Terms of Service

Terms & Conditions

Our commitment to transparent and faithful service. Please review these terms to understand how we can serve you better through our website and ministry.

Terms and Conditions

Last Updated: September 02, 2025

"Let all that you do be done in love. Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power, conducting all affairs with integrity, compassion, and faithful stewardship."

1 Corinthians 16:14 & Ephesians 6:10

1 Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to Excellence Directory. By accessing and using our website, services, and resources, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions ("Terms"). These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Excellence Directory ("we," "us," or "our").

By using our services, you acknowledge that:

  • You have read, understood, and agree to these Terms
  • You are at least 18 years old or have parental/guardian consent
  • You will comply with all applicable laws and regulations
  • You respect our faith-based mission and values
  • You understand that our services are provided in a Christian context

If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, please discontinue use of our services immediately. Your continued use of our platform after any changes to these Terms constitutes acceptance of those changes.

Agreement Scope

These Terms apply to all users, including consumers, businesses, churches, ministries, and any other organizations using our platform. Additional terms may apply to specific features or services.

2 Use of Services

Excellence Directory provides a platform connecting Christians with trusted professionals, businesses, and ministries to build a stronger faith community rooted in biblical values and Kingdom principles.

Our Services Include

  • Professional and business directory listings
  • Church finder and ministry connections
  • Real-time messaging between users
  • Golden Cross verification system
  • Event creation and management
  • Job posting and career opportunities
  • Reviews and testimonials
  • Kingdom Connections TV features

Permitted Uses

You may use our services for:

  • Finding and connecting with Christian professionals and services
  • Promoting your Christian business or ministry
  • Participating in community programs and events
  • Seeking guidance and support within our faith community
  • Sharing testimonies and experiences in appropriate forums
  • Building Kingdom-focused business relationships

Service Availability

While we strive to maintain continuous service availability, we do not guarantee uninterrupted access. We reserve the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue any aspect of our services at any time for maintenance, updates, or other operational reasons.

3 User Accounts and Registration

Certain features of our platform require you to create an account. When registering, you agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information about yourself or your organization.

Account Types

  • Consumer Accounts: For individuals seeking Christian services
  • Business Accounts: For Christian-owned businesses and professionals
  • Church/Ministry Accounts: For religious organizations and ministries
  • Nonprofit Accounts: For faith-based nonprofit organizations

Account Responsibilities

  • Maintain the confidentiality of your account credentials
  • Notify us immediately of any unauthorized access or security breaches
  • Accept responsibility for all activities under your account
  • Provide truthful information during registration and keep it current
  • Use your account in accordance with our community standards
  • Submit accurate Statement of Faith for verification

Golden Cross Verification

Organizations seeking Golden Cross verification must submit a Statement of Faith that aligns with biblical Christian principles. This verification helps ensure authentic faith-based community connections.

Account Termination

You may terminate your account at any time. We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms, our community standards, or applicable laws. Upon termination, your access to paid services may cease, and your data may be deleted according to our data retention policies.

4 Content and Intellectual Property

All content on Excellence Directory, including text, graphics, logos, images, audio, video, software, and biblical interpretations, is owned by Excellence Directory or our licensors and is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws.

Our Content - Permitted Uses

You may:

  • View and download content for personal, non-commercial use
  • Share our content with proper attribution and links back to our website
  • Use our resources for educational and personal ministry purposes
  • Print materials for personal study and small group use
  • Reference our directory listings for legitimate business purposes

Our Content - Prohibited Uses

You may not:

  • Sell, modify, or redistribute our content without written permission
  • Remove copyright notices, watermarks, or proprietary markings
  • Use our content for commercial purposes without explicit consent
  • Claim ownership of our original content or materials
  • Use our content in ways that misrepresent our beliefs or mission
  • Scrape or harvest data from our platform using automated tools

User-Generated Content

By submitting content to us (profiles, testimonials, reviews, messages, job posts), you grant us a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, modify, display, and distribute such content for platform operation and ministry purposes.

You represent that any content you submit:

  • Is original or you have the right to share it
  • Does not violate any third-party rights
  • Is accurate and not misleading
  • Complies with our community standards

5 User Conduct and Community Standards

We strive to maintain a respectful, loving, and supportive community. All users are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with Christian principles, common courtesy, and these community standards.

Expected Behavior

We encourage:

  • Respectful and courteous communication
  • Honest and transparent business practices
  • Constructive feedback and testimonials
  • Support for fellow community members
  • Sharing of uplifting testimonies and experiences
  • Professional conduct in all business interactions

Prohibited Activities

You agree not to:

  • Use offensive, discriminatory, or hateful language toward any person or group
  • Harass, threaten, intimidate, or bully other users
  • Share inappropriate, explicit, or sexually suggestive content
  • Promote illegal activities, substances, or harmful behaviors
  • Send spam, unsolicited communications, or excessive promotional materials
  • Impersonate others or provide false information about your identity or credentials
  • Attempt to hack, disrupt, or compromise our systems or user accounts
  • Use our services for unauthorized commercial solicitation outside platform guidelines
  • Share content that violates copyright or other intellectual property rights
  • Create fake accounts or manipulate reviews and ratings
  • Engage in activities that could damage our reputation or mission

Reporting Violations

If you encounter inappropriate behavior or content, please report it to us immediately. We take community standards seriously and will investigate all reports promptly and fairly.

6 Subscriptions, Payments, and Donations

Excellence Directory offers various subscription plans and accepts voluntary donations to support our ministry and platform operations. All financial transactions are processed securely through trusted payment processors.

Subscription Services

We offer subscription plans for:

  • Business and professional listings with enhanced features
  • Church and ministry profiles with extended capabilities
  • Premium directory placement and visibility
  • Advanced messaging and communication tools
  • Event management and promotion features
  • Job posting and recruitment services

Payment Terms

  • Subscription fees are charged in advance on a recurring basis
  • All prices are subject to change with 30 days notice
  • Payments are non-refundable except as required by law
  • Failed payments may result in service suspension
  • You may cancel subscriptions at any time with future billing cessation

Donations

  • All donations are voluntary contributions to support our mission
  • Donations are generally non-refundable
  • Donation receipts will be provided for tax deduction purposes
  • Funds will be used to support our stated mission and operational needs
  • We maintain financial transparency and accountability in fund usage

Automatic Renewal

Subscriptions automatically renew unless cancelled before the next billing cycle. You will receive advance notice of renewal and can cancel at any time through your account settings or by contacting support.

7 Platform Features and Limitations

Excellence Directory provides various features and tools to help connect our Christian community. However, certain limitations and guidelines apply to ensure fair usage and platform stability.

Directory Listings

  • Business listings must represent legitimate Christian-owned businesses
  • Church listings must represent authentic Christian congregations
  • All listing information must be accurate and current
  • Photos and content must be appropriate and family-friendly
  • Business hours, contact information, and services must be kept updated

Messaging and Communication

  • Real-time messaging is provided for legitimate business and ministry connections
  • Messages must comply with our community standards
  • Spam, harassment, and inappropriate content are prohibited
  • We reserve the right to monitor communications for safety and compliance

Job Postings and Events

  • Job postings must comply with employment laws and Christian workplace standards
  • Events must align with our faith-based mission and community values
  • All postings must be accurate and not misleading
  • Inappropriate or irrelevant content may be removed

Reviews and Testimonials

  • Reviews must be honest and based on actual experiences
  • Fake reviews, review manipulation, and review exchanges are prohibited
  • Reviews should be constructive and helpful to other community members
  • Personal attacks and inappropriate language are not allowed

8 Disclaimers and Warranties

Our services are provided "as is" and "as available" without warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement.

Service Disclaimers

  • We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of directory listings
  • Business and service quality are not warranted or endorsed by us
  • We are not responsible for the conduct or performance of listed businesses
  • Golden Cross verification indicates faith statement review, not service quality guarantee
  • Individual results and experiences with listed services may vary

Technical Disclaimers

  • We do not guarantee uninterrupted service or error-free operation
  • Technical issues, maintenance, and updates may affect availability
  • Data backup and recovery are provided on a best-effort basis
  • Third-party integrations and services are beyond our direct control

Content and Information Disclaimer

  • Information provided is for general guidance and educational purposes
  • Content should not be considered professional advice (legal, medical, financial)
  • We encourage verification of important information from primary sources
  • Biblical teachings and spiritual guidance are provided for inspirational purposes

Third-Party Services

Our platform may contain links to or integrate with third-party services. We are not responsible for the content, privacy practices, or terms of service of these external providers.

9 Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Excellence Directory, its directors, employees, volunteers, and affiliates shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from or related to your use of our services.

Scope of Liability Limitations

This limitation includes but is not limited to:

  • Loss of profits, revenue, or business opportunities
  • Loss of data, information, or business relationships
  • Costs of substitute services or products
  • Business interruption or commercial loss
  • Personal injury or emotional distress (except as required by law)
  • Interruption of services or technical failures
  • Actions or conduct of other users or third parties
  • Unauthorized access to or alteration of your data

Maximum Liability

Our total liability for any claims arising from or related to our services shall not exceed the greater of:

  • The amount you have paid to us in the twelve months preceding the claim, or
  • One hundred dollars ($100)

Basis of Liability

These limitations apply regardless of the legal theory on which the claim is based, whether in contract, tort, negligence, strict liability, or otherwise, and even if we have been advised of the possibility of such damages.

Essential Purpose

You acknowledge that the limitations of liability set forth in these Terms reflect a reasonable allocation of risk and that we would not provide our services without these limitations.

10 Indemnification

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Excellence Directory, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents, and licensors from and against any and all claims, damages, obligations, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses arising from:

Indemnification Scope

  • Your use of our services and platform
  • Your violation of these Terms or our community standards
  • Your violation of any third-party rights, including intellectual property rights
  • Content you submit, post, or transmit through our services
  • Your business practices or service delivery to other users
  • Any false or misleading information you provide
  • Your failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations

Defense Obligations

This indemnification obligation includes providing us with reasonable cooperation and assistance in defending any claims and paying all costs, expenses, and attorneys' fees associated with such claims.

Notice and Cooperation

We will provide you with prompt written notice of any claim for which we seek indemnification, and you will have the right to participate in the defense of such claim with counsel of your choosing.

Settlement Authority

You may not settle any claim without our prior written consent. We reserve the right to assume the exclusive defense and control of any matter for which you are required to indemnify us.

11 Termination and Account Suspension

Either party may terminate this agreement at any time. You may stop using our services at any time. We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your access to our services for violations of these Terms, our community standards, or applicable laws.

Grounds for Termination

We may terminate or suspend your access for:

  • Material breach of these Terms and Conditions
  • Violation of our community standards or values
  • Fraudulent, deceptive, or illegal activities
  • Abuse of our services, systems, or other users
  • Failure to pay subscription fees or other amounts owed
  • Providing false information during registration or verification
  • Conduct that damages our reputation or community
  • Legal requirements or regulatory compliance

Notice and Appeal Process

  • We will provide reasonable notice before termination when possible
  • Immediate termination may occur for serious violations or security concerns
  • You may appeal termination decisions through our support channels
  • Appeals will be reviewed fairly and in accordance with Christian principles

Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

  • Your right to use our services will cease immediately
  • We may delete your account and associated data
  • You remain responsible for any outstanding obligations
  • Access to paid services or features will be revoked
  • Certain provisions of these Terms will survive termination

Data Retention After Termination

Following termination, we may retain certain data as required by law, for legitimate business purposes, or to prevent abuse. Personal data will be handled according to our Privacy Policy.

12 Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, United States, without regard to its conflict of law principles.

Christian Dispute Resolution

In keeping with Christian principles and biblical teachings, we encourage the resolution of disputes through direct, loving communication and Christian mediation before pursuing legal action, following the pattern outlined in Matthew 18:15-17.

Preferred Resolution Process:

  1. Direct Communication: Address concerns directly with the other party
  2. Platform Mediation: Involve our support team for assistance
  3. Christian Mediation: Use qualified Christian mediation services
  4. Legal Action: Pursue legal remedies only as a last resort

Arbitration Agreement

For disputes that cannot be resolved through the above process, both parties agree to binding arbitration under the rules of the American Arbitration Association, conducted by a neutral arbitrator experienced in Christian business practices when possible.

Jurisdiction

Any legal disputes that cannot be resolved through arbitration shall be resolved in the state and federal courts located in California, and you consent to the personal jurisdiction of such courts.

Class Action Waiver

You agree that any dispute resolution proceedings will be conducted on an individual basis and not in a class, consolidated, or representative action.

Exceptions to Arbitration

Nothing in this section prevents either party from seeking injunctive relief in court to protect intellectual property rights or prevent irreparable harm.

13 Changes to Terms and Notifications

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time to reflect changes in our services, legal requirements, or operational needs. When we make changes, we will update the "Last Updated" date and provide appropriate notice to our community.

Types of Changes

  • Minor Changes: Clarifications, formatting, or non-substantive updates
  • Material Changes: Modifications that significantly affect your rights or obligations
  • Emergency Changes: Immediate updates required for legal compliance or security

Notification Methods

We will notify you of changes through:

  • Prominent notice on our website and platform
  • Email notifications to registered users for material changes
  • In-app notifications and alerts
  • Announcements in our newsletters
  • Direct communication for significant changes affecting your account

Advance Notice

  • Material changes will be announced at least 30 days in advance when possible
  • Minor changes may be posted without advance notice
  • Emergency changes will be communicated as soon as practicable

Your Options

Following notification of changes:

  • Review the updated Terms carefully
  • Contact us with questions or concerns
  • Continue using our services to accept the changes
  • Discontinue using our services if you disagree with the changes

Your continued use of our services after the effective date of any changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

14 Miscellaneous Provisions

These miscellaneous provisions address important legal and operational aspects of our Terms and Conditions that ensure clarity and enforceability.

Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any additional terms for specific services, constitute the entire agreement between you and Excellence Directory regarding your use of our services.

Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid, the remaining provisions will continue to be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Waiver

Our failure to enforce any provision of these Terms does not constitute a waiver of that provision or our right to enforce it in the future. Any waiver must be in writing and signed by authorized representatives.

Assignment

You may not assign or transfer your rights or obligations under these Terms without our prior written consent. We may assign these Terms in connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets.

Force Majeure

Neither party will be liable for any delay or failure to perform due to causes beyond reasonable control, including natural disasters, government actions, or technical failures.

Headings

Section headings are for convenience only and do not limit or affect the meaning of these Terms.

Interpretation

These Terms will be interpreted fairly and reasonably, without presumption for or against either party, and in a manner consistent with our Christian values and mission.

Survival

Provisions that by their nature should survive termination will continue in effect, including intellectual property rights, disclaimers, liability limitations, and dispute resolution procedures.

15 Contact Information and Support

If you have any questions about these Terms, need clarification on any provisions, wish to report a violation, or require support, please don't hesitate to contact us. We are committed to clear, helpful, and faithful communication with our community.

Contact Methods

  • Email: support@excellencedirectory.com
  • Legal Inquiries: legal@excellencedirectory.com
  • Phone: (555) 123-4567
  • Mail: Excellence Directory Legal Team
    123 Ministry Lane
    City, State 12345
  • Online Form: Available through our contact page

Support Commitment

We commit to:

  • Acknowledge receipt of your inquiry within 48 hours
  • Provide substantive responses within 5 business days
  • Escalate urgent matters to appropriate team members
  • Follow up to ensure your concerns are resolved
  • Maintain confidentiality throughout the process
  • Treat all inquiries with Christian compassion and professionalism

What to Include in Your Communication

To help us respond effectively, please include:

  • Your full name and contact information
  • Your account username or email address
  • Specific details about your inquiry or concern
  • Any relevant dates, reference numbers, or screenshots
  • Preferred method and timeline for response

Business Hours

Our support team is available Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST. Urgent matters may be addressed outside business hours as necessary.

Prayer and Community Support

As a faith-based organization, we believe in the power of prayer and community support. Join our weekly prayer calls on Fridays from 12:00-2:00 PM EST, where we pray for our community, businesses, and partners.

Last Updated: September 02, 2025