Sis. Shonda Short

Shanda R. Short, was born and reared in East Orange, New Jersey. She was educated within the East Orange, public school system and is a graduate of East Orange High School. Sister Short attended Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, New Jersey where she received an earned Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 1995 and a Master of Arts in Addictions Counseling in 1998. Sister Short received an earned Master of Theological Studies from Drew Theological School in Madison, New Jersey in 2002.

In 1995 while pursuing her MA, Sister Short rededicated her life to the Lord and became a member of Bethel AME Church in Morristown, New Jersey. Along with the gift of salvation, the Lord bestowed upon her the gift of song. Sister Short participated with various community music ministries, such as, The United Clergy of the Oranges Mass Choir, of Orange, New Jersey. We were blessed to complete a recording project titled, Vision, released with Leo Records. Sister Short was one of 25 voices invited to participate with the Ecumenical Choir at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center for the NJ Statewide Empowerment Summit II during the summer of 1998.

While at Bethel AME Church in Morristown, New Jersey, Sister Short responded to her call to ministry and preached her trial sermon titled "Presenting Each One Complete In Christ." Sister Short received a license to preach in 1998 and is continuing her preparation towards ministry. Sister Short is a daughter in ministry at St. Matthew AME Church in Orange, New Jersey, which is under the leadership of Reverend Reginald T. Jackson. She is currently an admissions candidate for itinerate ministerial orders within the AME Church.

As Sister Short continues her preparation towards itinerate ministry instead of "looking for a blessing", She is "looking to be a blessing" by the power of God that dwells within.

.for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! -1 Corinthians 9:16