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Continue reading →: Grief in Ministry TransitionsI’ve written on grief, I’ve shared posts on difficult ministry transitions, and today I’m introducing a resource that addresses both: Moving On: Grief in Ministry Transitions edited by Silvia Purdie (Philip Garside Books, 2022). Moving On includes many stories of ministry transitions, poems, prayers, and tools for grieving and moving…
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Continue reading →: This Ordinary, Extraordinary Life IntroductionLast week I posted This Ordinary, Extraordinary Life Cover Reveal on my main writing website. I’m still celebrating! Today, I’d like to introduce my new book by sharing part of the introduction, so please read on. . . . This Ordinary, Extraordinary Life by April Yamasaki This Ordinary, Extraordinary Life (CSS Publishing,…
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Continue reading →: Keep Thinking, Never Stop Learninglast updated August 26, 2024 My course on dreams and dreaming was well received when it was first offered in Fall 2023, and I’ve been invited to teach it again for Fall 2024. For an updated course description, please see my more recent post on Dreams and Dreaming—in Scripture and…
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Continue reading →: Reflection and Restoration Are Necessary for Effective MinistryThis article was first published in Faith & Leadership, and is reprinted here with permission. Ministers cannot thrive if they neglect themselves Jessica Young Brown Clergy must honor all aspects of their lives to be healthy in ministry, writes a clinical psychologist who focuses on faith and mental health. My…
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Continue reading →: God’s Invitation to RestIn my church, the “sermon” is generally a short homily of 10-15 minutes focused on one of the four lectionary Scripture readings for that Sunday. Personal stories are kept to a minimum or not at all, in favour of focusing on the text. Some might find this confining, but I…
When You Work for the Church
Hello,
I’m April Yamasaki
Welcome to When You Work for the Church. I’ve been a church volunteer and a full-time pastor. I’ve led small groups and served on denominational committees. When I resigned from pastoral ministry to focus on my writing, I knew that I wanted to be—needed to be—grounded in a local congregation. I love the church!
But I also know that churches and church organizations have not always lived up to their calling, have brought harm instead of healing. So I started this website to share resources for doing ministry better, and pray that together we might serve more faithfully and effectively.
For a healthy rhythm of work and rest, I’d love to send you my ebook.
When You Work for the Church 