By Dr. Floyd Godfrey
What does it mean to flourish as a human being? In our modern world, many chase success, comfort, and personal achievement, yet still feel something is missing. The Christian faith offers a deeper vision, one that integrates every aspect of life into a coherent whole. At the 2025 AACC World Conference, Dr. Tyler VanderWeele from Harvard University offered key insights on this topic, connecting scientific research with biblical truths to describe a life of true human flourishing.
Understanding Human Flourishing
Dr. VanderWeele defined flourishing as a state in which “all aspects of a person’s life are good” (VanderWeele, 2025). This view echoes God’s design from creation. In Genesis 1, as God completed each part of His creation, He declared it “good.” Humanity, made in His image, was designed to live in a state of goodness and peace with God, with others, and within themselves.
This understanding of flourishing aligns closely with the biblical idea of shalom, a holistic peace that encompasses not only absence of conflict, but wholeness, purpose, and joy. VanderWeele emphasized, “God’s intent for the human person and for all creation was good news suggest a way to understand the wholeness of the human person.” In other words, human flourishing is not just about personal happiness or mental well-being but about experiencing God’s original purpose for humanity in every area of life: spiritually, emotionally, relationally, and physically.
Worship and Flourishing: A Global Connection
One of the most striking points from VanderWeele’s plenary session was this statement: “Weekly religious worship is always positively correlated with flourishing across all cultures within our study” (VanderWeele, 2025). This finding is significant not just from a religious standpoint but from a scientific one. It means that, regardless of location or cultural background, individuals who participate in weekly worship report higher levels of well-being.
For Christian parents and pastors, this highlights the importance of regular church involvement, not as a duty, but as a life-giving habit. When families prioritize worship, they are not only obeying Scripture (Hebrews 10:25), but also stepping into a rhythm that promotes flourishing. Worship anchors individuals in truth, provides community support, and offers a space to realign with God’s purposes.
Biblical Foundations of Flourishing
Scripture supports this holistic view of human life. In John 10:10, Jesus said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” This abundance is not limited to material wealth or temporary happiness. It is a picture of deep, sustained well-being: spiritual, emotional, and relational.
Psalm 1 describes the righteous person as “a tree planted by streams of water,” yielding fruit in season, with leaves that do not wither. This metaphor captures the essence of flourishing: rooted in God, nourished by His Word, and fruitful in every aspect of life.
Implications for Pastors and Parents
For pastors, these insights underscore the importance of fostering spiritual disciplines, building community, and teaching a holistic gospel that speaks to every part of life. For parents, it means modeling a balanced life rooted in faith, encouraging church participation, and nurturing a sense of purpose in their children.
Human flourishing is not a distant goal. It is God’s desire for His people. By aligning our lives with His design, participating in regular worship, and cultivating wholeness in every area of life, we step closer to the full life that He intends for us.
Floyd Godfrey PhD is a Board Certified Christian Counselor and has facilitated groups within different churches and denominations over the past 30 years. He worked as a licensed clinician for 23 years and provided supervision and training for other counselors as they worked toward independent licensure. You can read more about Floyd Godfrey PhD at www.FloydGodfrey.com
Reference
VanderWeele, T. (2025, September). Flourishing. AACC 2025 World Conference Plenary Session. Nashville; Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center.
