PRIVACY POLICY
Privacy Policy
Bethel Koinonia Bible College
Effective Date: 1 January 2026
At Bethel Koinonia Bible College (referred to as "we," "us," "our," or the "College"), we are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information responsibly. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, store, and protect personal information when you interact with our online platforms, including our website, online courses, registration forms, applications, and any related services (collectively, the "Services").
This policy applies to all visitors, prospective students, enrolled students, alumni, donors, faculty, staff, and other users of our online Services. By accessing or using our Services, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.
We operate as a faith-based, online Bible college dedicated to providing biblical education and ministry training. We collect only the information necessary to deliver our educational programs, support our community, and comply with legal obligations.
1. Information We Collect
We may collect the following types of information:
Personal Information You Provide Directly
- Name, email address, mailing address, phone number
- Date of birth, gender (if relevant for enrollment or demographics)
- Educational background, previous studies, or ministry experience
- Payment information (such as credit card details) when registering for courses or making donations (processed securely by third-party payment providers)
- Any information you submit in application forms, course registrations, inquiries, forums, comments, prayer requests, or other communications
Automatically Collected Information
- IP address, browser type, device information, operating system
- Pages visited, time and date of access, referral sources
- Cookies, web beacons, or similar technologies for site functionality and analytics
**Information from Third Parties**
- We may receive information from payment processors, email service providers, or analytics tools we use to support our operations.
We do not knowingly collect sensitive personal information (such as racial or ethnic origin, religious beliefs beyond general Christian affiliation, health data, or political opinions) unless voluntarily provided in the context of enrollment or ministry-related communications.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect for the following purposes:
- To process course registrations, deliver online education, manage student accounts, issue certificates, and provide academic support
- To communicate with you about your studies, updates, newsletters, events, prayer needs, or ministry opportunities
- To process payments and donations securely
- To improve our website, courses, and user experience (through aggregated analytics)
- To prevent fraud, enforce our terms of use, and ensure the security of our Services
- To comply with legal obligations, respond to lawful requests, or protect our rights
- For internal administrative purposes, such as record-keeping and program evaluation
We process personal information based on your consent (e.g., when you provide it voluntarily), contractual necessity (e.g., to deliver enrolled courses), legitimate interests (e.g., improving our Services), or legal requirements.
3. Sharing of Information
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes. We may share information in limited circumstances:
- With service providers who assist us (e.g., hosting providers, learning management system platforms, payment processors, email services, analytics tools). These parties are contractually required to protect your data and use it only for the purposes we specify.
- With affiliated ministry partners or instructors involved in delivering courses, where necessary for educational purposes.
- To comply with legal processes, court orders, or regulatory requirements.
- In connection with a merger, acquisition, or reorganization of the College (with notice where required).
We do not share student educational records except as permitted under applicable privacy laws or with your consent.
4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance functionality, analyze usage, and personalize experience. You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings. For more details, see our separate Cookie Policy (if applicable) or contact us.
We do not respond to "Do Not Track" browser signals at this time, as no universal standard exists.
5. Data Security
We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, loss, misuse, or alteration. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.
6. Data Retention
We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, provide our Services, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce agreements. Student records are retained in accordance with standard educational retention practices.
7. Your Rights and Choices
Depending on your location and applicable laws (such as GDPR for EU residents or CCPA for California residents), you may have rights including:
- Access to your personal information
- Correction of inaccurate data
- Deletion of your data (subject to legal retention requirements)
- Restriction or objection to processing
- Withdrawal of consent (where processing is consent-based)
- Portability of data
To exercise these rights, contact us at the details below. We will respond within the timeframes required by law.
You may also unsubscribe from marketing emails using the link provided in communications.
8. International Data Transfers
As an online college serving a global audience, your information may be processed in countries outside your country of residence. We take appropriate safeguards to ensure your data receives adequate protection in line with this policy.
9. Children's Privacy
Our Services are not directed to children under 13 (or 16 in some jurisdictions). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under these ages. If we learn such information has been collected, we will delete it promptly.
10. Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to external sites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those sites. Review their privacy policies before providing information.
11. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. We encourage you to review it periodically. Significant changes may be communicated via email or website notice.
12. Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact us:
Bethel Koinonia Bible College
Email: admin@bethelkbiblecollege.org (or use the contact form on our website)
We are committed to addressing your privacy concerns in a timely manner.
Thank you for trusting us with your information as you pursue biblical studies and ministry training with Bethel Koinonia Bible College.
Last updated: 1 January 2026