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
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.
Pam Carter
Director GraceBuilt Creative Learning Center
Pam is the director of GraceBuilt Creative Learning Center. 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 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.
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.
Jimmy Grenz
Safety Team Leader
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.
Jenna Guthrie
Kids Ministry
Meet with Jenna
Jenna is originally from California. She moved to Virginia in 2020 to serve at GraceBuilt Church and the Creative Learning center.
Jenna love God's creation in Nature and she loves to go on trail.
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.
Autumn Mackey
Kids and Worship Ministry
Meet With Autumn Mackey.
She is one of our worship leader at GraceBuilt Church. She also serve at our Creative learning center as a mentor during the week.
Autumn is passionate about art and love to serve in the kids ministry
Steve Wang
Board of Directors
Pastor Steve is founding pastor of Calvary Chapel North Stafford. Check out his amazing testimony at: https://
John White
Community Groups Leader
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.