Claire Akin
Women's Ministry
Claire thrives on leading Bible gatherings for women and enjoys teaching children about Jesus wherever possible. She cherishes personal testimonies about Jesus from other women. Wife of Josh Akin and mother to four children, she has called this area home since 2001. Her journey with Christ began in 1998 when she surrendered her life to Jesus. She invents recipes (some hit, some miss), dives into scientific studies (even the boring ones), and—wait for it—naps on the couch during Lord Of The Ring marathons.
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Josh Akin
Founder and Pastor
Josh loves to help others Learn and Love the Bible. Josh was raised in a Christian home but found true surrender to the Lord while working in Japan after college. He has worked in optics research and development, as a small business owner, and as a missionary. He planted GraceBuilt Church in 2006. He loves to explore with his family the small towns and trails around Virginia. He is a self-professed coffee hound. He told us, "I have at least 4 coffee makers and 3 grinders. Better safe than sorry."
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John Artois
Elder
John’s faith thrives behind the scenes—working the sound console. He loves connecting with the youth, igniting their passion for learning and service. Growing up in Lynchburg, VA, John's Sundays were steeped in the warmth of a small country church. As he matured, he migrated to a Baptist congregation with a lively youth program. At the tender age of 12, Jesus Christ became his Savior and Lord. John's discipleship journey has been a lifetime of growth—Bible studies, conferences, and daily walks. Oh, and did we mention his penchant for dad jokes? Yes, those too—beware, he may catch you with one!
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Karla Campbell
Prayer Ministry
Karla loves praying with folks and teaching kids. She’s a Waynesboro native, who accepted Jesus as her Savior in 1988 at the age of 38. In her young adult years, she drifted away from the church in search of spiritual truth. Enrolled in a World Religion course, she believed all paths led to the same God—until a life-changing encounter with Jesus, who declared, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me.' Her interests include bringing women together to study God’s word, square dancing, and line dancing.
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Paul Cathcart
Elder
Paul enjoys engaging in conversations, learning more about others and lending a helping hand. Though he grew up in religious traditions and disciplines, he did not know God’s grace apart from works until his 30s. God revealed through reading the Letters of the Apostle Paul, the proverbial nail being laid by “I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain." His love for God and others is beautifully balanced by a wry sense of humor—one that will pleasantly surprise you as you get to know him better.
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Stacie Cathcart
Administrative Assistant
Stacie likes getting to know the kids (giving them a sense of true north) and building relationships with others in our community. She grew up in Florida. Her grandaddy served as a pastor. She accepted Christ at 15, when God revealed to her there was no better place than at the feet of Jesus. She loves painting and all things arts and crafts. She also loves banjos, saxophones, and gigantic military vehicles like tanks!
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Jordan Gibson
Youth Ministry
Jordan loves teaching the Bible to our students from elementary through high school. He finds joy in nurturing these relationships. Raised in church, Jordan grappled with salvation doubts and fear of death and hell. At 17, the Holy Spirit spoke clarity: personal surrender to Christ. Immersed in the gospels, he met Jesus—His Savior. He enjoys hiking, cooking, time with family, and traveling around the world. Jordan geeks out on all things travel related! From airplane food to exploring airports, he practiced plenty (he’s currently been to 9 countries).
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Midori Gibson
Kids Ministry
Midori delights in connecting with kids and teens, nurturing their faith. Originally from Tokyo, her childhood memories are of friendships made amongst pews, memory verses, and Bible songs. God used a stormy bus ride to produce her belief in God's protective love at just 11 years old. John 3:16 became Midori’s lifeline, showing her God’s great love through faith in Jesus alone. She enjoys cooking, exploring new places, and—interestingly—appreciates the subtleties of flat sodas.
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David Hudson
Church Online
David values getting to know his fellow Church Online Teammates and serving wherever God leads him. He grew up in Michigan and Indiana. His journey with Christ began in fifth grade when he first heard the gospel. Despite a season of sin in his mid-twenties, Christ's salvation came as a revelation: a death sentence due to sin, with the sole escape route being through Jesus Christ. David nerds out on computer science and apologetics. Despite growing up in two states where the famous Zingerman’s Creamery exists, David does NOT like cheese.
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Kim Hudson
Worship Arts
Kim loves building relationships with the folks she serves alongside—a way of fulfilling God’s command to love Him and others as He loves us. She grew up in a church in Roanoke, VA. As an adult, God made her faith in Him her own when He pulled her up from her sin, igniting a desire to live for Jesus because He died for her. Kim enjoys coffee, spending time with kids, and being outdoors (usually in that order). She’s even bungee jumped—twice!
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