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Shari Ponder –
aka, PastorBAE, “Why? Because God is Before All Else!”
I am a lover of God, an exhorter of fearlessness, a protector of the voice of women and girls and an advocate for inner peace through the proper alignment of our Personal Trinity. I exude joy in my teaching and worship, believing that every day is a day to rejoice, give thanks and find the beautiful adventure in all of God’s given moments.
A native of St. Louis, Missouri, I received a Bachelor’s degree from Hampton University, a Master’s degree in Education Counseling Psychology from Clark Atlanta University, and a Master’s of Divinity from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University. Over my years in ministry, I have been a pastor, Sunday school teacher, small group leader, ministry coordinator, certified Life Bible Institute instructor, and Christian Education Superintendent. At the core of my work in ministry and secular spaces, I stand on the freedom to live and be. This is always expressed whether from the pulpit, Faith Coaching, retreats and workshops or Bible Studies. I am very passionate about my work inside but more importantly, outside of the church walls.
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I work hard, pray hard and play hard! Whether backpacking across Europe, Go Karting in Japan, or pouring libations in Ghana, the world is my playground. And yet, nothing is better to me than chillin' with my brilliant and artistic teenage daughter Bethany, working side by side in their beloved Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
