Quality Standards
Quality Standards
Crafting a Digital Sanctuary

The Journey of Building St. Mark Lutheran Church’s Website

St. Mark Lutheran Church, founded in 1917 in the Elm Grove section of Wheeling, WV, is a thriving and vibrant community of faith.
+ 20
Website Pages
8 +
Ministry Subsections
1
Responsive Giving Platform
1
Custom Logo Development

Website Development

When we were approached to redesign the website for St. Mark Lutheran Church, we recognized it as an opportunity to do more than just improve functionality. The project was about creating a digital space that would reflect the warmth of their faith community while meeting practical goals, such as attracting a new pastor, promoting the city of Wheeling, and enhancing the online giving experience. The aim was to build a site that would resonate with all audiences—potential visitors, especially young adults aged 19-39, the current congregation, and prospective clergy—while addressing the challenges of an outdated and inaccessible platform.

Responsive Screenshots

To meet these objectives, we customized a WordPress theme to align with St. Mark’s branding and mission. We developed 20 pages, carefully crafting copy sourced from print materials and the existing site while acquiring and editing client provided photography and graphics to enrich the design. The new site features templates tailored to the church’s needs, allowing for easy navigation and an intuitive user experience. Key elements like online giving, media showcasing the faces of the church, and a detailed section about the Wheeling area were integrated to meet the church’s goals and expand its reach.

We approached the project with the target audience in mind: potential visitors seeking a welcoming faith community, the current congregation looking for a resource hub, and prospective clergy exploring the church and its surrounding community. By designing an engaging homepage, crafting detailed ministry and worship pages, and incorporating an events calendar, we ensured the site would meet the needs of each group. The “About Wheeling” section highlights local attractions, the school system, and area amenities to attract prospective pastors while celebrating the city’s vibrant culture and beauty.

Clear communication with the client was central to this project. We worked closely with St. Mark Lutheran Church to prioritize features, refine the content, and make design decisions that aligned with their vision. From creating a seasonal hymn banner to enhancing their online giving platform, every element was designed to reflect the church’s mission while providing an immersive, functional experience for users.

The Outcome

The redesigned website is more than a digital platform—it’s a reflection of St. Mark Lutheran Church’s identity and mission. The homepage welcomes users with an inviting layout, while pages like Ministries and Worship tell the story of the church’s vibrant community. Online giving is now simple and accessible, and the Wheeling-focused section serves as an appealing resource for clergy recruitment. The site’s clean design, intuitive navigation, and responsive functionality make it a powerful tool for connecting with potential visitors and strengthening the church’s online presence.

We’re thrilled that one of the church’s major goals has already been achieved with the successful call of a new pastor. This accomplishment underscores how the updated website has become a valuable resource for outreach and connection, supporting the church’s mission in meaningful ways. Building St. Mark Lutheran Church’s website was a rewarding project that allowed us to solve challenges, meet ambitious goals, and create a platform that truly serves its community. We’re proud of the outcome and excited to see how it will help the church grow and thrive in the years to come.

"Dear SMA Team, Everyone is very impressed with the website. Please take a moment to look in a mirror to see how amazing you are! Thanks for your continued support."
St. Mark's Lutheran Church
Client
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