Human flourishing is the idea that people are meant to thrive in every area of life: emotionally, physically, relationally, spiritually, and practically. It reflects the kind of life Jesus described in John 10:10 when He said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it more abundantly.”

This concept is central to the Global Flourishing Study, a groundbreaking international research initiative led by Dr. Tyler VanderWeele of Harvard University and Dr. Byron Johnson of Baylor University. Their work outlines six key domains that define human flourishing:

1. Happiness and life satisfaction
2. Mental and physical health
3. Meaning and purpose
4. Character and virtue
5. Close social relationships
6. Financial and material stability

These six domains provide a well-rounded view of what it means to live a full, meaningful life. Flourishing involves more than just avoiding problems. It means pursuing growth, wholeness, a deeper sense of purpose, and a growing relationship with Christ as the foundation for true well-being.

At AACC and Light University, we believe this framework reflects a biblical vision for abundant life. Our Human Flourishing Coaching Program equips you to help others grow in each of these areas, offering practical tools and faith-based strategies for whole-person transformation.

A Certified Human Flourishing Coach is trained to guide individuals toward growth and well-being in every area of life: emotional, physical, relational, spiritual, vocational, and financial. Using a biblically grounded and evidence-informed model, these coaches help others pursue the abundant life Jesus described in John 10:10.

Rooted in the six key domains from the Global Flourishing Study, Human Flourishing Coaches offer practical support, encouragement, and perspective. They do not diagnose or treat mental disorders, but they focus on whole-person growth and often collaborate with licensed counselors, pastors, and ministry leaders—especially in churches and other community-based settings where integrated care is needed.

A Certified Human Flourishing Coach may:

• Help clients assess and strengthen the six key areas of flourishing
• Provide spiritual, emotional, and relational support guided by biblical values
• Walk with individuals as they set meaningful goals, develop life rhythms, and build resilience

These coaches serve as trusted guides, helping others move from struggling to thriving by combining faith-based insight with practical strategies for personal transformation.

The Certified Human Flourishing Coaching Program is a 24-hour, self-paced online training. You can complete it on your own schedule, with up to one full year from the day you enroll to finish the course. Some learners complete it in just a few weeks, while others take their time. The pace is entirely up to you.

Upon completion, you will meet the educational pathway requirements to apply for certification through the International Board of Christian Care (IBCC).

Yes. The Human Flourishing Coaching Program provides 24 CE hours that may be applied toward continuing education requirements for coaches, including those pursuing credentialing or continuing education through the International Board of Christian Care (IBCC). Please confirm eligibility with your specific credentialing body.

This course is designed to help mental health professionals expand their understanding of human flourishing and apply it in client care. However, it is not approved for NBCC credit or CE credit for mental health professionals seeking licensure renewal.

Mental Health Coaching equips coaches to recognize symptoms, struggles, and common challenges such as stress, grief, and anxiety disorders. It focuses on providing encouragement and practical tools that help people stabilize, find support, and address needs within the church and community.

Human Flourishing Coaching highlights the positive outcomes of well-being and optimal functioning. It is not only about preventing problems but about helping people live fully, pursue purpose, and build gratitude, resilience, and meaningful relationships. Flourishing goes beyond thriving, which may describe success in one area, to reflect wholeness and growth across every area of life. While mental health coaching helps address struggles, flourishing coaching moves beyond the absence of disease or disorder to promote lasting vitality and a life marked by joy and meaning.

Thanks to a special “Resilience Scholarship” that covers full tuition, you can take the Human Flourishing Coaching Program for only the $46 technology and service fee ($23 per course) if your scholarship application is approved. Without the Resilience Scholarship, the price would be $598 plus $46 in fees.

Once you complete Human Flourishing 101 and 201, you’ve met the educational requirements to apply for certification as a Human Flourishing Coach through the International Board of Christian Care (IBCC). While certification is not legally required or required to complete the course, it is strongly recommended for those who want to coach with excellence, credibility, and confidence. Certification signals that you are biblically grounded, well-trained, and committed to ethical, whole-person coaching in both faith-based and community settings.

To apply for your credential as a Human Flourishing Coach, please click here:
https://www.ibccglobal.com/certified-human-flourishing-coach/

Upon successful completion, you will receive a certificate of completion for each course, suitable for printing, in your TalentLMS account from Light University. These certificates can be downloaded, added to your résumé and professional portfolio, or shared on social media platforms such as LinkedIn or Facebook.

This is a specialization program through Light University, not a standalone diploma program. Individuals who have completed the Mental Health Coaching Program will receive a Master Diploma in Mental Health Coaching: Human Flourishing.

When you enroll in the Certified Human Flourishing Coaching Program, you receive full access to the course for one full year from your registration date. This gives you the flexibility to complete the training at your own pace, whether in a few weeks or over several months. All videos, materials, and resources remain available during that time.

If your access expires before you finish, you can extend it for an additional year by paying a $36 technology fee.

The Human Flourishing Coaching Program is designed for those who care deeply about helping others grow—and want to do it with greater skill, clarity, and impact. While no formal prerequisites are required, the course is especially well-suited for coaches, counselors, pastors, and ministry leaders who are already serving in people-helping roles.

Whether you’re experienced or just getting started, you’ll find that this training goes beyond the basics. It offers a rich, biblically grounded, evidence-informed model of whole-person care that will deepen your approach and expand your impact.

This training is ideal for mental health and life coaches, pastors, ministry leaders, lay counselors, peer mentors, and everyday believers who want to make a real difference—without pursuing professional licensing. If you’re compassionate, teachable, and ready to bring biblical hope to those who are hurting, searching for direction, or longing for growth, this program was made for you.

While no prior coaching experience is required to take the course, we encourage you to gain some foundational knowledge in coaching skills and competencies before applying this in practice. If you would like that foundational training, consider our Mental Health Coaching Program or our Professional Life Coaching Program.