How it all started...
Moving Forward Ministries began as a heartfelt vision born out of Maggie Kavanaugh’s counseling practice. The initial focus was on marriage and family dynamics, a natural fit for Maggie’s background in Biblical Counseling and Organizational Leadership. From the start, Maggie’s approach to counseling was deeply rooted in her own story of redemption. Having overcome a destructive past and battled through the storms of life, Maggie understood firsthand the importance of gaining freedom in Christ to step into life recovery. She brought this ethos into every counseling session, helping individuals, couples, and families heal and build lives anchored in Christ’s love.
Kevin Kavanaugh, Maggie’s husband, also carried his own story of resilience and faith and is an ordained minister who is known for his dedication to the word and prayer. Together, their combined testimonies of restoration through God’s providential timing and mercy became the foundation of their shared mission. Recognizing the immense need for not just recovery but genuine transformation, they transitioned the counseling practice into what is now Moving Forward Ministries—certified by the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse through the faith-based recovery-friendly ministry, with a focus on prevention for the next-gen dedicated to bridging generations and empowering people to live redeemed, God-centered lives.
From its inception, the ministry’s core focus has been to help individuals recover from emotional pain and trauma while leading them to an encounter with Jesus Christ. Maggie and Kevin’s passion stems from their own experiences of God’s love, mercy, and restoration. They firmly believe that no one should remain stuck in the patterns of their past but instead move forward into a life of purpose and freedom.
Over the years, Moving Forward Ministries has grown into a multifaceted organization, offering a variety of programs, workshops, and events. Maggie’s coaching expertise expanded to include training for tweens, teens, and adults, teaching them to overcome the fear of public speaking, manage stress, navigate transitions, and strengthen their relationships. Kevin’s involvement brought additional depth as he walked alongside Maggie, supporting the nonprofit through prayer, offering support and wisdom gleaned from his journey of faith.
One of the ministry’s standout initiatives is the Be Godfident movement, which seeks to instill confidence in people of all ages, helping them embrace their God-given identity instead of conforming to worldly pressures. The annual Godfident Teens and Mothers Conference has become a hallmark event, bridging generational gaps and fostering a shared understanding of walking boldly in Christ’s calling.
The Kavanaughs’ belief that God’s redemptive power can transform any life is at the heart of it all. Their story—one of overcoming destructive pasts and walking in renewed purpose—resonates deeply with those they serve. Whether through coaching, speaking, broadcasting, or hands-on ministry, Maggie and Kevin remain steadfast in their mission: to help others recover from their emotional pain and lead them into a thriving relationship with Jesus Christ.
The tagline of Moving Forward Ministries, “Live a Life You Don’t Have to Recover From,” encapsulates this vision perfectly with the focus on prevention to help this generation make better choices. It is a call to not just survive but to thrive, embrace God’s grace, and move boldly into the future He has planned. Through Moving Forward, the Kavanaughs continue to inspire and equip others to walk in freedom, restoration, and purpose, one life at a time.
Why we do what we do!
Moving Forward Ministries was birthed from a biblical counseling practice that offered a variety of Biblical-based counseling and coaching. We have spent over 20 years helping families recover from past mistakes to move forward. We believe today's youth is facing a tremendous amount of pressure, and prevention is the key. Moving Forward helps them find their gifts, talents, and, most importantly, their identity in Christ.
The Forward tween/teens programs help teens learn to live a life they don't need to recover from. Regardless of what stage your teen is in, we offer coaching programs, online classes , and events to empower them to walk a life focused on becoming productive adults.
The unique relational hybrid approach with families strengthen every area of your life, including spirit, soul, and body. You can move forward into life by design with a renewed mind and focused mission.
The Forward tween/teens programs help teens learn to live a life they don't need to recover from. Regardless of what stage your teen is in, we offer coaching programs, online classes , and events to empower them to walk a life focused on becoming productive adults.
The unique relational hybrid approach with families strengthen every area of your life, including spirit, soul, and body. You can move forward into life by design with a renewed mind and focused mission.
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