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Continue reading →: From Mid-Faith Crisis to Deepening FaithUnlike authors Catherine McNiel and Jason Hague, I didn’t grow up with an inherited faith. I can’t say that I’ve experienced the same kind of disappointment and disillusionment that they describe in their new book, Mid-Faith Crisis: Finding a Path Through Doubt, Disillusionment, and Dead Ends (InterVarsity Press, 2025). Yet…
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Continue reading →: On Finding a New ChurchAfter twenty-five years of congregational ministry, I felt a new wind of the Spirit blowing in my life, to complete my role as a pastor and focus instead on the writing side of my ministry. It felt like a huge step for my husband and me to leave the congregation…
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Continue reading →: The Anatomy of AdvocacyDid you know that mission work might require you to be “an evangelist, a professor, a first responder, a church planter, a chief executive, a writer, a development worker, a peacemaker, an advocate, and a spy”? That’s how long-time missionary Reg Reimer describes his work in his new book, On…
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Continue reading →: Mental Health MattersI was recently introduced to Mercy Canada, a Christian ministry that offers a Christ-centred counselling and discipleship program as well as support and training in various life skills for women and men (ages 13 and up). Through their Wellness Centre, they seek to create a safe space for healing and…
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Continue reading →: Want to Teach? Be Open to QuestionsWhen I was called to serve as an interim pastor, I had a Master of Christian Studies degree, some experience preaching, teaching, and being involved in congregational life, but no particular pastoral experience. The church’s senior pastor had left abruptly the year before, and the church had been searching for…
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 