Author: Pat Quinn

Learning From the Wonderful Counselor

Learning From the Wonderful Counselor

Posted by | Nov 6, 2020 | |

As biblical counselors, we are thankful for good teachers whose instruction and example have shaped our understanding and practice. However, our greatest gift and privilege is to learn from the Master Himself: “And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor” (Isa. 9:6). I am deeply impressed by what John says about this Wonderful Counselor in John 2:24-25: “But Jesus…knew all people and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man.” Impeccable character, comprehensive understanding of people, and flexible wisdom describe Jesus as He confronts, encourages, and changes people. Continue Reading →

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Anxiety, Depression, and the Comfort of Christ

Anxiety, Depression, and the Comfort of Christ

Posted by | Jul 31, 2020 | |

What has been the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on counseling people dealing with anxiety and depression? Initially, there was a very direct impact. Many people struggled with fear of the virus, the unsettling effect of personal and societal upheaval, the loneliness of social isolation, and grief/frustration over the loss of valued activities and opportunities. However, over time I believe the impact became increasingly indirect, and in many cases, the anxiety or depression they were already experiencing was exacerbated. The need for Christ’s comfort has been acutely apparent. Continue Reading →

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Ten Reasons to Love and Trust Jesus

Ten Reasons to Love and Trust Jesus

Posted by | May 11, 2020 | |

In our perilous time of pandemic, disruption, and death, Jesus shines forth with hope-filled and glorious love and power. As counselors today, we share the same circumstantial fears, frustrations, and isolation as those we counsel, and we need the same Jesus we commend to them. Mark records two stories that give ten solid reasons to love and trust Jesus Christ in the hardest situations. Continue Reading →

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What’s New?

Posted by | Feb 26, 2020 | |

The default mode of people facing sin and failure is religious self-improvement. While this is understandable, it is also futile. What we need is not to become better but to be made new. Paul proclaims four “news” of the gospel in 2 Corinthians 5:14-21. Continue Reading →

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A Vision for Marriage

Posted by | Oct 28, 2019 | |

Lots of good conversations happen around the water cooler in our office area at University Reformed Church. Recently, I had a conversation with one of our pastors about premarital counseling. It was a quick conversation in which he said he’d like me to look over a plan for premarital counseling that two members of the congregation had developed. I walked away to go do some reading but got hooked on the question, “If I were creating a curriculum for premarital counseling, what would be the foundational biblical truths about marriage I would want to communicate to the prospective couples?” I started reflecting and writing in my journaling Bible. Here are the four big questions I reflected on. Continue Reading →

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