Welcome!
Our mission at the Thrive Center for Human Development is to catalyze a movement of human thriving, with and for others. We conduct research and develop resources at the nexus of spirituality and human thriving in order to promote whole individuals and societies.
Our Thrive Model
To thrive is to grow in authenticity with and for others and for a greater purpose. Our research at the Thrive Center has led us to understand thriving from both a spiritual and psychological perspective. Our goal is to provide a rigorous and substantive view of thriving that challenges popular notions of the word.
Getting Started
Online Course
Learn how to apply our Thrive Model to your own life and leadership through our new course on FULLER Equip!
Resource Hub
We offer psychologically-informed practices to help guide you and your community.
Spirituality
Research has long affirmed that spirituality can help our identity, sense of meaning, and purpose.
Shop
Explore books and chapters written by our faculty on topics related to thriving.
News and Events
Latest Posts
The Power of Transcendence and Spirituality in a Modern World
Pamela King reflects on the church of her youth and considers lessons from her current research findings about spirituality for the future.
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Moments of transcendence
According to psychologist and executive director of the Thrive Center, Pamela Ebstyne King, transcendent experiences are emotional responses, often profound, that inform how individuals see themselves in relationship to God, others, and the world. Transcendent experiences give our lives meaning, and shift our focus from ourselves, connecting us with something more – whether that be…
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Rethinking Traditional Church for a Modern Age
Pamela King reflects on the church of her youth and how it deeply formed her identity, sense of purpose, and belonging.
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The 5 A’s of Agility: Adapting through Life Changes
Finding joy requires practice. Learn how you can be agile and experience more joy through our 5-step process.
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The True Joy of Love
Joy is more than an emotion. Rebecca Baer reflects on true joy as being rooted in love, sharing a mindfulness practice.
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Recovering from Hardship: Practices toward Resilience and Purpose
How do we build resilience and stay connected to purpose in the midst of suffering? Lauren Van Vranken shares 3 practices for recovery and regulation.
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The 5 R’s of Resilience and Recovery: A Guide for Personal and Communal Practices
Cynthia Eriksson’s psychological and theological framework points to 5 self-care practices to developing resilience and recovery
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The Thrive Center is on a mission to inform, inspire, and inform leaders and their communities to thrive and live lives that matter. Learn how you can support our mission and make a difference by putting research findings into practice!
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