuals to independent organizations or individuals. We are not responsible for their policies, actions, or membership processes. Users are advised that participation in related entities is with those entities alone, and any issues should be addressed directly with them.

15. Terms Subject to Change

These Terms of Service and any related policies may be updated, revised, or changed at any time without prior notice. By continuing to access or use the Services after changes are posted, You agree to be bound by the updated terms. It is Your responsibility to review the Terms of Service periodically to stay informed of any modifications.

16. Acknowledgment and Acceptance

By typing Your name below or otherwise accessing or using the Services, You acknowledge that You have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Agreement in its entirety. You further acknowledge that:

• You are at least 18 years of age or have parental consent to use the Services.
• Your use of the Services, including third-party services, User-Generated Content, and user interactions, is at Your sole risk, with no liability or obligation to the GLM/VFN Entities.
• You grant the GLM/VFN Entities a license to use Your User-Generated Content and release all rights to such content, as set forth in Section 13.3.
• You are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and third-party policies in Your jurisdiction, and for supervising and protecting any minor children using the Services.
• You have no expectation of any legal, corporate, partnership, membership, or other binding relationship with the GLM/VFN Entities.
• You release the GLM/VFN Entities from all claims and liabilities as set forth herein, including those related to User-Generated Content, user interactions, and related entities.