Claire Akin
Women's Ministry Leader
Claire serves as leader of women’s Bible studies and women’s events. She teaches the Bible to women. There is nothing Claire loves more than hearing personal testimonies about Jesus from other Christians. She likes to go to Ridgeview Park for a picnic by the river in nice weather and looks forward to the rare times she gets snowed in with her husband and kids in the winter.
Josh Akin
Lead Pastor
Josh is the founding pastor of GraceBuilt Church. In 2005, for our first worship service he began by teaching Genesis 1. Now many years later we have almost taught through the whole Bible. God has been faithful to establish what He began.
After many years of living in Japan as a missionary Josh has come to love helping believers grow deep in their relationship with God. He calls it Learn More, Love More. He is often saying, "When you learn who Jesus is, you can't help but love Him."
Josh loves a good cup of coffee, walking the many trails in the Shenandoah valley, and sitting in front of the fire with his wife and 3 kids.
Pam Carter
GraceBuilt Creative Care Director
Pam is the director of GraceBuilt Creative Care. She also writes the curriculum for the GraceBuilt Sunday nursery department. Pam is a strong believer that children can be used by the Lord and they are very important to Him. They are the apple of His eye. They are His present and His future. She enjoys refurbishing furniture and making handmade items. Most of all she loves spending time with her husband Steve, 2 daughters, sons-in-law and 8 grandchildren.
Paul Cathcart
Worship Leader
Paul leads the worship team. Regarding worship, he states that we worship God as a response to the Father's love. We also worship in gratitude for the death Jesus died on the Cross for us. Lastly, we worship under the direction of the Holy Spirit that empowers us not simply to exist but to truly live. Paul's favorite thing in this area is the undeveloped spaces that abound here in the Valley. Paul sees the Shenandoahs as God's country and is thankful for God's extravagant artistry in the vast forest viewed from the top of Crabtree Falls, in the serenity of boundless acres of rolling farmland, or simply in floating flower petals down Pratt's Run with his grandson in Paul's own backyard
Stacie Cathcart
Administrative Assistant/ Children's Ministry Leader
Stacie is the administrative assistant to Pastor Josh. She also coordinates children’s ministry volunteers to make learning about Jesus fun and impactful for GraceBuilt Kids. Stacie’s favorite things to do in the Shenandoah Valley are getting together outdoors with friends to pick apples, doing vendor events (she is an avid painter), and going to visit local lakes and parks. Most of all, she loves to have friends over for cook outs and yard games.
Elisabeth Copp
Assistant Children's Ministry Leader (Pre-K -1st grade)
Elisabeth serves as an assistant to the Kid’s Ministry Leader at GraceBuilt Church where she oversees sharing about Christ with Pre K-1st graders. Elisabeth’s favorite thing about this area is the beauty and opportunities to get outdoors in the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley. In particular, she enjoys driving on Skyline Drive and seeing the seasons change.
Thomas Dorr
Building Overseer
Thomas oversees the maintenance of the church building and has assisted in overseeing the extensive renovation of the building. He coordinates volunteers for construction projects and outdoor site work. His favorite things to do include hiking with his wife, Jean, in the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains. He also enjoys white water rafting in the New River Valley and skiing in Wintergreen, Massanutten, Snowshoe and Silver Creek.
Alec Gunn
Men's Ministry Leader
I serve as the leader of the men’s ministry studying and learning the Bible. I enjoy the bonding and fellowship that is experienced when men get together to learn from Christ and each other. I am currently pursuing ministry as a community chaplain. I enjoy a good workout, reading, and spending time with my wife Tracy and family.
Meneika Keith
Assistant Children's Ministry Leader (2nd-5th grade)
Meneika loves to work with the children of GraceBuilt. She teaches in GraceBuilt's Kids ministry on Sundays and helps with our youth group. She also serves in hospitality, taking meals to those who are in need of home ministry. Meneika enjoys living in Waynesboro because it is a great central location for lots of outdoor fun. She and her kids love to bike, hike, run, enjoy the parks, kayak, and visit all of the unique attractions found in this area: Humpback Rock and Afton Mountain Welcome Center to name two!
Erin Widener
GraceBuilt Kids Check-In Leader
Erin is the friendly face you will see if you are check in your child at GraceBuilt kids on Sundays. She considers GraceBuilt her local "family". Her favorite thing about the area is spring and fall. Erin loves how these seasons change the mountains. She enjoys going up into the park and going hiking or driving to see the beauty of the area. Erin loves to pick fresh fruit in its season. Apple picking is her favorite but she also likes to pick peaches and strawberries. She enjoys the local food and loves going out to eat with her friends.
