About the Pastor
Rev. B. J. Tatum is a native of Marshall, Texas. His ministry began at age five, and he was ordained as a Minister of the Gospel at age twelve. Prior to relocating to Urbana, Illinois in 1971, he was employed on the managerial level at Motorola, Inc. in Chicago, Illinois.

As Founding and Senior Pastor of Canaan Baptist Church in Urbana, Illinois, Rev. B. J. Tatum instituted a plethora of Evangelism and Discipleship ministries that have impacted the Champaign-Urbana community. The ministries at Canaan are replete with Expository Preaching, Effective Teaching, Educational Excellence, Economic Empowerment, Entrepreneurship, and an Environment of Hope for Substance Abusers.

Rev. Tatum implemented an Evangelistic Soul Winning Action Team (S.W.A.T.) that has canvassed neighborhoods since June 8, 1980 sharing the Good News of the Gospel with lost souls. Over 35,000 homes have been visited, and more than 1,500 souls have been saved. A Discipleship Follow-Up Ministry was launched February 15, 1988. People Available to Contact and Encourage (P.A.C.E.) encourage and edify weak and backslidden Christians.

Rev. Tatum is Superintendent of Canaan Academy, a private elementary school which he envisioned over 20 years, and which became a reality September 9, 1996. Under his leadership, construction of a new building for grades Pre-Kindergarten through five was completed in 1999. Students are academic achievers, and are scoring in the 97th percentile nationwide. The school is recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education.

He is Director and CEO of Canaan Credit Union, the fulfillment of his dream for economic empowerment that offers a practical approach to solving the problem of persistent economic violence that has historically plagued the African American community. The Credit Union opened its window to the future October 13, 2001. People now “Bank at God’s House.” He is President and CEO of Canaan Development Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization.

Canaan’s Substance Abuse Ministry was the model for a separate male and female residential SAFE House (Substance Abuse Free Environment) where men and women can break free from controlling addictions and troublesome habits. SAFE House is recognized by the Champaign County Court System as an option for substance abusers.

A Mentoring Ministry for men and women and boys and girls emanated from his weekly Men’s Discipleship Class that is designed to empower Black men in the areas of parenting, successful relationships, self-esteem, and being role models in the community.

Rev. Tatum was an Auxiliary Chaplain at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, Illinois and served 12 years as Pastor/Director of a Sunday Inspirational Hour. He was the first African-American Chaplain to provide worship services and pastoral duties. He traveled to other Air Bases preaching the Gospel and establishing an Inspirational Hour. Rev. Tatum received international prominence when he was invited as guest evangelist to the United States Armed Forces in Crete, Greece. This Christian mission was highlighted by the baptizing of four candidates in the Aegean Sea, which was a "first" for the Island of Crete.

He and his wife, Barbara, are parents of three children: and grandparents of 4 grandsons.