Rev. Joshua Canales
Pastor Josh comes from a rich tradition in ministry on both sides of his family and currently serves as the Lead Pastor alongside his wife, Pastor Bunmi, at Mission Ebenezer Family Church in Carson, CA, a church founded by his grandparents in 1959 and pastored by his parents from 1978 until 2018. In addition, he has served as General Presbyter for the Southern Pacific District since 2016 and will begin his new role as Assistant Superintendent of the same district beginning in October 2026. Before entering ministry, Josh pursued a career in athletics while being drafted by the Oakland A’s out of high school in 1997, but opted to play college baseball for Univ. of Florida & UCLA until being drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the MLB draft in 2001. Pursuing his childhood dream, he spent three seasons in professional baseball for the Los Angeles Dodgers & Houston Astros.
Then, in 2003, with a contract renewal from the Houston Astros sitting on his table, Josh was called into full-time ministry, making the decision to retire from professional baseball. In 2004, he founded the Rock Youth Sports Center, a community center aimed at reaching at-risk youth for Christ through boxing, baseball, skateboarding, cross-training, etc. He also served on staff with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for seven years before joining his father full-time at Mission Ebenezer Family Church in January of 2013. Josh was featured in a short film www.iamsecond.com due to a life-changing tragedy that took place at the age of 21. As an inspirational speaker, he aspires to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ through sharing God’s word powerfully and passionately, while incorporating real life testimonies that have shaped his own faith. He has a God-given gift to lead culturally diverse settings and develop people for ministry.
Josh is married to Bunmi, a former professional Track Athlete out of UCLA (wife of 23 years), and they have 2 sons and a daughter, Elisha (20), Judah (17) and Adelola (9). His greatest joy is knowing that all three of his children serve the Lord and are dedicated to the proclamation of Jesus Christ.
Greetings, pastors, ministers, leaders, and friends!
It is a tremendous honor and privilege to serve the Southern Pacific District during this exciting season of ministry. I am grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside our Superintendent, District leadership, pastors, and churches as together we pursue all that God has for our District.
I believe deeply in the local church and in the men and women God has called to lead it. My heart is to encourage our pastors, strengthen our churches, develop the next generation of leaders, and help create greater opportunities for connection and ministry throughout our English-speaking community.
As Senior Pastor of Mission Ebenezer Family Church and General Presbyter, I have seen firsthand what God can accomplish when His people come together with a shared vision and a heart for the Great Commission. I believe the Southern Pacific District is uniquely positioned to reach a diverse and growing generation with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ.
As we move forward, my prayer is that we would continue to build bridges across generations, cultures, churches, and communities—always remaining united in Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
The future is bright, the mission is before us, and we are better together.
It is an honor to serve you and serve alongside you.
With love and expectation,
Rev. Josh Canales
English Assistant Superintendent
General Presbyter
Southern Pacific District Council,
Assemblies of God