Author: Pat Quinn

Sabbatical Tales

Taking sabbaticals, a period of time away from normal work so that an employee might pursue things like study, travel, or general personal growth, is a modern application of the biblical sabbath year. Having been on staff as Director of Counseling Ministries at University Reformed Church for fifteen years, I just took a brief sabbatical this summer. In this blog, I will share a few thoughts on what I did and why breaks from normal work or ministry are beneficial. Continue Reading →

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Knowledge of God and Knowledge of Self

John Calvin wrote, “…true and sound wisdom, consists of two parts: the knowledge of God and of ourselves…” This two-fold knowledge has profound implications for wise and effective counseling. David wrote about this need for knowledge of God and knowledge of self in Psalm 40:11 (“as for you…”) and verse 17 (“as for me….”). This blog discusses what David says every struggling sinner and aspiring saint needs to know about God and self to grow and flourish. Continue Reading →

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A Counseling Benediction

Benedictions are found in almost every book of the New Testament. Most are quite brief (e.g., “Grace be with you all” from Titus 2:15), but some are more substantial. One beautiful benediction is Hebrews 13:20-21. It briefly highlights God’s character, saving plan, sanctifying purposes, and ultimate goal. This benediction can be used in counseling as a passage to study with the counselee, a guide for prayer, or a homework assignment. Continue Reading →

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On Being a Church of Biblical Counseling

People practice biblical counseling in a number of different settings. Some are given the opportunity to practice in a church setting. This blog lists a number of ways biblical counseling has been practiced and built into the DNA of University Reformed Church. The hope is that this blog will stimulate thanksgiving for the opportunities the Lord has given you and perhaps bring to mind ways you could expand your biblical counseling influence. Continue Reading →

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The Ultimate Reality and Final Word

With the proliferating number of counseling issues, theories, and therapies, we need a foundational, unifying diagnosis and cure that provides a larger context, makes sense of all issues, and gives hope for deep and lasting freedom. The gospel, as Paul expounds it in Galatians 3:10-14, provides this. Continue Reading →

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