Claire Akin
Women's Ministry Leader
Claire is the wife of Josh Akin and mom to their four children. She has lived in the Waynesboro area since 2001. Claire became a Christian in 1998 and has loved studying the Word, applying Scripture personally to her life, and leading Bible studies for women. There is nothing Claire loves more than hearing personal testimonies about Jesus from other Christians. She also enjoys teaching children, toddlers and babies about Jesus at church and in her community. She homeschools her children and works part-time as a family physician. Her hobbies include reading, cooking, writing, and going for long walks with her family.
Josh Akin
Founder and Lead Pastor
Discover how good life can be when lived out God's way with our founding Pastor Josh Akin.
Josh is passionate about helping the world Learn and Love the Bible. You will love Josh's way of making the Bible simple, yet profoundly life-changing.
Josh planted GraceBuilt Church in 2006 with his wife Claire. They have four children and love exploring the small towns and trails around the beautiful Shenandoah valley.
Stacie Cathcart
Administrative Assistant
Stacie is the administrative assistant to Pastor Josh. She also volunteers in children’s ministry and 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 spend time with friends and family.
Jimmy Grenz
Safety Team Leader
Tom Hallman
Board of Directors
Pastor Tom is founding pastor of Calvary Chapel Williamsburg. He serves on the Board of Directors providing counsel and accountability to Pastor Josh. Learn more about Pastor Tom and what God is doing in Williamsburg.
Lauryn Leopard
Digital Ministry
John Shane
Worship Volunteer & Youth Volunteer
John Shane is from a small Island named Mauritius. He came to America to do a Discipleship school with Y-wam Colorado Springs, CO in January 2020. In March 2020 covid happened and he couldn't go back to his country due to travelling restriction. John Shane moved to Virginia. God a plan for him. Now John Shane serves as a volunteer for Worship and Youth Ministries at GraceBuilt. John Shane has a heart for the Lord and he wants to share it with others and you. He loves to see people experiencing God's presence and the change that comes with His presence. John Shane enjoys going to live concerts and being outside, especially when the sun shines. His hobbies are music, woodworking, art and coffee.
Steve Wang
Board of Directors
Pastor Steve is founding pastor of Calvary Chapel North Stafford. Check out his amazing testimony at: https://
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.