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Continue reading →: Yes, Pastors, You are ProfessionalsProfessionalism has nothing to do with the essence and heart of the Christian ministry. The more professional we long to be, the more spiritual death we will leave in our wake. For there is no professional childlikeness (Matt. 18:3); there is no professional tenderheartedness (Eph. 4:32); there is no professional…
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Continue reading →: God’s Invitation to RetreatI’ve been on many retreats that focus on building community–with mealtimes filled with lively conversation, deliberate space created for sharing stories and laughter, and heart-to-heart talks that might last into the night. That’s very different from the kind of retreat envisioned by Ruth Haley Barton in her book, Invitation to…
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Continue reading →: How Do You Introduce Change?How do you introduce change to a congregation and bring people along with you, especially when that change is from more inward to more outward? It was my privilege to address this question at last month’s Flourishing Congregations National Gathering at Ambrose University (Calgary, Alberta). It was a great way for me…
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Continue reading →: Ongoing Learning a Key to MinistryI love learning. So even though I’m officially ending my pastoral ministry this month, even though I’m technically on vacation that I postponed until now, I happily took part in this year’s meetings of the Society of Biblical Literature and American Academy of Religion in Denver, Colorado (featured image: Denver…
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Continue reading →: What I Will Miss, What I Hope ForLast Sunday was my last sermon and my last Sunday as lead pastor at my church–such a wonderful day filled with worship, laughter, tears, thoughtfulness, creativity, artistry, love, and beautiful surprises. My husband and I are both so grateful for such an amazing farewell Sunday! By request, here is my…
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 