About David Gray · Jacksonville church communications

Hi, I'm David Gray. I help churches tell their story.

I'm a designer and storyteller in Jacksonville, a husband, a dad of two, and a member at The District Church. Grayhaven Studio is how I put my skills to work for the local church.

Get a free check-up → See how I can help
My story

Why I help churches communicate

My work has always lived where design and storytelling meet: campaigns, video, and visuals for businesses, nonprofits, and churches.

Along the way I led communications inside a church, and later worked in marketing at Ministry Brands, a company that builds tools for churches. Today I lead content marketing and creative at ChurchTrac, a church management software company here in Jacksonville. I've seen both sides: the pastor juggling slides at 11pm on a Saturday, and what's possible when a church has a clear plan and someone who owns it.

Most churches don't have that someone. Communication falls to a busy pastor, an admin, or a faithful volunteer who's already stretched thin. The result is rarely bad. It's just inconsistent, and the people a church is trying to reach never quite hear what makes it special.

I love God's church, and I started Grayhaven Studio to be that someone for churches that can't hire a full-time communications person yet. Grayhaven isn't an agency, and your church will never be just an account. I'd rather serve a few churches well, in person, than many from a distance. The name says what I hope every church can be: a haven, and a place people can find.

My approach

How I think about church communication

Clarity is a kindness.

A guest shouldn't have to work to find your service times or know where to take their kids. Clear communication is a way of loving people before they walk in.

Stories beat announcements.

People remember a changed life more than a calendar. The best thing a church can share is what God is actually doing among its people.

Consistency builds trust.

When every ministry looks and sounds like the same church, people trust what they see. A simple brand, used well, does more than a flashy one used once.

Your church should sound like you.

I don't hand out templates. Every church has its own personality, and good communication starts with knowing who you already are.

Experience

Design, video, and church marketing experience

  1. Independent design and videoWork for businesses, nonprofits, and churches across campaigns, brand, and video.
  2. Church communications leadershipLeading communications inside a local church, from Sunday screens to big seasons like Easter and Christmas.
  3. Marketing at Ministry BrandsCampaigns, video, and storytelling for church leaders, including year-end giving campaigns and church stories on film.
  4. Content Marketing & Creative Manager at ChurchTracLeading campaigns that help church leaders solve real ministry challenges: strategy and messaging, video, email, educational guides, social, and design.
  5. Founded Grayhaven StudioFractional communications for churches, based in Jacksonville and serving churches anywhere.
Working together

What your church can count on

One person who knows you

You work with me directly, not a rotating team or an account manager. In Jacksonville I meet with you at your church, so I learn your people and your calendar firsthand.

Quick replies

I reply within one business day, and Sunday deadlines are never a surprise.

Planned ahead

We plan a month ahead and six weeks before big seasons, so nothing is a last-minute scramble.

You own everything

Your graphics, videos, website, and accounts belong to your church. Always.

Life in Jacksonville

I'm a husband and a dad of two, and you'll usually find us at The District Church on Sunday mornings. I'm also a lifelong NBA fan, and I'm always learning something new.

Let's talk about your church's communications.

Start with a free communications check-up. You'll get three quick wins, whether we work together or not.

Get a free check-up →