# 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*