Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using TheShepherdNetwork.org ("the Site"), operated by The Shepherd Network LLC ("we," "us," or "our"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use the Site. We reserve the right to update these terms at any time, and continued use of the Site constitutes acceptance of any changes.

2. Description of Service

The Shepherd Network is a faith-based online ministry platform that provides daily devotionals, weekly journal articles, video content, community forums, and related digital services. The Site offers both free and paid membership tiers: The Fold (free), The Well (Tier 1 paid), and The Upper Room (Tier 2 paid). Access to certain content and features is restricted based on membership tier.

3. Account Registration

To access certain features, you must create an account and provide accurate, complete information. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activity that occurs under your account. You must be at least 13 years of age to create an account. If you are under 18, you must have parental or guardian consent to use this Site.

4. Paid Memberships and Billing

Paid memberships (The Well and The Upper Room) are billed on a recurring basis — either monthly or annually — through Stripe, our third-party payment processor. By subscribing, you authorize us to charge your payment method at the applicable rate until you cancel.

Auto-Renewal Disclosure: Your subscription will automatically renew at the end of each billing period unless you cancel before the renewal date. You may cancel at any time through your account settings or by contacting us. Cancellation takes effect at the end of the current billing period — you will retain access until that date. No partial refunds are issued for unused portions of a billing period.

Price Changes: We reserve the right to change subscription prices. If we do, we will provide at least 30 days' notice before the new price takes effect. Continued use after the price change constitutes acceptance of the new rate.

5. Discount Codes and Promotions

Welcome discount codes are provided to new paid members after payment verification. These codes are valid for exactly 30 minutes from the moment they are revealed and cannot be extended, reissued, or combined with other offers. Seasonal and AI-generated random discount codes are subject to their own terms as disclosed at the time of issuance.

6. User Conduct

You agree not to:

• Post content that is hateful, threatening, obscene, or otherwise objectionable
• Harass, bully, or intimidate other members
• Share false or misleading information
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to other accounts or site systems
• Use the Site for any commercial purpose without our written consent
• Violate any applicable law or regulation

Community posts are AI-moderated to maintain a respectful, faith-centered environment. We reserve the right to remove content and suspend accounts that violate these standards.

7. Intellectual Property

All content on the Site — including devotionals, articles, video scripts, graphics, logos, and software — is the property of The Shepherd Network LLC or its licensors and is protected by copyright and intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works from our content without express written permission.

8. AI-Generated Content

Portions of the content on this Site — including daily devotionals, journal articles, video scripts, and community responses — are generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence. All AI-generated content is reviewed for biblical accuracy and adherence to our ministry standards. While we strive for accuracy, we encourage all readers to verify Scripture references independently using the NASB (2020) translation.

9. SMS and Email Communications

By providing your phone number and opting in to text messaging, you consent to receive SMS notifications from The Shepherd Network regarding content updates, community announcements, discount codes, and ministry communications. Message and data rates may apply. You may opt out at any time by replying STOP to any message. See our SMS Terms for full details.

10. Privacy

Your use of the Site is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which describes how we collect, use, and protect your personal information. By using the Site, you consent to the practices described in the Privacy Policy.

11. Limitation of Liability

The Shepherd Network LLC provides the Site and its content on an "as is" basis. We make no warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising from your use of the Site.

12. Governing Law

These Terms of Service are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any disputes arising from these terms shall be resolved in the courts of Anderson County, Kentucky.

13. Contact

If you have questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us through our Contact page or email us at the address provided on the Site. All communications are handled in writing — we do not make phone calls.