Virginia Global Methodist Church
Phase 1 & Phase 2 Website Development
The Virginia Global Methodist Church (VA GMC) contacted us in August 2023 to begin a partnership focused on building a strong, sustainable web presence for a growing denomination across the Commonwealth. From the outset, the goal was not simply to launch a website, but to create a long-term digital foundation that could grow alongside the VA GMC’s mission, churches, and leadership.
To accomplish this, the project was intentionally designed and executed in two distinct phases, both built by our team.
Phase 1: Foundational Website Launch (January 2024)
Phase 1 focused on speed, clarity, and immediate functionality. The VA GMC needed a public-facing website that could quickly serve churches, pastors, and seekers while the denomination continued to organize and grow.
This phase was built as a static (non-CMS) website, allowing for:
- Rapid development and launch
- A clean, accessible design focused on essential content
- Strong performance and reliability
- Clear communication of identity, leadership, and structure
The most critical feature delivered in Phase 1 was the VA GMC Church Finder. This tool provides visitors with a simple and effective way to locate Global Methodist congregations across Virginia, serving both those searching for a church home and churches seeking connection within the denomination.
Phase 1 officially launched in January 2024, providing the VA GMC with a stable, professional online presence during a season of rapid growth and transition.
Phase 2: Expansion with ExpressionEngine CMS (Completed September 2025)
With the foundational site successfully in place, Phase 2 focused on flexibility, scalability, and long-term content management. As the VA GMC’s needs expanded, so did the website’s role — moving from a primarily informational platform to a dynamic, content-driven resource.
Phase 2, completed in September 2025, rebuilt and expanded the site using ExpressionEngine, a robust content management system chosen for its:
- Flexibility and customization
- Structured content modeling
- Security and long-term reliability
- Ability to support non-technical content editors
This phase empowered VA GMC leadership and communications team to manage and update content internally while preserving consistency and design integrity.
Key enhancements in Phase 2 include:
- CMS-driven content updates across the site
- Expanded church and leadership information
- Improved scalability for future ministries, districts, and initiatives
- Continued enhancement of the church finder as a core denominational tool
- A framework that supports future growth without requiring a full rebuild
Built as One Unified Project
While delivered in two phases, this website was designed as one cohesive project from the beginning. Decisions made in Phase 1 intentionally prepared the site for Phase 2, ensuring continuity in design, structure, and user experience.
By building both phases, our team provided the VA GMC with:
- A smooth transition from static site to CMS
- A consistent visual and functional experience for users
- A website that meets present needs while remaining adaptable for the future
- A Platform for a Growing Denomination
The completed VA GMC website now serves as a central digital hub for churches, clergy, and congregants across Virginia. From finding a local church to accessing leadership resources, the site supports the denomination’s mission while remaining flexible enough to grow alongside it.
This phased approach ensured that the VA GMC could move forward confidently — first with a strong foundation, and then with a powerful system built for the years ahead.
