A Place at the Table: Sharon Ballantyne

“We are being called to become even more Jesus-like in our relationship to reach others, to be able to create brave space—beyond our buildings—to find a place of deep belonging.”

Sharon Ballantyne’s relationship with The United Church of Canada is one that has evolved with her own life journey, shaped by both challenges and a deep sense of purpose. Raised in the Anglican Church of Canada, Sharon’s denomination shifted when she began losing her remaining physical eyesight. At a time when her children were young, she and her family chose to explore a community of faith that was close to home, so that, if needed, she could walk with her daughters. This search led them to The United Church of Canada, marking the beginning of a beautiful and sometimes challenging, but ultimately blessed, relationship.

For the first decade after ordination, Sharon continued to serve in a pastoral charge part-time while teaching full-time as an elementary school teacher where she daily experienced, that while no God talk happened, mentoring students to believe in themselves, stay resilient, being the best versions of themselves modelled our faith is part of us wherever we are and whatever we are doing. We are all ministers. God is always with us, working in, through and around us.

Her faith journey continued to evolve as she served in pastoral charges in both Ontario and Nova Scotia, before stepping into her current role as a Growth Animator for Atlantic Canada. Sharon’s passion is rooted in connecting with faith communities, offering them space to reflect, share, grow, and boldly live out their discipleship.

For Sharon, the United Church's history is an example of risk-taking and bold curiosity. Reflecting on the church’s formation in 1925, she notes how the blending of different denominations required courage to embrace diversity and find common ground. Now, in 2025, she sees a similar challenge for the church—to continue evolving and adapting in ways that are more inclusive, especially outside the traditional church walls. She is excited about the opportunity to create spaces for authentic connection and spiritual belonging, where people can be true to themselves, regardless of their background or identity.

A Place at the Table, with its connection to Jesus’ Last Supper, has deep meaning for Sharon. The United Church of Canada has an open Eucharistic table, she says. “’To feed as you have been fed, to forgive as you have been forgiven and to love as you have been loved.’ It is part of the faith experience, where we, in fellowship, experience the mystery, the awe and wonder, something that we can’t really find words for, that we can’t find anywhere else. Then we go out to share the message of great love, in our thoughts, words and actions, following Jesus, living ‘a place at the table’ for all and meaning it.”

Sharon’s faith remains a constant reminder that, while the church has a rich history, it is always evolving. She hopes that others will feel invited into a spiritual journey where they can explore their own beliefs, find community, and know that they are never alone.

Sharon with long, curly hair wearing a grey knitted shawl with a 100th Anniversary pin

Rev. Dr. Sharon Ballantyne is The United Church of Canada’s Growth Animator for Atlantic Canada. Ordained in 2006, she has served rural and urban churches in Ontario and most recently was intentional interim minister at Fort Massey United Church in Halifax. She is blessed with an amazing family—husband Cliff, two daughters, their partners, two grand-dogs, and her seeing eye dog Echo. Sharon is passionate about meeting with communities of faith and regional councils across Atlantic Canada, learning stories, interests, concerns and what new things God is up to as we all listen for the movement of the Spirit.