Rev. Sharon E. Freeman

Sharon Freeman is a retired non-denominational minister. Her mother was a deeply committed Christian, who taught her to pray and meditate every day from an early age. She grew up attending a Methodist church and has belonged to several denominations over her lifetime. Currently, she’s a member of a Unity spiritual center, which teaches the oneness of all people with God and the validity of many paths to the Divine.

Sharon first earned a B.A. in Psychology and Education from Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota, and began her career as a primary teacher. Later, at the University of Minnesota, she became certified to teach special education students and continued in that career for 25 years. Her special love was teaching students diagnosed with autism. Because of health issues, she took an early retirement from teaching at age 65.

After she “retired,” Sharon was inspired to go back to school to learn more about spiritual practices and work as a spiritual counselor. She obtained certification through The Cenacle in Wayzata, Minnesota, and later traveled to Shalem Institute in Bethesda, Maryland, to study for a two-year certification as a spiritual director. A growing interest in religious theology prompted her to continue studies at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota, where she obtained a Masters in Theology. Encouraged and inspired by the dean of Sancta Sophia Seminary in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, Sharon completed studies for ordination and earned a Ph.D. in Religious Studies at the age of 75. Although never the pastor of a church, she’s performed all the usual Christian ceremonies for other ministers.

Family has always been the most important focus for Sharon. She and her husband Harold have been married 64 years. They enjoy travel and have accrued many travel memories, one of the most significant being their trip to the Holy Lands. They have three grown children, who are married, and one adult granddaughter. All live in the Minneapolis area, and the family enjoys a tradition of Sunday night dinners together.

Over the years, black labs have been a cherished part of the Freeman family. Besides dogs, Sharon loves birds. The bird feeders on her deck in the woods invite many visitors such as cardinals, sparrows, chickadees, and to her delight—hummingbirds. On one occasion, she found a baby owl on her back steps. Squirrels jump from roof to feeder providing additional entertainment. For Sharon, nature is a constant source of inspiration and joy and a gift from God.

At age 84, Sharon continues to write so she can share her inspirations and what she’s learned over a lifetime of prayer, study, and worship.