Pastor Canales was born into a Christian family and came to Christ at a very early age. Originally from New York City, Pastor John first served in the US Air Force working in the space program before being called to ministry. He graduated from Reformed Theological Seminary in 1996 and has served pastorates in Florida, Wisconsin and Philadelphia before coming to Christ Presbyterian Church in 2005.

He and his wife, Mary Jo, have been married since 1989 and have two boys, Gray and Jack.