Our Team
Rev. STEPHEN BLOOR, RECTOR
Stephen has been the Rector of Christ Church North Adelaide since 2021. In this role, he leads the congregation in worship, pastoral care, and strategic mission planning, all grounded in his deep love for Jesus and expressed through the Anglican tradition. Stephen is passionate about maintaining the beauty and reverence of traditional worship, while also embracing new forms of outreach and discipleship, such as Gospel Neighbouring—a model that encourages intentional social engagement within the local community.
Stephen seeks to equip the members of Christ Church to grow in their faith and actively engage in ministry. His approach blends the rich heritage of Anglican worship with practical applications of the Gospel to modern life. Stephen’s love for the Book of Common Prayer is central to his ministry, shaping the liturgy and pastoral care as he helps others encounter the depth of Anglican spirituality.
Stephen has extensive ministry experience across South Australia and New South Wales, revitalising churches through a balance of tradition and innovation. Notably, he led initiatives such as Messy Church and contemporary services while fostering more traditional worship forms. His leadership has been key in forming new outreach programs, including initiatives for migrants and refugees, and he continues to encourage lay leadership within the church, empowering others to use their gifts in service.
Stephen holds a Master of Arts in Leadership and a Bachelor of Theology. He is deeply focused on discipleship, ensuring clear pathways for spiritual growth both within the church and in outreach to the wider community. He is also a strong advocate for prayerful pastoral care and is passionate about helping people discover their identity in Christ, grounded in scripture and tradition.
Stephen enjoys spending time with his wife, Deborah, and two children outside his ministry work. He appreciates time in nature, reflecting on how faith and culture intersect, and continuously explores ways to grow the church’s mission. Stephen’s vision is for Christ Church North Adelaide to be a place where people of all ages and backgrounds can experience the transformative love of God.
MR Barry Kursten, Children and Families Outreach Worker
My name is Barry Kursten, and am married to Dr. Karuna, a senior registrar for a Hospital in the North. We have two daughters, Tara (4) and Ivy (2). I originally moved to Australia from the Netherlands 18 years ago as a skilled migrant (specialised in RF-Electronics), while Karuna is originally from Bhutan.
In 2010, I felt a call from God, igniting my passion for church mission, intercultural and theological studies. Since then, I have been involved in various church ministries, including motorcycle ministry, leadership, and youth ministry, while completing studies at Tabor College. I hold certificates in Old Testament studies (BCSA) and Catechesis (VLCFF), as well as diplomas in Theology and Intercultural Studies and a Bachelor in Ministry (Tabor).
Earlier this year, I joined the Enquiry stage of the Diocese, with the hope that one day I will be an Ordination candidate. I plan to begin graduate studies at Saint Barnabas College next year.
I have served as Warden, Secretary, and Sunday school teacher at Saint John’s in Salisbury and look forward to my role as the Children, Family, and Outreach Worker at Christ Church North Adelaide.
My mission is to build relationships with North Adelaide families and invite them into our Parish. I love to see faith communities grow into Christ centred hot spots of hospitality, love, hope, and discipleship makers, my dreams and hopes is to play a role in that by equipping and empowering volunteers and leaders, to do so. As a novice in the Third Order of Franciscans I prioritise faith in action (pastoral and applied theology) over doctrinal theology. My favourite theologians include Karl Rahner, Thomas Merton, Richard Rohr, and Henri Nouwen. In my free time, I enjoy my family and the occasional ride on my Harley Davidson Motorcycle.
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Music
Miss Amelia Holds, Director of Music
Amelia has sung at Christ Church North Adelaide since 2011. This year she was appointed the role of Director of music and could not be more thrilled to be further involved in the glorious music program at Christ Church. As Director of Music, Amelia programs the music for services as well as choir concerts, and conducts the choir. Amelia has a Bachelor’s Degree in Classical Music (Voice) with first class honours, as well as an Advanced Diploma in Performing Arts (Acting). She is passionate about choral musical and delights in the magic that occurs when multiple people connect their souls and minds through song. Aside from music, she also has a keen interest in language learning, having studied in both France and Germany. In her free time, Amelia loves to cuddle her two cats Spaetzle and Milly while reading historical fiction (especially when it is raining!).
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Wardens
DR MARK GRYST
Priest’s Warden
MR NEIL WOOLMAN
People’s Warden
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Office Staff
MRS ILIANA FORERO
Parish Office Administrator
DR CLAIRE BLOOR
Parish Librarian Archivist
Claire is the Parish Librarian Archivist and is responsible for caring for the Bishop Renfrey Library and the archival records held at Christ Church North Adelaide. Prior to working at Christ Church, she worked as a high school teacher and in museum and archive settings. Claire holds a Bachelor of Teaching/ Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in history, a PhD in Education, a Graduate Certificate of Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies, and a Graduate Diploma in Museum Studies. She enjoys learning about Christ Church’s history and its connection to the broader history of South Australia.
MR HAMISH MCLACHLAN
Parish Sexton and Sacristan
Hamish oversees Church and hall hire as well as aiding in the weekday services. He also supervises any event that takes place at the Church. Hamish has a wide range of experience over many different areas of work. He has gone to law school and worked in small and large law firms. He also has worked at St Peter’s College as an assistant chaplain. Hamish was drawn to this role because of his commitment to the Anglican church and his love for organizing events. He also has a penchant for the high church tradition. His favorite line from the Bible is; “But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.”