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July 8, 2026 • 20 Minute Read
Our Response
This post is a reply to the letter regarding pre- RSO policy events at CCLv. The letter in question addresses four specific accusations—using terms like 'alleged' and 'concerns'—while referencing at times, to distant past events that have helped to shape our current policy and practice.  The writer(s) of the letter use half truths to have a level of accuracy. The post is long, please read the entire thing. A word about Anonymous smear and pressure campaign letters; This letter is employing deceptive tactics to attempt to manipulate the readers emotions, hoping to force CCLv to not offer God’s Grace where it is due and to attempt to force the Go4th committee to break relations with CCLv out of fear of reprisals from the community and the event sponsors who the letter was anonymously mailed to. This letter is made of half truths, Rhetorical Fallacies, Pressure and Control Tactics like Innuendos and Implication and also fear mongering. This letter is not intended to inform the reader or protect children. This letter is clearly a tactic to tear down what God has built up. Pro 19:5  “A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who speaks lies will not escape.” Pro 6:16-19  “These six things the LORD hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren.” Pro 16:28  A perverse man sows strife, And a whisperer separates the best of friends. We pray for the author(s) of this letter to repent of these manipulative tactics and to use their time, skills and talents to help build up the church and not sow discord. First of all, a definition RSO definition: An RSO is a Registered Sex Offender. Sex offenses have 3 levels. Levels 2 and 3 pose risks to others. Level 1 offenders are deemed unlikely to reoffend. Compliant Level 1 RSOs may live and work among the public without others knowing their history. Approved as safe for community re-entry by professionals and law enforcement, a level one RSO may be your neighbor or coworker, and you may never know. In this document, “RSO” refers to Level 1 offenders, At Calvary Chapel Longview, the protection of vulnerable people has always been important.  From the beginning of CCLv until 2023, the activities of RSO’s were all handled on a case by case basis.  Now, for many reasons, the Board of Elders has been actively developing a formal, written policy regarding Registered Sex Offenders (RSOs). This policy will be clear, consistent, and more stringent than the previous case-by-case approach. The new policy establishes practices that demand greater accountability, transparency, and consistency among leadership. We truly appreciate everyone who cares deeply about the safety of our children and community. Safety is a shared concern. Regarding the recent Go 4th and KidsFest: We are grateful for the opportunity to serve our community each year by staffing and running KidsFest Every person who serves at the KidsFest event is thoroughly background-checked. No one with a sexual offense or crime against a child was permitted to serve at the event. The Go 4th committee is fully aware of our practices, has copies of our insurance rider for the event and has continued to approve Calvary Chapel Longview as the host for this family-friendly outreach. The letter and our Response The transcript from the original letter is in Italics; my response is preceded by “Response” and in Bold. I have posted the letter as written and have inserted a response where necessary. “To Whom It May Concern: Calvary Chapel Longview (CCLV), located at 902 Ash Street in Kelso, has a current policy and a documented history of allowing registered sex offenders (RSO’s) to participate in ministry activities. On February 22, 2026, Pastor Jason Getzin read a statement to the congregation regarding the church's approach to individuals with sex offense convictions serving in ministry. A transcript of that statement, taken from a publicly available YouTube recording, appears below.” “The statement appears intended to reassure congregants that church leadership can safely manage the participation of registered sex offenders within the church community. However, such assurances may create expectations that church leaders possess the specialized training, expertise, and oversight capabilities necessary to assess risk, establish appropriate safeguards, and protect vulnerable individuals. In reality, the management of sex offenders is a highly specialized field that typically requires extensive professional training, ongoing supervision, and adherence to established risk-management protocols.” Response: We agree that managing Registered Sex Offenders (RSOs) requires extensive professional expertise. Because we lack that specialized training, we defer to the state's experts at the Washington State Department of Corrections. We only allow participation if an individual is classified by the state as Level 1 (the lowest risk category), is actively compliant with all Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs guidelines, and is formally approved by their state-assigned case manager or therapist.  It is at this point of continued compliance that CCLv would BEGIN to consider allowing a Level 1 to join in a regular  “church service”. “A church policy that permits individuals with sex offense convictions to serve on ministry teams can create significant safety concerns, particularly when other volunteers and congregants are not informed of an individual's background. Many families reasonably assume that those serving in ministry have been thoroughly screened and approved with safety as a primary consideration. When churches permit individuals with known histories of sexual offenses to participate in ministry roles without transparency, members may be deprived of information they consider important when making decisions about their own safety and the safety of their children.” Response: Our ministry prioritizes the safety of every congregant. All of our volunteers are vetted with a background check that is more thorough than the standard checks, this background check is highly specialized for child-serving environments and is designed to catch specific "red flag" offenses and plea-down convictions that generic, secular background screening services often miss. With our formally written policy, we actively answer these aforementioned safety concerns and protect both the congregation and the former offender. This policy gives repentant individuals a safe space to bring their past into the light to church leadership, encouraging genuine accountability rather than driving them away or attending in secrecy.  Ultimately, this structured approach provides greater transparency and stricter oversight than the previous practice. For further details on how these safety standards are implemented, please refer to theCCLv RSO Policy page 2, points 7-10. “For example, a known registered sex offender was permitted to participate in a Calvary Chapel Longview mission trip alongside women and a minor child who were unaware of his offender status. Regardless of intent, this lack of disclosure prevented participants from making fully informed decisions regarding their involvement and exposed them to circumstances they may have chosen to avoid had they been aware of the individual's background.” Response: This is an event from the past that has helped formulate the new, current policy at CCLv.  This RSO is no longer a part of our church and the current policy prevents this scenario from happening again. The RSO did not harm anyone on the mission trip. “The potential consequences of limited transparency extend beyond formal church activities. Families have said that they unknowingly had individuals with sex offense convictions in their homes and social gatherings where children were present. They believed that church leaders had adequately vetted and managed any associated risks. Such situations raise legitimate questions regarding how appropriate safeguards are maintained once interactions occur outside the direct supervision of church leadership. Additionally, it has been alleged that, during a time of a volunteer shortage, a registered sex offender at Calvary Chapel Longview whose background was not widely known assisted in the children's ministry program, including nursery supervision.” Response: Again, these are events from the past that have helped formulate the new, current policy at CCLv.  The current philosophy on this subject is that all appropriate leadership is informed as interpreted by RCW 4.24.550 .  Everyone that the law allows will be informed when an RSO is allowed to participate and the policy demands that the RSO inform any potential host if they are invited to be a guest in their home. Policy and informed leadership will assure that an RSO will not serve or assist in an area that is prohibited as is alleged in the letter. “Concerns regarding transparency have also been raised in other contexts. CCLV leaders have been accused of failing to notify law enforcement or neighboring churches when advised to do so.” Response: CCLV is deeply committed to the safety of our congregation and our community To ensure complete transparency and accountability, we have updated our policies. Moving forward, if an approved RSO (Registered Sex Offender) violates our established policies and requirements, which will exceed that of the law, upholding the bible’s call to be above reproach, CCLV will contact the appropriate law enforcement agency. We will not attempt to handle such infractions internally. Regarding the accusation that CCLV failed to notify neighboring churches and the public, we must clarify that our actions must remain strictly within the bounds of the law. Under Washington State Law (RCW 4.24.550), Level 1 sex offenders are classified as low risk and are legally protected from general public notification. Unauthorized public reporting by clergy or community members violates state confidentiality laws. These legal restrictions are in place for many reasons and not the least of which is to prevent vigilantism and protect citizens who are legally compliant. Our church cannot bypass these privacy protections, nor can we direct community members to take matters into their own hands. Instead, we defer to the judgment of local law enforcement and the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) to manage community notifications and protect the public appropriately. Additionally, public safety is a shared responsibility that begins the moment an individual becomes aware of a credible concern. Any citizen who believes a threat exists has an obligation to contact law enforcement directly. “in response to a series of issues identified in 2023, Calvary Chapel Longview's Board approved a Children's Ministry Handbook in early 2024. However, it has been alleged that even by late spring of 2026, staff members had not implemented the procedures outlined in that handbook. This is concerning as churches typically must maintain comprehensive child-protection policies and procedures to qualify for abuse and molestation liability insurance coverage.” Response: Calvary Chapel Longview has operated a fully functioning Sunday School with strict child-protection policies, standard practices, and active insurance coverage for many years. The safety of our children has never been interrupted or compromised. The allegation of  “staff members had not implemented the procedures outlined in that handbook,” is false. The procedures did not change and have nothing to do with the children’s ministry policy that has always been in place to keep our Sunday school safe. This next statement is a “logical fallacy” so heads up! This type of argument relies entirely on a “False Equivalence”. A False Equivalence compares two completely different responsibilities as if they are the same thing. This is a well crafted attempt to discredit the church for implementing policy to protect its congregation, not “Treat” a sex offender. “The specialized nature of sex offender management is reflected in Washington law. Under RCW 18.155, professionals who provide treatment to sex offenders must obtain certification as Sex Offender Treatment Providers (SOTPs). This credential requires more than 2,000 hours of clinical experience including 250 hours in evaluation and 250 hours in treatment, 50 hours of formal training, at least a Master's degree in an approved behavioral health field, supervised experience, Jurisprudence Examination and ongoing continuing education. These requirements recognize that assessing risk, monitoring behavior, and managing offender rehabilitation involve expertise beyond the scope of ordinary volunteer supervision or pastoral care.” Response: This False Equivalent statement tries to claim that because a church leadership team lacks the clinical credentials of a state-certified Sex Offender Treatment Provider (SOTP), they are unqualified to manage safety protocols on their own property. This is a severe misrepresentation of both Washington law and institutional risk management. “Given these standards, an important public-safety question arises: If state law requires years of specialized training for professionals who work with sex offenders, are church elders and pastors-who generally lack such credentials and training-equipped to make decisions regarding offender management, risk assessment, and the protection of vulnerable individuals? While pastors and elders may be well qualified to provide spiritual guidance, that role is distinct from the specialized responsibilities associated with sex offender supervision and risk management.” Conflating licensed medical therapy with standard building security is a rhetorical tactic meant to manufacture outrage. Implementing a strict, documented safety plan for facility access is not a violation of specialized standards; it is a standard administrative practice recommended by legal and insurance experts to keep organizations safe. Here is why the comparison fails: Clinical Treatment vs. Property Security: UnderRCW 18.155, and SOTP’s role is to provide psychological therapy, medical rehabilitation, and court-mandated risk evaluations. A church leadership team is not offering medical treatment or diagnosing behavior. They are acting as property owners managing facility security—similar to how a grocery store, school, or community center establishes rules for who can enter their building and under what conditions. Legal Supervision vs. Fiduciary Care: True "offender supervision" is the legal responsibility of state parole officers and law enforcement. When a church implements a conditional attendance agreement (such as requiring an offender to have a chaperone or banning them from children's areas), they are not overriding the state. They are exercising their legal right as private property managers to mitigate risk and protect vulnerable populations on their premises. But the church adds to this “Care and Treatment”, accountability to the Lord, guidance from the word of God and prompting not to sin against their conscience. “For the above reasons, we respectfully ask that you require the Go Fourth Festival to obtain 1) a current copy of Calvary Chapel Longview's Abuse and Molestation Insurance policy and 2) a copy of their Children's Ministry Handbook and 3) independent verification of their adherence to their Children's Ministry Handbook prior to the church's participation in the KidsFest event at the Go Fourth Festival in July.” Response: The above tactic is “Guilt by Association” Thankfully, the reputation and record of the KidsFest event stands as a testimony of the care and safety that CCLv has taken from the beginning of KidsFest. Of course Go4th has a current copy of our Abuse and Molestation Insurance policy.  They have a copy of our newly updated and completed Children’s Ministry Handbook. This last anonymous statement was an attempt to use fear to control the Go4th committee. Thank you Go4th for trusting CCLv for another safe and successful KidsFest! Thank you to all of those at CCLv who volunteered time, energy  or gave financially to make KidsFest 2026 a great success! “Sincerely, Concerned Citizens of Cowlitz County” Response: “A half truth is a whole lie” Truly Concerned Citizens don’t use lies, half truths, allegations or fear tactics. True concerned citizens use integrity and go directly to the source of their problem and don’t attempt to undermine them. Again, we pray for the author(s) of this letter to repent of these manipulative tactics and to use their time, skills and talents to help build up the church and not sow discord. My Response What is my response?  I will give three answers What the Bible says about Talebearing What the bible says about Restoring even a notorious sinner My heart on the matter Here are some key scriptures: Exodus 23:1 — Do not spread false reports. Exodus 20:16 — You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. Proverbs 19:5 — A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will not escape. Pro 6:16  These six things the LORD hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: Pro 6:17  A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, Pro 6:18  A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, Pro 6:19  A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren. Proverbs 25:18 — A man who bears false witness against his neighbor is like a war club, or a sword, or a sharp arrow. Leviticus 19:16 — Do not go about spreading slander among your people. Proverbs 20:19 — A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much. The Bible doesn’t address anonymous letters directly, but it’s clear on accusations.  No charge stands on one witness alone — it requires two or three identifiable witnesses. Deuteronomy 19:15 says a single witness isn’t enough to establish any matter.  Since this is fully anonymous, we don’t know if its AI or even someone who cares about the church and christianity. For elders, 1 Timothy 5:19 goes further: “Do not entertain an accusation… unless it is brought by two or three witnesses.” An anonymous source can’t meet that standard — they’re unaccountable, can’t be questioned, and there’s no way to test if they’re telling the truth. Scripture also condemns false witness and spreading unverified reports. The pattern is always face-to-face accountability, like in Matthew 18:15-18 So an anonymous accusation has no biblical credibility. Remember, Satan is the accuser, let’s not help him. 2. Restoring a sinning brother, even a notorious sinner. Thankfully we are saved by God’s Grace and not our works, Amen! Paul wrote the the church in Corinth to first put out of the church a man who was sleeping with his step mother.  When the man repented he then wrote to them to restore “such a one” back into fellowship: 2Co 2:7  “so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow. 2Co 2:8  Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him. 2Co 2:9  For to this end I also wrote, that I might put you to the test, whether you are obedient in all things. 2Co 2:10  Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, 2Co 2:11  lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.” Restoration is for the sinner,  so they may not be “swallowed up with too much sorrow” and so that “Satan does not take advantage of you” Paul also writes to the church in Galatia and states: Gal 6:1  “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.” A repentant person is to be restored even if they are overtaken in bad sin. This means we all have hope in God’s forgiveness and redemptive power. Notice the warning though, “lest you also be tempted”.  Just like in Corinthians, there is a warning that we can be taken advantage of by Satan in temptation if we do not lovingly restore repentant sinners. Let’s not forget Paul the apostle, he was used by God more powerfully than any of Jesus’ followers and he was one of the most aggressive persecutors of the early Christian church. Paul's pre salvation "crimes" against the church: Violent persecution: He “breathed out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples” (Acts 9:1). He actively hunted down Christians. Arrests and imprisonment: He went house to house dragging off men and women who followed Jesus and throwing them in prison (Acts 8:3, 9:1-2, 22:4, 26:9-11). Approval of executions: He was present and gave full approval at the stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr (Acts 7:58–8:1). Pursuit outside Jerusalem: He obtained letters from the high priest to arrest Christians even in Damascus (Syria) and bring them back to Jerusalem for punishment. Forced blasphemy: He tried to force Christians to blaspheme (deny Jesus) and voted for the death penalty against many (Acts 26:10-11). Bottom line: Saul was basically the early church’s chief persecutor — a zealous Pharisee who saw Christianity as a dangerous heresy that needed to be wiped out, and he used his authority and energy to try to destroy it.  After Jesus dramatically confronted him, he became the greatest apostle to the Gentiles. So that shows that restoration also includes the opportunity to serve God and serve in a church. Paul gives the qualifications for those who desire to serve in a church, he wrote; 1Ti 3:8  “Likewise deacons (servants) must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, 1Ti 3:9  holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. 1Ti 3:10  But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless.” He doesn't say to exclude them because of their past but test, examine their present life and see if they reflect the virtues of Christianity and if they are “above reproach”, blameless, let them serve.  Here is why; 2Co 5:17  “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” This doesn't mean that we let anyone serve anywhere but it is the duty of the church leadership to help a person find a safe place to serve. Jesus is the ultimate servant and we are all called to serve Him.  Every christian should be serving and it is against the bible to not allow a christian to serve in some capacity. When we don’t allow grace, we are in danger of being tempted by Satan and When we do not allow a person to serve, we are robbing Jesus of His servant. Behind the authorship of this anonymous letter is the thought that CCLv should not allow a former sex offender to attend our church. This thought has a form of worldly wisdom but it does not align with God’s word or heart. 3.  As pastor, my heart is grieved from this…but There is more each of us can learn and this campaign against CCLv has helped me clarify my stance and is helping us create policy that will be biblical and safe. I believe that if we strive to be biblical, trusting God’s word over merely worldly wisdom and state law, God will honor our actions because we honored Him and God will guide and direct us to have a safe, loving and restorative church that is able to bless a wide range of people and still protect all of our congregants, either from predators or vigilantes and especially from the Accuser. Rom 8:28  “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

Jason Getzin

Senior Pastor