Commissioned to Serve: the First Annual Certificate Celebration

In this special episode, Laurel gathers trainees, faculty, and community members to celebrate a historic milestone: the first certification cohort of the Death and Resurrection Doula Training Program. What unfolds is a warm, communal conversation reflecting the heart of the program—rooted in a shared calling and Christian hope.

Laurel revisits the vision behind the training, responding to a growing crisis in end-of-life care by equipping believers to offer compassionate, non-medical, spiritually grounded support to the dying and their families. Certified doulas and trainees offer personal reflections, many describing how their calling emerged through seasons of loss and caregiving.

Listen in as a variety of guest speakers share how the curriculum was shaped by insights from hospice nursing, chaplaincy, grief care, and bioethics—distinguishing this program from secular models through its Christ-centered theology, prayerful presence, and commitment to resurrection hope.

(02:45) Celebrating the first certification cohort
(09:10) Medical aid in dying: ethical concerns
(12:40) Building a Christian end-of-life model
(18:50) Compassion across faith traditions
(32:00) Grief, purpose, and vocational clarity
(41:20) What’s next for training and growth
(57:10) Closing prayer and commissioning

Follow us on social media and learn more about our Death and Resurrection Doula Training at:

Website: https://laurelnicholson.com/ 
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Welcome to The Death & Resurrection Doula Podcast, a space where faith, theology, and end-of-life care meet in the form of compassionate, hope-filled conversation.  Hosted by Christian End-of-Life Doula Practitioner and Theologian Laurel Nicholson, this podcast serves as an invitation to explore the sacred realities of death and our resurrection into eternal life through the power of Jesus Christ.

Each episode offers thoughtful reflection and meaningful dialogue—whether through rich theological insights, heartfelt discussions with those serving within and around end-of-life care, or with shared moments drawn from our live fellowship community. All are united by a single purpose: to remove the taboo surrounding death and to proclaim the joy of returning home to spend eternity with our loving God.    

Visit https://deathandresurrectiondoula.com/ for more information and to register for training.