RSO Policy — Cheat Sheet

Registered Sex Offender (RSO) Policy — Cheat Sheet
Source: The Summit Church RSO Attendance & Membership Policy
Three Priorities Held in Tension
Safety of children
Peace of mind for parents
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
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.
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.
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