Terms of Service
ACS Technologies Group, Inc., and its affiliates, their officers, directors, employees, or agents (collectively referred to as "ACST") creates software solutions to help churches, schools, and organizations fulfill their missions.ACST also provides Managed IT services to churches, non-profits, and faith based organizations through our Higher Ground division. You may be a visitor ("Visitor") to our websites ("Websites") or a customer ("Customer" or "Licensee") who purchased or is using our products and services (collectively, "Services").
We have a direct relationship with Customers that have created an account or a site with us and pay for our Services (e.g. denominational alliances, diocese, organizations, churches, parishes). These Customers may share licensed access to their account or site with authorized churches, organizations, or individuals. They are all considered our Customers, but we have different responsibilities to those with whom we have direct relationships. We'll specify when we're referring to particular kinds of Customers, otherwise we'll refer to "you" generally.
Our Services are designed to help our Customers manage administrative duties, provide demographic data to plan for growth, and communicate with each other (e.g. chat, messaging, email, or by sharing posts and events) in a secure, online environment.
These Terms of Service (the "Terms") outline your responsibilities while using Our Services and Websites, as well as our responsibilities to our Visitors and Customers. To learn how we collect and use your personal information, please review our Privacy Policy.
Compliance with Laws
ACST produces software, images, videos, typefaces, graphics, music, sounds and other material (collectively "ACST Intellectual Property and Content") we produce and we have a great deal of respect for content that belongs to others. Please take the time to review our Intellectual Property Policy to learn when you can share ACST Intellectual Property and Content.
ACST is obligated to disclose any content or electronic communication of any kind (a) to satisfy any law, regulation or government request - of which we will notify the Customer as soon as practicable; (b) if such disclosure is necessary or appropriate to operate the Services; or (c) to protect the rights, data, or content on the Websites and Services, belonging to you or to our providers.
When using our Services to store data, you are solely responsible for the content of that data. Your use of our Services is subject to all applicable local, state, national, and international laws and regulations. You will:
- not use our Services for any illegal purposes;
- not use our Services to store, retrieve, transmit or view any Prohibited Content;
- not use our Services to send any spam, chain letters or otherwise disrupt the Services or the networks through which you access and use the Services;
- comply with United States and other applicable laws regarding the exportation and re-exportation of any data or other materials from the United States or other jurisdictions through our Services;
- comply with all regulations, policies, and procedures of networks through which you access and use our Services.
ACST may use automated procedures to detect unacceptable use and may immediately disable any offending accounts.
Online Conduct
ACST has the right, but is not obligated to monitor all conduct and content on our Services and Websites. When you use our Web-based and mobile Services to communicate with others, ACST expects you to behave in a way that positively reflects your organization. We also expect that you encourage a safe, respectful environment. Posting or sharing content that is unlawful, harmful, threatening, abusive, harassing, defamatory, vulgar, obscene, sexually explicit, profane, hateful, racist, or that demonstrates religious discrimination is prohibited.
We reserve the right to remove communication or content that we deem to be harmful to others or violates any laws. We may also investigate allegations that violate the expectations of your conduct online. ACST, nor any of our providers can ensure prompt removal of questionable content after it has been posted online. Accordingly, ACST does not assume liability for any action or inaction with respect to conduct, communication, or content on our Services.
Likewise, if you're using a chat feature or providing feedback on our Websites, we expect that you communicate with civility and respect. If ACST determines that any Customer has violated any law, or is using our Services in violation of these Terms, we may suspend or prohibit them from using our Services.
ACST also prohibits the following while using our Services:
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unauthorized use of copyrighted pictures, materials or information;
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harassing, libelous, abusive, threatening, harmful, vulgar, pornographic, obscene or otherwise objectionable material of any kind or nature; material that encourages conduct that could constitute a criminal offense, give rise to civil liability, or otherwise violate any applicable local, state, national, or international law or regulation;
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code or material that violates the intellectual property rights of others;
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temporary files of any kind (including, without limitation, any *.p or ~*.* files); or viruses, worms, "Trojan horses" or any other similar contaminating or destructive features.
ACST considers any and all of the above content to be prohibited ("Prohibited Content").
We expect that you communicate with civility and respect while using our Services. If ACST determines that any Customer has violated any law, or is using our Services in violation of these Terms, we may suspend or prohibit them from using our Services.
Be Considerate of Others
Anything that you post on certain Services may become available for public consumption.
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Do not copy or use personally identifiable information ("PII") that belongs to someone else without their permission.
PII is information that can be used on its own or with other information to identify, contact, or locate someone else. PII has different definitions based on the state law or federal regulation. Typically, it must include someone's first name and last name, in combination with one or more of these elements: social security number, date of birth, driver's license, address, email address, checking account number, or credit/debit card number + CVV and/or PIN. Please check with your state for more information regarding PII.
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Carefully consider sharing sensitive information about others.
Sensitive information can include many things, but think of it as being detailed in a prayer request or a post about a recent death. If you don’t have permission to share that information, don’t. Some people may not want certain, personal or sensitive information to be broadcast. Be considerate and ask for consent before posting anything that involves someone else.
Using our Mobile Solutions and Apps
All of our mobile solutions require a compatible mobile device, ACST software, Internet, and/or network access. You understand and agree that you're responsible for meeting these requirements. ACST mobile apps are available for download on iTunes® and Google Play®. Most ACST apps are free to download if you have authorized access to ACST software. Our mobile apps will work with the software programs indicated, according to the system requirements noted. All mobile apps use data, and therefore, using ACST mobile apps will affect your data usage and costs with your mobile provider. ACST is not responsible for any fees related to usage of your mobile device.
ACST is obligated to inform you about changes or other events that may affect how you use our Services. In those times, we will notify you via online and/or mobile alerts. If an alert is mandatory, we do not allow you to "turn it off", but you may opt out of receiving any voluntary communications we send.
Use of Artificial Intelligence
Customer acknowledges that the Services may include components or features powered by third-party or ACST-created artificial intelligence (“AI”), including but not limited to natural language processing, machine learning models, image generating, and automated decision-making tools. AI functionality may process Customer Data to enable or improve system performance, personalization, or predictive analytics. For more details on how we handle your data, please refer to our Privacy Policy.
ACST shall implement commercially reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational safeguards to protect Customer Data processed by AI components in accordance with this Agreement. While ACST will use reasonable efforts to ensure the secure and compliant use of AI technologies, ACST does not warrant or guarantee the behavior or outcomes of AI-generated outputs, nor the retention, reuse, or deletion of data by third-party AI tools beyond ACST’s direct control.
Customer remains responsible for the accuracy and appropriateness of data inputs and any reliance on AI-generated results.
Use of Alpha and Beta Services
From time to time, ACST may invite Customers and Authorized Users to participate in a program regarding certain pre-release, beta, or alpha services, features or functionality (collectively, “Beta Services”). Participation in any Beta Service is entirely optional. Any services designated by ACST as Beta Services (e.g., “alpha,” “beta,” “pilot,” “limited release,” “developer preview,” or other similar designation) are solely for Customer's evaluation purposes. By opting into any Beta Service, Customer agrees to participate in usage and other testing, and provide feedback about such Beta Services, as reasonably requested by ACST. Beta Services are explicitly not considered Services provided under this Agreement, and are therefore not supported, may contain bugs or errors, and may be subject to additional program terms. ACST may discontinue any Beta Service at any time, for any reason, without notice, and may never make such Beta Service generally available. Beta Services are provided “AS IS,” “WITH ALL FAULTS,” and “AS AVAILABLE,” without any express or implied warranty or indemnities of any kind. ACST will have no liability for, and Customer hereby fully and irrevocably release ACST from, any liability, loss, damage, or expense arising out of or in connection with Customer's or any Authorized User’s use of or reliance on any Beta Service.
Limitation of Liability and Force Majeure
We want you to enjoy using our Services; however, Internet availability and outages may cause interruptions to your service. We do not provide warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. We offer our Services on an "as is" and "as available" basis, to the maximum extent permitted by law.
ACST won’t be held liable for any delays or failure in performance of any part of our Services, from any cause beyond our control. This includes, but is not limited to, acts of God, changes to law or regulations, embargoes, war, terrorist acts, riots, fires, earthquakes, nuclear accidents, floods, strikes, power blackouts, volcanic action, unusually severe weather conditions, and/or malicious acts of hackers.
Our Services may contain links to other, unrelated external sites. ACST is not responsible for the content those websites contain. Visiting these other websites is at your own risk.
Financial Transactions
ACST provides ways for you to register for paid events, tithe, donate, purchase training courses, or pay your monthly subscription for our Services. When you initiate a financial transaction, in general the following steps take place:
- You may initiate payment through a secure wire transfer payment using ACH (via a U.S. bank account) or PAD (via a Canadian bank account), or with a credit card.
- Once a one-time or recurring payment is set up, you've authorized an electronic transfer of funds from your bank account or credit card in the amount you specify.
- ACST, and/or an authorized agent, intermediary, or ACST partner, will obtain the funds per your instructions by debiting a bank account or charging a credit card that you designate.
- Your bank account or credit card statement will keep a record of the transaction(s), indicating the name of the designated recipient.
- We use strong encryption to protect sensitive information and we will only transfer funds from your bank account or credit card with your authorization.
- If you use a mobile device for financial transactions, you are responsible for the security of your mobile device. We cannot and will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from your failure to maintain the security of your device.
SMS Texting Terms
This is a brief description of the types of messages you can expect to receive if you opt to use texting services. You will receive text messages (SMS) to your mobile number. These messages may vary depending on the interaction.
Opt-out: You may cancel the SMS service at any time by texting "STOP" to the short code (e.g. 73256) or a ten digit long code (e.g. 1-234-567-8901), whichever is applicable. As soon as we receive this message, we will send you a confirmation via text stating that you have been unsubscribed. After this, you will no longer receive SMS messages from us. If you want to join again, just sign up as you did the first time.
Help: If you experience issues with the SMS messaging program, reply "HELP" for more assistance, or call 1-800-669-2509.
Interruption: Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.
Cost: Message and data rates may apply for any messages sent to you from us and to us from you. You will only receive text messages if you initiate communication. If you have any questions about your text plan or data plan, please contact your wireless provider.
If you have any questions regarding privacy, please read our Privacy Policy.
Handling Sensitive Credit Card Data
All organizations that handle payment card data are required to comply with the PCI Data Security Standards ("PCI DSS"). As such, ACST has met the criteria for PCI compliance and will adhere to PCI DSS requirements with regard to access and use of cardholder data. Likewise, Customers who accept payment cards using our eGiving Services are also required to comply with PCI and complete an annual PCI security questionnaire. For more information about PCI and your responsibilities, visit our PCI Frequently Asked Questions.
Export Clause
The United States export control laws regulate the export and re-export of technology originating in the United States. This includes the electronic transmission of information and software to foreign countries and to certain foreign nationals. The Customer agrees to abide by these laws and their regulations—including but not limited to the Export Administration Act and the Arms Export Control Act and not to transfer, by electronic transmission or otherwise, any Content derived from the Sites to either a foreign national or a foreign destination in violation of such laws.
Governing Law and Severability
Any dispute involving ACST will be governed by the laws of the State of South Carolina under the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in Florence County, South Carolina, where our headquarters are located.
These Terms prohibit you from transferring, assigning, or otherwise delegating any rights or obligations of your account to another person or entity. Conversely, under these Terms, we may assign our respective rights and obligations without notice or consent. This may be in connection with a merger, consolidation, reorganization, or sale of our respective, related assets or similar transaction. The provisions of these Terms are intended to be severable. If for any reason one provision is held invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of the provisions are held separate and still apply.
Term and Termination
When the Customer determines that Services are no longer needed, the term will continue until the end of the current Billing Period and the Agreement is terminated.
To cancel this Agreement, please call 1-800-736-7425. You must be authorized to make account changes and are responsible for paying any outstanding payments. You will be requested to complete a brief exit interview before terminating this Agreement.
You agree that ACST may terminate or suspend your account and access to the Services in the event of any of the following: (a) breach or violation of this Agreement or other incorporated agreements or guidelines, (b) requests by law enforcement or other governmental agencies, (c) request by you, or (d) failure to pay any fees owed for the Services.
Upon termination: (a) we have no obligation to provide any Services after the effective date of the termination; (b) you will immediately pay to us any fees and other amounts that have accrued prior to the effective date of the termination; and (c) any and all liabilities accrued prior to the effective date of the termination will survive. All provisions of this Agreement which by their nature extend beyond the expiration or termination of this Agreement shall survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement.
Updates to the Terms
These Terms are subject to change at any time and we update them periodically. The date it was last revised appears at the top of the policy. Changes take effect immediately upon posting. When this policy changes significantly, we will make reasonable efforts to notify our Customers of those changes; however we encourage you to check back from time to time.
Customers are responsible for making sure ACST has the correct contact information to reach you. If you need to change your communication preferences with us, please call Support at 1-800-669-2509.
Legal Disclaimer
ACST DOES NOT REPRESENT THAT ANY CONTENT, INFORMATION, SUGGESTIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS OR OTHER ADVICE PROVIDED WILL BE SAFE, APPROPRIATE, OR EFFECTIVE, AND ARE PROVIDED SOLELY FOR GENERAL INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES. NO ADVICE PROVIDED BY ACST CONSTITUTES LEGAL, ACCOUNTING OR OTHER PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. YOU EXPRESSLY ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT ANY RELIANCE ON ANY SUCH ADVICE, CONTENT OR INFORMATION IS STRICTLY AT YOUR OWN RISK. ACST DOES NOT WARRANT THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE CONTENT OR INFORMATION PROVIDED. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PROVIDED BY LAW, IN NO EVENT WILL ACST, ITS AFFILIATES, OR THEIR LICENSORS, SERVICE PROVIDERS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, OFFICERS, OR DIRECTORS BE LIABLE FOR, AND YOU HEREBY HOLD EACH OF THE FOREGOING HARMLESS FROM, DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, UNDER ANY LEGAL THEORY, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH YOUR USE OF ANY ADVICE, CONTENT OR INFORMATION MADE AVAILABLE TO YOU.