Senior Pastor Jim Book

Pastor Jim and his wife Ellyn began their ministry at Canton First in December of 2005. Pastor Jim came to Canton First after serving for two years as Children's Pastor at Peoria First Church of the Nazarene. His other previous pastoral positions included roles as Adult Ministries Pastor and Church Administrator at Trinity Church of the Nazarene in Naperville, Illinois, and Family Life Pastor at Sand Lake Wesleyan Church in Onalaska, Wisconsin.  Before entering full-time pastoral ministry in 2000, Pastor Jim enjoyed a very successful secular business career in the dairy farm industry while volunteering his time and talent to a number of ministry roles in various churches. Pastor Jim brings an intense love for the Word of God to his preaching, and his deepest passion is to see families grow together in Christ. 

Pastor Jim was ordained by the Northwestern Illinois District Church of the Nazarene in August of 2005. Ellyn, his wife of 28 years, works as Marketing Director for Lutheran Hillside Villages in Peoria, IL. Jim and Ellyn have one son, Abram, who has graduated from the University of Illinios with a Masters in Journalism.

Associate Minister Rev. Martha Danielson

Pastor Martha joined the church family at Canton First in May 2008.   She and her husband Jerry bring great strength to the church in building relationsips.  Her ministry focus is connecting our people relationally and spiritually together to mak a dfference in the world we live work and play in.

Visitation Minister Rev. Norm Chandler

Rev. Chandler is an ordained elder in the Church of the Nazarene. Since his retirement, he has remained active in our congregation, visiting the sick, shut-ins and those needing encouragement.  He helps as needed in many areas and is greatly appreciated.