Who is Biblical Counselling Australia?
Biblical Counselling Australia (BCA) is an Australian network of over 1200 Christian pastors, chaplains, counsellors, university staff workers, women’s workers, kids workers, psychologists, doctors and more, pursuing biblical counselling and discipleship.
These people come from 300 churches from multiple denominations. For more info see our beliefs and approach to counselling. Biblical Counselling Australia Inc. is a registered not for profit.
BCA has significant support from an increasing number of churches across Australia such as
BCA has worked together with a number of educational institutions and theological colleges including:
BCA has also been involved in speaking at or partnering with a number of parachurch ministries including:
The committee of management includes:
DR KARL HOOD - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Karl has been a biblical counsellor for 20 years. He completed graduate studies in counselling and theology at Westminster Seminary and CCEF in Philadelphia and is working on a DPhil in the Psalms and trauma at the University of Oxford. He is a lecturer in pastoral care and counselling at PTC Melbourne, lead counsellor at Melbourne East Christian Counselling Centre, and served as a pastor at his church, Drouin Presbyterian, for a decade. Karl is also a medical practitioner. You can contact Karl by email: karl@biblicalcounselling.org.au
NEIL CASTLE - DIRECTOR
Neil is the Executive Pastor of City on a Hill Melbourne East. He is married to Kirsty and has two children. He loves music, playing guitar, and wrestling with his kids. Neil has a Bachelor of Theology from Ridley College, and a Diploma of Music from Box Hill Institute
JACQUI SPANOS - DIRECTOR
Jacqui is a biblical counsellor and qualified hospital chaplain. She majored in biblical pastoral counselling at PTC Melbourne and pioneered the role of women’s pastoral worker in PCV churches. She counsels at Melbourne East Christian Counselling Centre. One of her specialisations is in bereavement. Jacqui also has a BMin, with ongoing studies. If you want to contact Jacqui, please email: jacqui@biblicalcounselling.org.au
JO CHARLES - DIRECTOR
Jo is a biblical counsellor in Sydney. She completed a Master of Arts in Counselling at Westminster Seminary and taught biblical counselling in Chile for many years while serving with CMS. She attends an Anglican Church in Sydney.
ADRIAN MARTINEZ - DIRECTOR & LOCAL CHURCH TRAINING
Adrian has served in pastoral ministries since 1998 and has been active in biblical counselling since 2003. Before entering full-time ministry he worked in various roles with special education including teaching and as a behaviour therapist. Adrian has a Master of Arts in Biblical Counselling degree from The Master's University where he also did DMin coursework. He is a certified counsellor with the Association of Certified Biblical Counsellors and is at the dissertation stage of a PhD at in biblical counselling at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He delivers BCA Soul Care Certificate courses. He is also the Oceania Coordinator for Overseas Instruction in Counselling, and a council member on the Biblical Counselling Coalition. Adrian and his wife Jen have 5 children. Contact Email: adrian@biblicalcounselling.org.au
KURT PETERS - SPECIAL ADVISER TO THE BOARD
Kurt was the co-founder of BCA with Karl Hood in 2011. He completed his M.Div at S.M.B.C. and has completed distance education courses through CCEF in biblical counselling. In 2018 Kurt stepped back from his place on the board to become a Special adviser. After serving as the minister of St Matts in Botany NSW for many years, Kurt has recently moved into ministry supervision. Get more info here
Support staff:
RORY WEIGHTMAN - EVENTS ADMINISTRATOR
Rory Weightman serves as the Events Administrator of BCA. He works as a biblical counsellor and as a podiatrist, and serves as an elder at Reforming Church in Bendigo. Rory has completed the ‘Foundations of Biblical Counselling’ certificate through CCEF and is working towards BCA accreditation. Rory is a self confessed details man and will be responsible for administration and events for BCA. If you want to talk further please email: rory@biblicalcounselling.org.au