Privacy & Terms

What we collect

Only what you choose to send through the “Ask Ron” form: your question, and optionally your first name and email address. To limit spam, we also keep a scrambled (hashed) form of your connection address for a short time; it cannot be turned back into your address. We use a session cookie only to protect forms from abuse (and to keep the site owner signed in to the admin area). We do not run advertising or tracking.

Accounts and Resource Updates

Gathering Space accounts are for adults (18+). If you create one we store your name, email address, optional church or ministry name, and a scrambled (hashed) form of your password; we cannot read your password. We use your email to confirm your account and to reset your password. You can edit your details or delete your account at any time from My account, which removes your information from this site.

Resource Updates are optional emails about new resources. We only add an address after you confirm it through a link we email you. Every email has an unsubscribe link, and you can also turn updates off in My account. We never sell, rent or share your address. Emails are sent through the site's own mail service.

Messages in the Gathering Space

Members can send a private message to Ron, post a question to everyone, or message another member. Private messages are seen only by the people in the conversation. Ron does not read private member-to-member conversations unless a message in one is reported to him. Posts to everyone may be reviewed by Ron before they appear. Your email address is never shown to other members. You can turn off being listed in the member directory, block anyone, and report any message. If you ask for message emails, they only say that you have a message, never what it says.

Voice typing

Some text boxes have a microphone button. When you tap it, your browser or device (for example Chrome, Edge, or Safari) turns your speech into text, and it may send the audio to its maker's speech service to do so. This site never receives or stores your audio, only the text that appears in the box, and only if you submit it. Voice typing is optional; you can always type.

How your question is used

Ron reads each question. Your email is used only to reply to you privately. A question is shown publicly only if you checked the permission box, and only after Ron has removed names and identifying details. Your name and email are never displayed on the site. We do not sell or share your information.

Please protect students

Do not include students' full names, schools, addresses, or other identifying details in a question. Describe the situation in general terms.

Emergencies and reporting

This site is not a crisis service and cannot respond in real time. If someone is in danger, call 911. For suicidal thoughts, call or text 988 (U.S.). If you suspect abuse, contact your local child-protection agency or law enforcement and follow your church's safety policy; many youth workers are legally required to report.

Nature of the content

Answers, stories, and resources are shared as pastoral encouragement and practical ministry experience. They are not professional counseling, legal, or medical advice, and they are offered as-is. Resources may be used freely in your own ministry unless a document says otherwise; please do not resell them.

Removing your question

If a question you submitted is shown publicly and you want it removed, use the Ask Ron form to say so and it will be taken down.