Objective

The launch of pcusa.org represents a significant transformation in the Presbyterian Church (USA)’s digital presence. It streamlines seven fragmented websites into a single, cohesive platform. This modernization effort enhances accessibility, usability, and engagement for a diverse audience, including worship leaders, mid-council leaders, and congregants.
Partnering with APAX Software and key stakeholders, the Administrative Services Group (ASG) developed a user-centered platform that improves navigation, supports multilingual access in English, Spanish, and Korean, and incorporates a self-learning search function to streamline content discovery. The new content management system (CMS) empowers internal teams to update materials efficiently, ensuring that the site evolves with its users' needs.
By unifying its digital ecosystem, pcusa.org strengthens the church’s mission, providing seamless access to worship tools, educational resources, and church policies. This transformation fosters greater connection, equipping members with the resources to serve their congregations and communities better.

Strategy

Strategy
The core strategy centered on creating a seamless digital experience, prioritizing accessibility, efficiency, and inclusivity. The team focused on three key objectives:

1. Unification of Content and Navigation—The new pcusa.org integrates seven websites into a single, dynamic platform, eliminating redundancies and providing a centralized hub for all church-related materials.
2. Enhanced Search and Accessibility – A self-learning, intelligent search function was implemented to help users locate worship tools, policies, and resources quickly. Additionally, multilingual support in English, Spanish, and Korean ensures inclusivity for a diverse audience.
3. Scalability and Flexibility—A robust content management system (CMS) was deployed to allow internal teams to update content efficiently, ensuring that the website remains adaptable to evolving needs.

Execution
The project followed a structured, user-focused approach to ensure a smooth transition and optimal user experience.

1. Stakeholder Collaboration and User Research - The development process began with extensive collaboration between APAX Software, ASG, and key stakeholders, including church leaders and congregants. The team identified pain points and priorities for the new platform through research, user interviews, and feedback analysis.
2. User-Centric Design and Development - The design phase focused on creating an intuitive interface with streamlined navigation, ensuring that users—whether worship leaders, mid-council leaders, or members—could easily find the information they needed. Accessibility best practices, including clear layouts, language support, and mobile responsiveness, were incorporated.
3. Implementation of Intelligent Search and CMS - Introducing a self-learning search function allows users to find relevant resources quickly, improving overall efficiency. Meanwhile, the flexible CMS ensures that church staff can update content as needed without technical barriers, keeping information current and relevant.
4. Testing, Launch, and Optimization - Post-launch, continuous monitoring and optimization efforts ensure the site remains functional, efficient, and aligned with user needs.

By executing a well-structured digital transformation, pcusa.org now serves as a unified, modern resource hub, strengthening the church’s ability to connect with its members and more effectively support its mission.

Results

The launch of pcusa.org has successfully unified the Presbyterian Church (USA)’s digital presence. With intuitive navigation, intelligent search functionality, and multilingual support, the new site has significantly improved accessibility and engagement for worship leaders, mid-council leaders, and members.
Since its launch, the response from clients and users has been overwhelmingly positive. One leader described the project as “the best thing we’ve ever done.” Others have expressed gratitude for the work put into creating a seamless, user-friendly experience. The multilingual capabilities have been well-received, ensuring inclusivity for the church’s diverse audience.
Beyond usability, the new content management system (CMS) has empowered internal teams to manage and update the site independently. Church leadership has praised the solid foundation that allows them to grow and confidently evolve their digital presence. With this transformation, pcusa.org is not just a website—it is a powerful tool that strengthens the church’s ability to connect, support, and serve its communities for years.

Media