A Short Biography: Alan Lester

After serving in the military as an operational medic in South Africa and Namibia, and later working as a paramedic in Johannesburg, Alan managed a Christian rehabilitation centre for seven-and-a-half years beginning in 2000. He began studying theology in 1998 and first discovered biblical counselling in 1999, pursuing it both privately and through formal training. His studies included Life Enrichment Ministries, the Bible Institute of Kalk Bay, Christ Seminary, Grace School of Ministry under Dr. Mack, and South African Theological Seminary.

While serving for eleven years as a student assignment evaluator for Dr. Mack at GSM, SMTI, and Mukhanyo Theological College, he completed his certification with the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC) under Dr. Mack’s supervision.

He is a founding member of Living Hope Church Pretoria, where he serves as the counselling pastor and elder, and he teaches systematic theology at the African Bible Training Centre. Alan has completed multi-year research into biblical counselling and African cultural commonalities. All three of his books are available on his website, graceunlimited.co.za—the research volume for purchase, and the other two for free download.

Alan was happily married to Charleen for nineteen years until her unexpected death in 2012. From this marriage he has two adult daughters.

Reviewed 10 October 2026