Our History

The roots of the Georgia Christian Counselor Association (GCCA) trace back to 1992, when a dedicated group of faith-based counseling professionals sought to gain official recognition for Christian counselors in the state. This effort was led by Dr. Olin Mullinex, who, along with Dr. Gary Rogers, Pastor Bill Denton, Pastor Larry Palmer, and Dr. Jack Kelly, met with Georgia’s Secretary of State, the Honorable Max Cleland, to advocate for change.Their mission was clear: to persuade the Georgia Composite Board (GCB) to formally recognize Christian counselors alongside their secular counterparts. However, they quickly encountered a significant roadblock. The GCB showed no interest in extending the same level of recognition and support to Christian counselors as they did to secular professionals.

Faced with this challenge, the group was at a crossroads. Rather than allowing this setback to deter them, they sought guidance from Secretary Cleland, who offered an alternative path. He advised them to take matters into their own hands:"Form an independent Board of Examiners for Christian Counselors and Therapists. Establish standards and accountability, just as the GCB does for its licensed professionals." Inspired by this suggestion, the group took decisive action. On June 3, 1993, their vision became a reality with the establishment of the Georgia Board of Examiners for Christian Counselors and Therapists, now referred to as the Georgia Board for Christian Counselors (GBCC).

Around the same time, the same group of individuals formed the Georgia Christian Counselor Association (GCCA), a unique membership organization providing continuing educating and networking services. Today, the GBCC and GCCA work in unison, offering Christian and Pastoral Counselors, Life Coaches, Mental Health Professionals, Lay Caregivers, and students a place to learn, grow, connect, and thrive in their service of the community.