Canfield Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

Pastor Matt is a commissioned minister under the oversight of the Disciples’ Ohio Region. He has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Studio Art from YSU and a Masters from Liberty University.

Matt has ten years’ experience as a pastor. He was Associate Pastor at Disciples Christian in Boardman and a Youth Pastor at Struthers Parkside. He served as Senior Pastor at Hilltop Christian (DOC) in Mantua  for four years where he saw them through Covid and the lockdown. Most recently, he served as Youth and Young Adult Director at Faith United Methodist in North Canton, where he and his family reside.

Pastor Matt’s faith journey started with his parents in the Catholic church and then the Baptist church. Searching led him in adulthood to denominational and non-denominational churches. He says, “Having  been through so many different denominational and non-denominational churches, I see the greater picture when it comes to the church. We have more similarities than differences. I believe Disciples of Christ embodies that better than any other group. I also know that we don’t have to agree with other faiths in order to work with them for the common good.”

Music Director Sally Appel Ifill has a lifetime experience in Canfield, at Canfield Christian, and in musical performance, teaching and direction.

Following  an early interest in musical theatre, she earned a BFA in Theatre at Kent State University, and continued that interest in New York City and Los Angeles before returning to the area. She later earned her teaching credentials and Masters degree in teaching the gifted and talented, at Youngstown State University. She taught for 26 years until her recent retirement. She and her husband Steve have been married for 40 years and have two daughters.

She appreciates the many friends and extended “family” she has made through her continuing service as Canfield Christian's Music Director.