31 Feet Forward LLC.
Christian Life Coaching
About
Hi, I’m Joel Wingo. I am a Christian Life Coach, the founder of 31 Feet Forward, and your friend on the journey.
My role is not to fix you. My role is to walk with you. I help people move from stuck places into clarity, peace, and purpose.
Why 31 Feet Forward
The vision for 31 Feet Forward was born from a powerful image, the rhinoceros. Rhinos can charge 30 miles per hour, but their eyesight only reaches about 30 feet. If something stands at 31 feet, it is too late to stop. They charge forward anyway.
That became my life’s metaphor, living by faith and trusting God with what is just beyond my sight. Between what we see, the 30 feet, and what we cannot yet see, the 31st, there is a space I call the 30.5. It is where clarity ends and faith begins. My coaching is about helping you live boldly in that space.
My Background
For over 25 years I have served in ministry, human services, and coaching. I have walked with people through addiction recovery, family crises, grief, trauma, and major life transitions. I have been a pastor, a group home leader, and a mentor in both nonprofit and church settings.
I hold a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Abilene Christian University, along with graduate work in ministry and organizational development. My coaching in this capcity is not clincal therapy, but it is deeply informed by biblical wisdom, systemic insight, and years of walking with people in their hardest seasons.
I am also the author of several faith-based coaching workbooks. These include Man of Valor, Tough as Rhino Skin, Healing Forward, Grieving Forward, Moving Forward Through Storms, Overcoming Loneliness, When Love Feels One-Sided, Crashing the Marriage, 31 Feet Toward Home, and Charging Through the Fog. These resources are often integrated into my coaching to help clients take practical, faith-filled steps toward healing, resilience, and breakthrough. I offer these workbooks at a very reasonable price for you to download regardless if you book with me for a session or not. To find access to them you must join the private Facebook page, 31 Feet Forward Resource Group. You can find the link at the bottom of this page. I also have my first book coming out this year called, "Wild Faith: Beliving God for all things, and living like it."
The 31 Feet Forward Path
My signature framework guides every coaching relationship:
See the 30
Identify where you are now. This includes your challenges, your desires, and the obstacles in your way.
Identify where you are now. This includes your challenges, your desires, and the obstacles in your way.
Trust the 31
Build courage for what you cannot yet see. This is about strengthening your faith and rooting your confidence in Scripture and the character of God.
Build courage for what you cannot yet see. This is about strengthening your faith and rooting your confidence in Scripture and the character of God.
Charge Forward
Take bold, practical steps that align with God’s purpose for your life. You move with intention, peace, and confidence.
Take bold, practical steps that align with God’s purpose for your life. You move with intention, peace, and confidence.
A Special Note From Me
I have been married to my bride for over 22 years, and together we are raising three incredible kids. Our family has walked through storms and we have witnessed God’s faithfulness at every turn. When I am not coaching, I am writing, teaching, or spending time with my family. I am always dreaming of ways to help people live bolder, more free, faith-filled lives.
I never want cost to keep someone from moving forward. If you need help but cannot afford coaching, I will not turn you away.
I never want cost to keep someone from moving forward. If you need help but cannot afford coaching, I will not turn you away.
You do not have to figure it all out alone. Let’s take the next faithful step together. One prayer. One breakthrough. One step at a time.
Packages
Individual Session
1 x 50 minute session. ($175 per session)
Let's take the next faith-step together!
Let's take the next faith-step together!
Weekly Coaching Support
This package offers 12 x 50-minute sessions. ($150 per session)
Let's run this change weekly together!
Let's run this change weekly together!
Bi-Weekly Coaching Support
This package offers 6 x 50 minute sessions. ($150 per session)
Let's run this change together!
Let's run this change together!
Charging Through The Fog 12-Week Course
A 12 Week Journey Through Depression Toward Hope, Healing, and Forward Faith.
31FF Blueprint: Living Boldly Beyond Sight
This book contains the blueprints for the 31 Feet Forward concept, a faith-driven framework built on the bold courage of the rhino.
Crashing The Marriage
Crashing the Marriage is a 31 Feet Forward coaching workbook designed to help couples move forward together when clarity feels limited and connection feels strained. Rather than a checklist or rigid program, this resource offers practical tools, visual models, and guided reflections that help couples understand patterns, improve communication, and rebuild trust at their own pace. Rooted in biblical wisdom, marriage research, and coaching principles, the workbook creates space for honest conversation, emotional safety, and intentional forward movement. It is built to be used flexibly in coaching, small groups, or church settings, supporting couples and leaders as they take meaningful steps toward unity, resilience, and hope.
Charging Through the Fog
Charging Through the Fog is a 31 Feet Forward workbook designed to help individuals navigate the emotional fog of depression and begin rebuilding hope, stability, and resilience. Using the practical RHINO framework, this guide helps readers recognize the fog they are facing, understand the deeper forces that influence emotional struggles, interrupt negative mental loops, and develop healthy rhythms that support healing. Blending biblical insight, psychological understanding, and practical exercises, the workbook includes guided reflections, action steps, and a 31 Day Momentum Plan that empowers readers to move forward one step at a time. You do not have to see the entire path ahead, just the next thirty feet.
Moving Forward From a Broken Heart
Moving Forward from a Broken Heart is a faith-based coaching workbook designed to help individuals navigate the pain of heartbreak with clarity, strength, and spiritual grounding. Through the 31 Feet Forward framework, it guides readers step by step in processing loss, healing emotional wounds, and rediscovering their identity and hope in God.
Blending biblical truth, practical coaching tools, reflection exercises, and guided prayers, this workbook creates a safe space to be honest about the pain while still moving forward with purpose. It is not about rushing healing or ignoring the hurt, but about taking steady, intentional steps toward peace, renewal, and a restored sense of direction, one faithful step at a time.
When Love Feels One-Sided: Walking 31 Feet Forward In A Lonely Marriage
When Love Feels One-Sided is a 7-chapter faith-based workbook for the spouse who feels unseen, unheard, or unloved in their marriage. Through Scripture, reflection, and practical coaching tools, Joel gently guides readers to find peace, rediscover hope, and walk forward in strength, one step of faith at a time.
31 Feet Toward Home
For those navigating family estrangement, distance, and unresolved relationships. Rooted in Scripture and informed by family systems wisdom, it offers a steady, compassionate path toward healing without pressure or false promises.
Through teaching, reflection, and practical exercises, readers are guided to discern boundaries, process forgiveness, redefine home, and live courageously even when reconciliation does not come. This workbook is not about forcing outcomes. It is about becoming grounded, faithful, and whole while taking the next wise step forward, one faithful step at a time.
Man of Valor: Tearing Down Strongholds and Rising in Purity
Man of Valor: A 31 Feet Forward Workbook is a battle manual for men fighting the strongholds of pornography, guilt, and shame. Through biblical teaching, practical coaching, and honest reflection, this 60-page guide equips you to name your stronghold, break chains, confront shame, and build a life of purity and victory. More than a book, it’s a field guide to rise as a man of valor and walk 31 feet forward at a time.
Tough as Rhino Skin: Developing Spiritual and Emotional Resilience
Learn how to live resilient: shielded from attacks, steady under pressure, and sensitive to God’s voice. Tough as Rhino Skin is your step-by-step guide to emotional and spiritual strength.
THE CRASH - Sunday Night Small Group 8PM CST
Did you know a group of rhinos is called a CRASH...? It’s a fitting name, when they move, they move with unstoppable force, charging forward together toward whatever lies ahead.
Forged By Fire: Running With Spiritual Purpose
Forged by Fire: Running with Spiritual Purpose is a powerful journey through the refining seasons of life where God shapes strength through struggle and purpose through pressure.
Drawing from biblical truth, practical coaching insight, and the signature 31 Feet Forward philosophy, Joel Wingo helps readers understand that the fires we face are not meant to destroy us but to define us. Each chapter reveals how God uses adversity to build resilience, renew faith, and ignite spiritual passion that endures.
Whether you are walking through pain, searching for clarity, or rebuilding after loss, this book will help you stand firm, rise renewed, and move forward with unshakable purpose.
Healing Forward: Restoring Body, Soul, and Spirit in God's Truth
Healing Forward: Restoring Body, Soul, and Spirit in God's Truth is a Christ-centered workbook for those carrying the weight of trauma and longing for renewal. Trauma disrupts rhythm, plants lies, and traps us in survival mode. This workbook helps you gently face those wounds with God’s Word, build new rhythms of peace, and move into thriving one step at a time.
Moving Forward Through Storms: Anchored Faith, Courageous Steps
Storms come in many forms, unexpected loss, overwhelming anxiety, strained relationships, or seasons of uncertainty that leave us feeling adrift. Yet, God has not called us to remain stuck in fear. He invites us to keep moving forward with faith that anchors us and courage that carries us on.
Grieving Forward: Finding Hope, Healing, and Steady Steps In The Valley of Loss
Grieving Forward is a faith-based workbook that helps you find hope, healing, and steady steps in the valley of loss. Through biblical encouragement, practical coaching tools, and guided reflection, this resource provides a safe space for processing grief while moving forward one faithful step at a time.
Testimonials
"Joel is a very generous person and I appreciate him very deeply".
- Jesse
"Joel has been a God-send into my life, and I know that he is always in my corner".
- Nate
"Pastor Joel has helped me through the hardest part of my life and I can't thank him enough".
- Charley
"Having a session with Joel is like talking to your best friend that you never knew you had".
- Lori
"The 31 Feet Forward Coaching model saved our marriage".
- The Huckabee Family
"Joel is a hybrid type of a coach with years of ministry experience and is highly skilled in psychotherapy".
- John
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this like clinical therapy?
No, Christ-Centered Life Coaching is not clinical therapy. While coaching can be therapeutic in that it supports personal growth, emotional healing, and clarity, it is not the same as working with a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or other clinical mental health providers.
As a certified life coach with a background in ministry and human services—and with a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy—I understand and value the role of professional counseling. However, coaching is a distinct process. It’s forward-focused, goal-oriented, and rooted in helping you gain clarity, take action, and grow spiritually and personally in alignment with God’s purposes for your life.
Clinical therapy often focuses on diagnosing and treating mental health conditions or processing deep trauma. Coaching, on the other hand, is about partnering together in a supportive, Spirit-led journey to help you move from where you are to where God is calling you to be.
If at any point I believe a client would benefit from professional counseling or therapy, I will always recommend connecting with a licensed mental health provider. Your well-being is the priority.
As a certified life coach with a background in ministry and human services—and with a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy—I understand and value the role of professional counseling. However, coaching is a distinct process. It’s forward-focused, goal-oriented, and rooted in helping you gain clarity, take action, and grow spiritually and personally in alignment with God’s purposes for your life.
Clinical therapy often focuses on diagnosing and treating mental health conditions or processing deep trauma. Coaching, on the other hand, is about partnering together in a supportive, Spirit-led journey to help you move from where you are to where God is calling you to be.
If at any point I believe a client would benefit from professional counseling or therapy, I will always recommend connecting with a licensed mental health provider. Your well-being is the priority.
What does "Christ-Centered Coaching" mean?
Christ-Centered Coaching is a life coaching approach that places Jesus Christ at the heart of the process. It means that every conversation, goal, and step forward is grounded in biblical truth, guided by prayer, and aligned with God’s purpose for your life. Rather than relying solely on self-help methods or personal ambition, this kind of coaching invites the Holy Spirit into the journey and seeks God’s wisdom as the foundation for growth.
In Christ-Centered Coaching, I believe that real transformation begins with a renewed mind and a surrendered heart (Romans 12:2). So whether you're seeking clarity in your calling, healing from past wounds, or simply a deeper connection with God, the coaching process is designed to help you align your life with His truth, walk in your identity in Christ, and move forward with confidence and peace.
It's not therapy, and it’s not preaching—it’s a supportive, grace-filled partnership where I listen deeply, reflect prayerfully, and we take intentional steps together. Think of it as having a trusted companion who encourages you with the Word, challenges you with love, and walks with you as you pursue God’s best for your life.
In Christ-Centered Coaching, I believe that real transformation begins with a renewed mind and a surrendered heart (Romans 12:2). So whether you're seeking clarity in your calling, healing from past wounds, or simply a deeper connection with God, the coaching process is designed to help you align your life with His truth, walk in your identity in Christ, and move forward with confidence and peace.
It's not therapy, and it’s not preaching—it’s a supportive, grace-filled partnership where I listen deeply, reflect prayerfully, and we take intentional steps together. Think of it as having a trusted companion who encourages you with the Word, challenges you with love, and walks with you as you pursue God’s best for your life.
What are your qualifications as a Life Coach?
I bring a rich blend of education, certification, and over 25 years of hands-on ministry experience to my coaching practice. I am a certified life coach through the Accelerated Coach Training (ACT) program at the Life Forming Leadership Institute, a biblically grounded and ICF-aligned training organization focused on transformational coaching.
Academically, I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Southwestern Christian University, along with a Master’s of Ministry in Church Planting and Organizational Development from the same institution. I also earned a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Abilene Christian University, which deepened my understanding of relationships, communication, and emotional well-being from both a clinical and spiritual perspective.
This unique combination of coaching training, theological education, and ministry leadership allows me to serve clients with both practical tools and spiritual wisdom. My approach is Christ-centered, people-focused, and deeply committed to helping you align your life with God’s purpose.
Academically, I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Southwestern Christian University, along with a Master’s of Ministry in Church Planting and Organizational Development from the same institution. I also earned a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Abilene Christian University, which deepened my understanding of relationships, communication, and emotional well-being from both a clinical and spiritual perspective.
This unique combination of coaching training, theological education, and ministry leadership allows me to serve clients with both practical tools and spiritual wisdom. My approach is Christ-centered, people-focused, and deeply committed to helping you align your life with God’s purpose.
Important To Know.
There are no signatures or contracts required.
Your confidentiality is top priority.
If you need to cancel or reschedule, please do so within a 24-hour period.
To the best of my ability, between sessions, I will respond via text or phone call.
Your confidentiality is top priority.
If you need to cancel or reschedule, please do so within a 24-hour period.
To the best of my ability, between sessions, I will respond via text or phone call.
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