Staff

Xavier Lakshmanan is the Principal of the Australian College of Christian Studies and an experienced theological educator, scholar, and Christian leader. He holds a PhD in Systematic Theology from Charles Sturt University, along with postgraduate and undergraduate theological qualifications from India. Dr Lakshmanan’s academic interests include systematic theology, hermeneutics, theological interpretation, and the relationship between theology and philosophy. He is the author of Textual Linguistic Theology in Paul Ricœur and has contributed to theological scholarship through teaching, research, and writing. As Principal, Dr Lakshmanan provides academic and institutional leadership, with a strong commitment to equipping students through rigorous theological education and preparing them for faithful Christian ministry and service.

Jeff combines a ministry and business background. Following a career as an engineering consultant with various companies, Jeff was Senior Pastor of Craigmore Christian Church, South Australia for over twenty years, where he also served as Chair of Hope Christian College. With a strong background with the Navigators in evangelism and discipleship, Jeff lectured in those areas for 12 years at the Adelaide College of Ministries, where he also served on the Board. Jeff was a founding board member of the Christian Community Churches of Australia, of which he served as Chair from 2017-2022. He is also a past board member of Christian Community Ministries where he served until 2023. He was Chair of Australian College of Christian Studies from 2017-2023 and is currently a member of the College’s Risk and Audit Committee. He also lectures in areas of theology and ministry.

Dr Paul Porta is a theologian, theological educator, and academic leader with extensive experience in theological education and ministry formation in Australia and internationally. He currently serves as Dean of Academics at the Australian College of Christian Studies, providing leadership in teaching, curriculum, academic standards, and theological education. He holds a Doctor of Ministry, Master of Theology, Master of Ministry, Master of Arts, and Bachelor of Theology. His doctoral research explored how cultural background influences perceptions of God within a multicultural Christian community, reflecting his interests in practical, Pentecostal, contextual, and ordinary theology, as well as multicultural Christianity. Dr Porta has held senior academic and leadership roles in Brazil, Portugal, and Australia, including Academic Dean and College Principal at Tabor College and Academic Dean of the Brazilian Advanced School of Theology. His work integrates theological scholarship, academic governance, curriculum development, quality assurance, and ministry formation, with a strong commitment to connecting rigorous theological education with the practical needs of churches and diverse Christian communities.

Dr Elizabeth (Beth) Beech is the Dean of Studies at the Australian College of Christian Studies. Previously, she served as the Director of Graduate Studies at Toccoa Falls College in Georgia, USA, and Alphacrucis University College in Sydney Australia, and as Senior Officer, University Governance and Risk at Avondale University in Cooranbong, NSW. Previously, as the Academic Dean of the National Institute for Christian Education (NICE), she developed a research interest in transformative worldview education related to teaching, curriculum, leadership, and governance. Beth served as a missionary for over 20 years in Bolivia, South America. She is a graduate of Asbury University (B.A.), Azusa Pacific University (M.A.), Regent University (PhD) and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (MTS).

Dr Julie-Anne Seach is the Dean of Education at the Australian College of Christian Studies (ACCS), Australia. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Notre Dame Australia, a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Charles Sturt University, a Bachelor of Education (Primary) from the University of Sydney, and a Diploma of Teaching from the Sydney Institute of Education. Her academic research focuses on curriculum implementation, teacher professional development, educational change, and teachers’ experiences of curriculum reform. Her doctoral research examined New South Wales teachers’ perspectives on the early stages of implementing a new national curriculum, highlighting the importance of professional learning, teacher involvement, and institutional support in educational change. As Dean of Education, Dr Seach contributes to the leadership and development of teacher education within a Christian higher education context. Her academic interests bridge educational research and professional practice, with a particular emphasis on curriculum development, teaching quality, and supporting educators through periods of educational reform.

Dr Ruby Holland is an academic associated with the Australian College of Christian Studies (ACCS), Australia. She has an academic background linked to the University of Sydney and contributes to the college’s work in Christian education and professional learning. Her professional interests are situated within the broader context of education, leadership, and the development of Christian school communities. Through her association with ACCS, her work aligns with the institution’s commitment to supporting educators through faith-based learning and professional development.

Adrian Martinez is the Head of Counselling at the Australian College of Christian Studies (ACCS), Australia. He holds a Graduate Diploma in Communication, a Master of Arts in Biblical Counselling, a Master of Divinity, a Bachelor of Biblical Studies, and a Diploma of Church Ministry. He is also undertaking doctoral studies in Christian Counselling. His professional interests include Christian counselling, pastoral care, mental health, relationship and leadership issues, and counsellor supervision. Drawing on his background in pastoral ministry and counselling, he works with individuals and couples experiencing challenges such as anxiety, depression, stress, grief, and relationship difficulties. In his leadership role at ACCS, Martinez contributes to counselling services and student wellbeing within a Christian educational context. His work integrates counselling practice, biblical perspectives, and pastoral care to support personal growth, emotional wellbeing, and healthy relationships.

Dr Byung Kim is the Korean Counselling Coordinator at the Australian College of Christian Studies (ACCS), Australia. His academic qualifications include a PhD from Canada Christian College, a Master of Counselling from Charles Sturt University, and a Bachelor of Counselling from Tabor College. Dr Kim’s professional work focuses on counselling and mental health support, particularly for Korean-speaking students. In his role at ACCS, he contributes to student wellbeing by providing counselling support within a Christian educational context. His work brings together professional counselling training and a Christian approach to personal care, emotional wellbeing, and pastoral support.

Dr David Smith is an academic and Christian ministry leader associated with the Australian College of Christian Studies (ACCS), Australia, where he has served as Academic Dean and is currently serving as International Training Coordinator. He holds a Doctor of Theology (DTh) and a Master of Arts in Theology from the University of Pretoria, a Bachelor of Ministry from Perth Bible College, and a Bachelor of Business in Accounting from the Tasmanian State Institute of Technology. Dr Smith’s academic interests include practical theology, ecclesiology, pastoral ministry, leadership, preaching, and biblical hermeneutics. His doctoral research explored practical theological ecclesiology, examining how the church’s identity, expression, and purpose can be integrated into its life and practice. His work also connects theological scholarship with ministry development and leadership training.

Dr. Sehyun Kim is a biblical studies expert, currently serves as the Dean of Sydney Korean College of Theology and the Senior Pastor of Sunhan Presbyterian Church in Sydney, Australia. Dr. Kim has dedicated his career to theological education and pastoral ministry. Over the past two decades, he has lectured at various institutions in South Korea and Australia. His current research focuses on New Testament Christology, particularly the Christology of the Gospel of John. He is also interested in biblical interpretation from a Korean perspective and immigrant theology.

Dr Jae In Yu is a lecturer at the Australian College of Christian Studies (ACCS-SKTC), Australia. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from Charles Sturt University, a Doctor of Counselling from America Evangelical University, a Master of Theology from ACT University (formerly Asian United Theological University), a Master of Divinity from Seoul Theological University, and a Master of Arts from Morling College. He also holds qualifications in counselling, biblical studies, and theology. Dr Yu’s academic interests include systematic theology, Christian doctrine, biblical studies, and counselling. His doctoral research examined the doctrine of faith in the theological traditions of John Calvin, Karl Barth, and Korean Reformed theology, exploring the understanding of faith across influential theological perspectives. In his role at ACCS, Dr Yu contributes to theological education, academic research, and the development of Christian scholarship. His work connects historical and contemporary theological thought with Christian education and ministry.

Dr Jong Soo Park is the Melbourne Campus Coordinator of SKTC at the Australian College of Christian Studies (ACCS), Australia. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Divinity, a Master of Theology from the Melbourne College of Divinity, a Master of Divinity, and a Bachelor of Arts from Presbyterian University and Theological Seminary in South Korea. Dr Park’s academic interests include practical theology, Christian education, diaspora theology, intercultural ministry, and Christian discipleship. His research explores how Christian faith and education can be meaningfully expressed within multicultural and migrant communities, particularly among Korean-Australian Christians. His work integrates theological research, pastoral ministry, and curriculum development, with a focus on strengthening Christian education and fostering inclusive, intercultural faith communities.

Dr Yong Suk Chon is the SKTC Brisbane Campus Coordinator at the Australian College of Christian Studies (ACCS), where he also lectures in Christian theology and ministry. He holds a Doctor of Ministry from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in the United States, a Master of Theology from Sydney College of Divinity, and a Master of Divinity and Bachelor of Theology from Korean Baptist Theological University. Dr Chon’s professional interests include Christian ministry, biblical teaching, pastoral leadership, and spiritual formation. He also serves as the Senior Pastor of the Korean Baptist Church in Brisbane, integrating theological education with practical pastoral ministry. Through his academic and ministry roles, Dr Chon contributes to theological education, Christian leadership development, and the spiritual formation of students. His work emphasises the practical application of Christian faith and the development of mature, committed Christian leaders.

Dr Kenneth Cole is a lecturer in Counselling and Psychology at the Australian College of Christian Studies (ACCS), Australia. He holds a Doctorate in Economic Psychology, a Master of Counselling, a Graduate Diploma of Counselling, and a Graduate Certificate in Mental Health. Dr Cole’s academic and professional interests encompass counselling practice, psychology, mental health, and the psychological dimensions of economic behaviour and decision-making. His interdisciplinary background connects psychological theory with counselling practice and mental health support. Through his teaching at ACCS, Dr Cole contributes to the education and professional development of students in counselling and psychology, drawing on his qualifications to connect theoretical knowledge with practical applications in counselling and mental health care.

Erika Raigne is a lecturer at the Australian College of Christian Studies (ACCS), Australia, with expertise in history and a background in theological education. She holds a Master of Theology and a Certificate of Higher Education. Her academic interests encompass history, historical interpretation, and the relationship between historical developments and religious thought. Through her teaching, she contributes to students’ understanding of historical contexts and their significance for contemporary Christian studies, theology, and ministry. At ACCS, Erika brings together historical knowledge and theological perspectives to support academic learning and critical engagement with the past.

Justin Low is the Registrar at the Australian College of Christian Studies (ACCS), Australia. In this role, he contributes to the administration and coordination of academic processes, supporting the effective delivery of higher education and the maintenance of academic standards. As Registrar, Justin plays an important role in facilitating student enrolment, academic records management, and institutional compliance with higher education requirements. His work supports the college’s commitment to providing quality Christian education and maintaining effective academic administration.

Mrs Phoebe Kim is the Librarian at the Australian College of Christian Studies (ACCS), Australia. In this role, she supports the college’s academic community by facilitating access to library resources and learning materials that contribute to teaching, research, and student learning. Her professional responsibilities include supporting information access, resource management, and the development of an effective learning environment for students and academic staff. Through her work, Mrs Kim contributes to the college’s educational mission by helping students and lecturers access relevant scholarly resources for theological study, Christian education, and academic research.

Sun Mi Chung is the Receptionist and Administrative Assistant at the Australian College of Christian Studies (ACCS), Australia. In this role, she supports the day-to-day operations of the college by managing reception duties, assisting with administrative tasks, and facilitating communication between students, staff, and visitors. Through her work, Sun Mi contributes to the efficient functioning of the college’s administrative services and helps foster a welcoming and supportive environment for the academic community. Her role supports STKC-ACCS’s broader mission of providing quality Christian higher education and student services.

Mr Barry Brown is the IT Manager at the Australian College of Christian Studies (ACCS), Australia. In this role, he oversees the college’s information technology operations and supports the effective use of digital systems across its academic and administrative activities. His responsibilities include maintaining IT infrastructure, supporting digital learning platforms, troubleshooting technical issues, and assisting staff and students with technology-related needs. Through his work, Mr Brown contributes to the reliability and effectiveness of the college’s technological services, supporting teaching, learning, research, and administration within the Christian higher education environment.

Mr Levi Flower is an IT Support professional at the Australian College of Christian Studies (ACCS), Australia. In this role, he assists with the day-to-day operation of the college’s information technology systems and provides technical support to staff and students. His responsibilities include troubleshooting technical issues, assisting users with hardware and software, and supporting the effective use of digital platforms for teaching, learning, and administration. Through his work, Mr Flower contributes to maintaining a reliable and supportive technology environment that enables the college’s academic and administrative activities to function effectively.

Ms Elise Amery works in Admissions and Student Support at the Australian College of Christian Studies (ACCS), Australia. In this role, she assists prospective and current students throughout their educational journey, helping them navigate admissions processes and access relevant student support services. Her responsibilities include providing information about enrolment procedures, assisting with admissions enquiries, and supporting students with administrative and academic-related matters. Through her work, Ms Amery contributes to creating a welcoming and supportive learning environment, reflecting ACCS’s commitment to student wellbeing and quality Christian higher education.

Ms Mykee Manalo is the Accounts Officer at the Australian College of Christian Studies (ACCS), Australia. In this role, she supports the college’s financial and accounting operations, contributing to the effective management of its financial administration. Her responsibilities include assisting with financial record-keeping, processing accounts, maintaining accounting documentation, and supporting financial transactions and reporting. Through her work, Ms Manalo contributes to the accuracy and efficiency of the college’s financial processes, supporting its broader educational and administrative mission.