Jarrod “Jay” Gray – Pastor/Speaker
Jay is passionate about studying and teaching God’s word and reaching people where they are with God’s love. Aside from that, he considers his roles of husband and father his most important ministries. He won’t tell you he’s great at either. Instead, he’ll say you’d have to ask his wife and children whether or not he’s doing a good job in those areas.
Jay grew up in churches and was saved at an early age, but he lost his way when his older brother committed suicide in 1991. Through those difficult years, he was surrounded by the community that had formed among the teens in their small neighborhood of Fifth Ward in Meadville, Pennsylvania. The uniqueness of their “family” was not lost on Jay, who had struggled to find that connection in churches, and it helped create the community orientation that is now an important focus of Jay’s ministry philosophy.
Alongside his wife, Jay serves in family ministry at Dale City Baptist Church in Dale City, Virginia, which they have always called their home church. Jay was ordained as a deacon there in 2005 and served with children, youth, and young adults in a variety of roles. Some of his activities during that time included organizing and directing youth camps, leading and serving on mission trips, coordinating and teaching at revivals, and teaching both small studies and some Sunday mornings. In 2014, he was ordained at Dale City Baptist, publicly acknowledging God’s call on his life to be a pastor/teacher. He continued to work as the youth pastor at Dale City Baptist for two more years, before God called Jay and Robin to learn about church planting. He continued to teach whenever possible and shifted his focus to building relationships and community that glorifies God. That experience is being put to use since their return to Dale City Baptist in 2023.
Jay faces life with two verses in mind. The first, Romans 8:28 has encouraged him through some difficult seasons. The verse reminds him that life isn’t about him. It’s about God and what God has already put together for each of us. The second verse, 2 Timothy 2:15 reminds him of the importance of studying God’s word to know God more and to understand what God has called him to do. Both of these verses summarize the way Jay lives his life.
Outside ministry and family, Jay enjoys fishing or watching the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Washington Nationals. He has studied at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia and Christian Leaders Institute.
If you are interested in having Jay speak at your church or event, please fill out the form below.