What is Essential Church?

Essential Church is a Spirit-filled, life-giving, Bible-believing church launching in the Des Moines Metro. Led by Pastors Zach and Ashley Morris, Essential Church exists to build a community marked by authentic Bible preaching, passionate worship, and a family atmosphere where everyone belongs.

Where is Essential Church located?

Essential Church is currently in the launch phase in the Des Moines Metro and Waukee, Iowa area. We are building our launch team, gathering for interest events and prayer, and will announce a permanent location and weekly gathering schedule as we get closer to launch.

When does Essential Church officially launch?

Essential Church is coming in 2026. Between now and launch, we are praying, gathering a launch team, and preparing to build a Spirit-filled, Bible-anchored church home in the Des Moines Metro.

How can I get involved with Essential Church?

You can get involved by joining the launch team, praying with us for Des Moines, and partnering with us in generosity. Visit esntlchurch.com and click 'Join The Family' to connect with our team, join the launch team, or give toward the vision.

What is the vision of Essential Church?

Our vision is to bring the culture of God’s Kingdom to earth—making here look like Heaven. In our homes, schools, neighborhoods, businesses, and city, we carry His presence and reflect His Kingdom.

What kind of church is Essential Church?

Essential Church is a Spirit-filled, Bible-believing, multicultural, multigenerational church that believes everyone is essential. We are committed to seeing the people of our city transformed by the power of God’s presence and carrying the culture of the Kingdom of God into every sector of society.

PRIVACY POLICY — ESSENTIAL CHURCH

Last Updated: November 28, 2025

Essential Church (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and safeguard the personal information of visitors to esntlchurch.com (the “Site”). By using our Site, you agree to the practices described below.

1. Information We Collect

A. Personal Information You Provide

We collect information you voluntarily submit through our Site, including:

Name
Email address
Phone number
Details submitted through contact forms or interest forms

B. Prayer Requests & Sensitive Information

In the future, we may offer prayer request forms or pastoral care forms. These may include sensitive personal or religious information you choose to share. You are never required to submit sensitive information.

C. Information Automatically Collected

We automatically collect certain data through Google Analytics and Squarespace’s built-in analytics, such as:

IP address
Browser and device type
Pages visited and time spent
General location (city/region level)
Traffic sources and usage patterns

This information is aggregated and does not personally identify you.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information collected to:

Respond to inquiries and messages
Communicate with those interested in Essential Church or launch team updates
Provide information about events or gatherings
Improve the performance and usability of the Site
Pray for individuals who submit prayer requests
Protect the security and stability of the Site

We do not sell or rent your personal information.

3. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

Our Site uses cookies and similar technologies for:

Basic website functionality
Tracking site usage (Google Analytics)
Performance and traffic measurement

You may disable cookies through your browser settings.

4. Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors engage with our Site. Google Analytics may collect IP addresses, device identifiers, and usage data.

Google’s privacy terms: https://policies.google.com/privacy
Opt-out tool: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout

5. How We Store and Protect Information

Personal information is stored on secure servers through Squarespace and trusted third-party providers. While we use industry-standard methods to safeguard your data, no online system is 100% secure.

6. Sharing of Information

We may share your information only with:

Trusted service providers (Squarespace, Google Analytics, email services)
Pastors or staff members for follow-up or prayer
Legal authorities when required by law

We do not sell personal information.

7. Children’s Privacy

Our Site is not directed toward children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

8. Your Rights

Depending on your location and applicable privacy laws, including the upcoming Iowa Consumer Data Protection Act (ICDPA), you may:

Request access to the information we hold about you
Request correction or deletion of your personal information
Opt out of communications
Decline to provide sensitive data

To make a request, email us at: info@esntlchurch.com

9. Third-Party Links

Our Site may include links to social media platforms or other external websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those websites.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When changes are made, the “Last Updated” date will reflect the most recent version.

11. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, contact us at:

info@esntlchurch.com
Waukee, IA
Essential Church