November 1, 2025
RE: Church Wide Update from C3 Governance Board
Dear Canvas Family,
As a church, our mission has always been to invite real people with real lives into a Christ-centered community. That means we create space for people with all kinds of stories — some beautiful, some broken — believing that Jesus meets us all with both grace and truth, knowing that all of us have both beautiful and broken in our own stories.
Many of you are aware that recently, an anonymous post on social media raised concerns about how our church has handled the presence of an individual with a past criminal conviction. We want to communicate directly and transparently with you about what we’ve learned and the steps we’re taking moving forward.
What Happened
An individual attending one of our small groups learned that another member of the group had previously been convicted of possession of child pornography and is a Tier 1 registrant on the Virginia Sex Offender Registry.
Upon this discovery, this individual reached out to our leadership team to express concerns for the safety of others and to ask what measures were in place to ensure protection for our children and the congregation.
What We Knew
Based on our strict child-safety protocols, we are confident that at no point has the individual in question volunteered in children’s ministry, was not alone in areas in where children were present, and neither they nor our church violated any laws in allowing them to participate in our church.
Based on our investigation into the non-violent nature of the offense, the time that has passed since the conviction, the absence of probation or parole restrictions, our strict child-safety protocols, and agreed-upon protocols put into place for their involvement, those with knowledge of the situation reasonably believed that this individual did not pose a risk to others.
What We Learned
As discussions continued with the concerned individual in the small group, Pastor Ryan and the small group leaders had a disagreement about additional parameters the concerned individual wanted to see put in place. We recognize that the disagreement could have been handled with more care and clarity, and we deeply desire reconciliation and restoration with this individual if possible.
Through this process, we also recognized the need for a more formal written agreement between the church and this individual and for anyone else who is a registrant on the Virginia Sex Offender Registry and desires to attend our church. This agreement will more clearly outline expectations, accountability, and supervision for the safety of all involved — including the individual, our children, and the church’s liability.
What Is True
No accusations or allegations have been made. The concerns that were raised were about policy and transparency, not about any specific incident.
Moving Forward
Our leadership team is and has been committed to:
We are grateful for a congregation that reflects the heart of Jesus — welcoming yet wise, gracious yet discerning. If you have questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out directly to our pastoral team or governance board.
We love this church and this community deeply and remain committed to cultivating God’s Kingdom by proclaiming Jesus clearly and obeying Him boldly.
With gratitude,
The Governance Board of Canvas Community Church
RE: Church Wide Update from C3 Governance Board
Dear Canvas Family,
As a church, our mission has always been to invite real people with real lives into a Christ-centered community. That means we create space for people with all kinds of stories — some beautiful, some broken — believing that Jesus meets us all with both grace and truth, knowing that all of us have both beautiful and broken in our own stories.
Many of you are aware that recently, an anonymous post on social media raised concerns about how our church has handled the presence of an individual with a past criminal conviction. We want to communicate directly and transparently with you about what we’ve learned and the steps we’re taking moving forward.
What Happened
An individual attending one of our small groups learned that another member of the group had previously been convicted of possession of child pornography and is a Tier 1 registrant on the Virginia Sex Offender Registry.
Upon this discovery, this individual reached out to our leadership team to express concerns for the safety of others and to ask what measures were in place to ensure protection for our children and the congregation.
What We Knew
Based on our strict child-safety protocols, we are confident that at no point has the individual in question volunteered in children’s ministry, was not alone in areas in where children were present, and neither they nor our church violated any laws in allowing them to participate in our church.
Based on our investigation into the non-violent nature of the offense, the time that has passed since the conviction, the absence of probation or parole restrictions, our strict child-safety protocols, and agreed-upon protocols put into place for their involvement, those with knowledge of the situation reasonably believed that this individual did not pose a risk to others.
What We Learned
As discussions continued with the concerned individual in the small group, Pastor Ryan and the small group leaders had a disagreement about additional parameters the concerned individual wanted to see put in place. We recognize that the disagreement could have been handled with more care and clarity, and we deeply desire reconciliation and restoration with this individual if possible.
Through this process, we also recognized the need for a more formal written agreement between the church and this individual and for anyone else who is a registrant on the Virginia Sex Offender Registry and desires to attend our church. This agreement will more clearly outline expectations, accountability, and supervision for the safety of all involved — including the individual, our children, and the church’s liability.
What Is True
No accusations or allegations have been made. The concerns that were raised were about policy and transparency, not about any specific incident.
Moving Forward
Our leadership team is and has been committed to:
- Upholding the safety and protection of every child, student, and adult who attends Canvas.
- Extending grace and accountability to all who seek to follow Jesus in repentance and faith.
- Pursuing reconciliation and unity wherever relationships have been strained.
- Communicating with transparency and humility, trusting that light brings health to the body of Christ.
We are grateful for a congregation that reflects the heart of Jesus — welcoming yet wise, gracious yet discerning. If you have questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out directly to our pastoral team or governance board.
We love this church and this community deeply and remain committed to cultivating God’s Kingdom by proclaiming Jesus clearly and obeying Him boldly.
With gratitude,
The Governance Board of Canvas Community Church