Rev. Tammy Lindahl

I love hearing people’s stories. Growing up on a farm in northern Minnesota, I spent countless hours in our large kitchen, where everyone gathered around the table to share their experiences.

With a heart full of stories and hope, I attended a large state university, earning a degree in psychology and sociology. I felt called to ministry after a few years of working as a social service worker in a long-term care facility. I earned a Master of Divinity from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago and was ordained in the Presbyterian Church (USA) in 1986.

My first pastoral role was serving three small churches in southern Missouri, where I met Martha Juillerat—my partner to this day. We both lost our ordinations after publicly coming out.

Determined to continue my vocation in a new way, I pursued a Master of Social Work, which led to a 25-year career in hospice and end-of-life care. Still, the call to parish ministry never left me. After emigrating to Canada, I became an ordained minister in the United Church of Canada. I served as Minister of Pastoral Care at First Met for five years and most recently spent five years ministering to two churches in the remote community of Bella Coola, B.C.

I am thrilled to now serve as co-minister with Martha in the vibrant and faithful community of Esquimalt United. I can’t wait to hear the stories we will share.