Distinguished Alumni 2025 — Cliff (’61) and Jane Ball (’64) Sharp

Cliff Sharp holds a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Harding and a Master of Science in science education from Antioch College. Twenty-six years ago he and his wife, Jane, founded Greenhouse Ministries in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, building the ministry on the guiding verse Luke 2:52, “Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” 

Rooted in that principle, Greenhouse Ministries operates with a three-part philosophy: Help, Educate and Connect. Cliff and Jane have always been passionate about identifying the needs within their community and partnering with other agencies and nonprofits to meet them. Today, the ministry serves approximately 70 families each day along with more than 500 volunteer hours each week. Along with the ministry, there is a thrift store and a men’s program. The Sharps have three children, Cindy Jacobs (’83), Candace Sharp and Christy Sanford (’93).

Where is your current hometown? 

We currently live in Lascassas, Tennessee.

How have you been involved in your community?

Cliff: I’ve served on several boards and worked with organizations and events such as Habitat for Humanity, Barnabas Vision, Read to Succeed, Mayor's Homeless Taskforce, March for Jesus, National Night Out, Coalition for Alcohol and Drugs of Rutherford County, Mayor's Prayer Breakfast, and Rutherford Connection.

Who were your major influences during your time at Harding?

Cliff: There are too many to list each one, but Dr. Pitner, my social club sponsor and math teacher, was one of the most kind and humble men I have known. Coach Allison, Pinky Berryhill, Cliff Ganus Jr., Cecil Beck, and Dr. Joe Pryor were all great influences. Spiritually, Dr. Atterbury's Bible class taught me the meaning of God’s grace, and Andy T. Richie gave me a different perspective of praise and worship.

Lasting friendships were developed, especially with my roommate for all four years, Richard Carter. Curry Peacock not only was a great friend but introduced me to his wife's sister, Jane, and we have been married for 64 years. 

When I returned to teach at Harding Jane and I developed close friendships with many on staff: Ed Higginbottham, Ted Lloyd, Bill Barden, the football staff. Dr. Jim Citty and I taught a Bible class at the College Church together for 16 years. Lott Tucker oversaw Camp Tahkodah during the years I was director. He taught me a lot about business leadership. What a special place and special people!

How are you living your Inspired Purpose?

Cliff: After leaving Harding, I began working with a Crisis Pregnancy Center. While there I had what I call my big epiphany, "Everyone does not think like me!" This led Jane and me to look toward helping the under-served community. Our basic approach was to treat everyone with dignity and respect as Jesus did and secondly develop a venue for volunteers to help share the work.

What makes your field rewarding?

We get to serve people in many different ways and get to see God work daily.

How do you get to serve God and others through the work that you do?

At Greenhouse Ministries we help in physical and spiritual ways; we educate through many different kinds of classes; and we connect the clients with services both within Greenhouse and also in the community. We presently average about 70 clients per day who come for services, and we have the opportunity to share God's love and grace and pray with each of them.