House-Church Host Safety Policy

[MarkB]

This policy outlines the expectations and safety practices for all members who open their homes for house-church gatherings. Its purpose is to protect hosts, guests, families, children, and the integrity of our fellowship. By participating in this community, you agree to follow these guidelines.

1. Purpose of This Policy
   • Our gatherings take place in private homes. For this reason, we must approach hospitality with both love and practical wisdom. These steps are not a judgment on anyone who contacts us; they are what any family should do before welcoming someone they met online into their home. These guidelines exist to:
     • Maintain a safe environment for everyone.
       
     • Help hosts screen newcomers responsibly.
       
     • Provide clear steps for preventing avoidable risks.
       
     • Establish shared expectations for behavior and communication.
       
2. Requirements Before Inviting a Newcomer Into Your Home
   
   1. Initial Contact Required
      • Hosts must not invite someone to their home after a single message. At minimum, one of the following is required first:
        • A brief phone call
          
        • A video call
          
        • A multi-message conversation establishing rapport
          
   2. Identity Confirmation
      • Hosts must make a reasonable effort to confirm the guest's identity. Acceptable forms of confirmation include:
        • Full name
          
        • A working phone number or email
          
        • A social-media profile or online presence
          
        • A recommendation from a known person or group
          
      • If a newcomer refuses basic identifying information, the host should not extend an invitation.
        
   3. Purpose & Expectations Conversation
      • Before giving out an address, the host must ask:
        • Why they're seeking a house church
          
        • Why they think this house church appeals to them
          
        • What they hope to gain from the gathering
          
        • Whether they understand that it is a peaceful, Scripture-centered meeting held in a private home
          
      • Listen for clarity, sincerity, and stability
        
   4. Screening for Red Flags
      • Hosts must pause and consult with another trusted member if any of the following occur:
        • The newcomer is evasive or inconsistent about their identity.
          
        • They display anger, volatility, or fixation on divisive topics.
          
        • They pressure the host for immediate access to the home.
          
        • They ignore or challenge stated boundaries.
          
      • Watch for vague, evasive, or confrontational answers.
        
   5. First Meeting in a Neutral Public Space
      • Hosts may require a first meeting at:
        • A coffee shop
          
        • A restaurant.
          
        • A park
          
        • Any public location with others present
          
   6. Agreement to House Rules
      • Before the address is shared, the guest must receive and acknowledge the house rules:
        • Respectful speech and conduct
          
        • No drugs
          
        • Smoking only in areas the host designates.
          
        • Children must remain in supervised areas
          
        • Private areas of the home are off-limits
          
      • If the guest cannot agree, the invitation should not be offered.
        
3. Requirements for Hosting Day
   
   1. Address Sharing
      • The home address must always be shared privately, never on public forums.
        
      • Hosts may choose to use a meet-up confirmation step (e.g., "Please text when you're on the way.")
        
   2. Two-Host Minimum for First-Time Visitors
      • When welcoming someone new, at least two trusted adults should be present.
        
   3. Communicate Before Meeting Day
      • Inform newcomers of:
        • Start/End times
          
        • Parking
          
        • Any off-limits areas
          
   4. Protection of Children and Private Spaces
      • Children must not be left alone with new visitors.
        
      • Bedrooms, offices, and family-only spaces should remain closed or locked.
        
      • Fragile or valuable items should be put away. 
        
   5. Greeting Procedure
      • Hosts should:
        • Greet newcomers at the door
          
        • Assess demeanor and comfort level
          
        • Be willing to turn someone away respectfully if safety concerns arise
          
   6. Emergency Preparedness
      • Hosts must have:
        • Clear knowledge of exits
          
        • A quiet plan for calling for help if needed
          
        • A way to discreetly signal another host if a situation feels unsafe
          
4. After the Gathering
   
   1. Follow-Up Contact
      • Hosts should send a brief message to first-time guests, such as: "Thank you for joining us. How did everything feel for you?"
        
      • This helps build relational clarity and identify concerns early.
        
   2. Host Team Review
      • If anything felt unsafe or uncomfortable, hosts should discuss it and may decide:
        • Not to invite the person again
          
        • To require a neutral meeting next time
          
        • To notify forum moderators if a pattern of concerning behavior emerges
          
5. Behavior Expectations for All Participants
   • Respect - All participants must treat hosts, families, and guests with dignity.
     
   • Confidentiality - Personal stories shared within the group should remain confidential unless clear risk of harm is involved.
     
   • No Harassment or Disruptive Behavior - Any form of aggression, intimidation, or manipulation is grounds for immediate removal.