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Continue reading →: Responding to the Clergy Health CrisisI don’t think of myself as part of a clergy health crisis. Although my blood pressure usually tests high at the doctor’s office, the last time I checked myself it measured well within a normal range. I’m not on any regular medications. Where I live in Canada and through my…
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Continue reading →: How to End Ministry Well TogetherIt’s been almost eight weeks since I shared my growing conviction to complete my pastoral ministry with my congregation this November–almost eight weeks since sharing first with my church council, then with the congregation, and later posting my letter of intention on this website. Since then, responses have varied from…
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Continue reading →: Lessons in Ministry from Mother TeresaI’m a long way from the streets of Calcutta where Mother Teresa focused her ministry, but as I reflect on her life, I’m struck by three key lessons for me and for anyone in Christian service:
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Continue reading →: Beyond Superficial Definitions of Self-CareIs self-care different from being selfish or self-indulgent? Is it the same as caring for your soul? And what does self-care look like in light of following Jesus, who called his followers to deny themselves?
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Continue reading →: God’s Spirit Blowing in a New DirectionA few years ago, I wrote “My 22 Best Practices in 22 Years of Pastoral Ministry,” and each year since then I’ve added another best practice. Now in honour of my 25 years of pastoral ministry, I add one more: Know when it’s time to say good-bye.
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 