About Dr. Justin Tilghman

I’m Dr. Justin Tilghman—a Christian life and mindset coach, pastor, professor, and author—who has always been deeply curious about people. Not just what they do, but who they are, what has shaped them, and what helps them become whole and fully alive. That curiosity has guided my journey from leadership development and higher education into the deeper work I now do through Balanced Coaching.

My doctoral research explored how identity, attachment, and belonging shape long-term flourishing. What I discovered academically began echoing in my own life: real transformation happens when we know who we are, where we belong, and how to live grounded in that God-given identity. But this insight wasn’t born in a classroom. It emerged through a difficult season marked by anxiety, loss, and spiritual disorientation—a time when I was doing all the “right” things but still felt disconnected, stuck, and unsettled. I knew God, but I didn’t feel close to Him. And I didn’t feel at peace within myself.

That season became a turning point. It pushed me to explore a more integrated path that brought together emotional maturity, spiritual formation, relational wisdom, and the neuroscience of the brain. As I learned about attachment, identity, and presence, I stopped trying to fix myself and began to experience actual healing. My relationship with God grew personal again. My mind quieted. My heart felt safe.

Out of that healing came the calling that shapes my work today.

I founded Balanced Coaching to create a Christ-centered space where individuals, leaders, and teams can pursue whole-person transformation. Clients frequently describe feeling safe, seen, and understood in our conversations. I’ve learned that part of my calling is offering a calm, grounded presence and asking the kinds of questions that help people reconnect with who they really are. My coaching integrates faith, neuroscience, emotional maturity, and practical tools that help people grow with clarity, courage, and self-awareness.

In addition to coaching, I serve as Pastor of Development at Grace Fellowship Church in Kinston, NC, where I equip small group leaders and foster a culture of authentic Christian community. I’m also a professor at Carolina College of Biblical Studies and co-host of the Encounter Grace Podcast, where I help thoughtful Christians navigate life and faith with wisdom and practical insight.

When I’m not coaching or pastoring, I’m usually at home with my wife and our boys, enjoying quiet evenings, or reading books on theology, psychology, and spiritual formation.

At the core of everything I do is a simple, steady purpose:
to help people live grounded, resilient, joy-filled lives—lives of emotional, relational, and spiritual flourishing rooted in God’s presence.