RSO Policy — Cheat Sheet

Registered Sex Offender (RSO) Policy — Cheat Sheet

Source: The Summit Church RSO Attendance & Membership Policy

Three Priorities Held in Tension

1. Safety of children
2. Peace of mind for parents
3. Worship and fellowship for those under RSO status

Forgiveness in Christ is full; consequences of past sin still shape pastoral care.

Three Asks of the Individual under RSO Status

1. Sign a release of information with everyone in their rehabilitative care or legal accountability team (parole officer, therapist, case manager) so the elders can speak with them.
2. No presence in children’s or student ministries — ever, even after RSO status is removed. May not check children in. May not attend an event where the person they harmed (or their family) is present.
3. Shepherding presence required at every service or event — a non-family approved individual within sight and casual conversation distance, with check-in/check-out at a discrete location.

Pastoral Intake Interview — What Elders Listen For

• Willingness to discuss the offense; ability to tell the story without minimizing, blame-shifting, or excusing
• Active engagement in counseling/recovery and a clear understanding of legal restrictions and probation
• Whether any victim or victim’s family attends Mayflower (protect against re-traumatization)
• Tone and disposition: stoic, angry, defensive, ashamed, or remorseful
• Read the public RSO listing and related news before the interview to gauge completeness of disclosure

Signed Attendance Agreement — 14 Conditions in Brief

• Assigned shepherding elder oversees pastoral care and policy adherence
• Full cooperation with parole, therapist, case manager; written approval from parole officer to attend
• RSO profile link emailed to all pastors, elders, security, and children/youth ministry leads
• Never attend without an approved shepherd; sign in/sign out at a designated location
• No service in any ministry without prior approval; never in children/youth ministry; never serve, supervise, or enter their areas
• No physical contact with children other than their own; no sitting next to, holding, or being approached without a polite, prompt withdrawal
• Leave any area where children are present unless five or more adults are also present
• No small group / Bible Fellowship Group or home visit where children are present without parental knowledge and permission
• Shepherd accompanies to restroom area; sign-in/out records may be released for legal inquiry
• Breach of any condition ends attendance privileges

Who Knows About the Arrangement

Pastors, elders, building security volunteers, and the leads of children’s and youth ministries. Not broadcast to the wider congregation.

Mayflower Church — Operations Reference — April 2026