My goals are Sustainability, State-of-the-Art, Stewardship growing God’s Church and His People.
Sustainability
State-of-the-Art
Stewardship
With utmost humility, I, Nora “Cajetta” Stephens, formally present my candidacy for the esteemed position of Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
This calling is not merely a personal aspiration but a profound sense of divine guidance in my life’s journey. Despite initial hesitations, I embraced this path as a higher calling. In August 2022, I embarked on the pursuit of an MBA, a decision that initially seemed daunting. Nevertheless, by December 2023, I successfully completed my MBA studies at Loyola University of Maryland.
At the core of this role lies the restoration of servant leadership within the CFO’s domain. It is crucial that this position not only serves the church and its members but also upholds the principles of stewardship essential for preserving God’s assets. Equally vital is empowering our Lay and Clergy communities through educational efforts in grant writing and initiatives promoting personal and communal economic advancement.
I am steadfast in my dedication to instigate positive transformations rooted in Christian values. My goal is to equip future generations by strengthening the current one and passing on responsibilities to a future custodian well-versed in sustainability principles, innovative practices, and responsible stewardship.
With a background in Business Education and a tenure exceeding 17 years teaching Automated Accounting, I bring a diverse skill set crucial for the Treasurer’s Office. These skills encompass expertise in Financial Forecasting, Budgeting, Cash Flow Optimization, Strategic Planning, Risk Management, Mergers & Acquisitions, Compliance, and Performance Analysis.
As a committed member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, with a heart of service, I have actively contributed to various roles within the AME Church community. Having deep roots in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, I gleaned wisdom from the secretarial team of the Baltimore Annual Conference alongside the Late Rev. Frederick Jones and my former Pastor, The Rev. Dr. Vashti Murphy McKenzie, during our 20-year pastoral relationship. I have had the privilege of learning from esteemed figures like Bishop H. Hartford Brookins, Bishop Frederick Calhoun James, and Bishop Vinton Randolph Anderson in the Second Episcopal District. Serving as the Second Episcopal District Office Administrator for 7 years under Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson, Jr., and Supervisor Connie Speights-Richardson, and over 8 years in the Treasurer’s Office under Dr. Richard Allen Lewis, Sr., has equipped me with a profound understanding of the Treasurer’s responsibilities, aligning closely with the tenets outlined in The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Noteworthy accomplishments include spearheading the development and execution of the African Methodist Episcopal Church Membership Card branding initiative.
“There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.”
Proverbs 23:18
Professionally, Nora “Cajetta” Stephens, is a retired Business Education Instructor who taught Automated Accounting. Academically, she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Education from Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, NC in 1983, and in December of 2023 she earned her Master of Business Administration in Management and Supervision focusing on Finance, from Loyola University, Maryland.
Beginning her career with the Anne Arundel County Public School System in 1983, she later joined the Division of Rehabilitation Services (D.O.R.S.) as a Vocational Rehabilitation Educator, finding fulfillment in empowering individuals with disabilities to use adaptive equipment in the accounting field. Ms. Stephens concluded her career in 2001 after 17 years of service with the Maryland State Department of Education.
Cajetta has participated in the Baltimore Conference Lay Organization and the Women’s Missionary Society, where she was “capped” by Supervisor Connie Speights-Richardson. Her roles have included serving as the Baltimore District Lay Historiographer and representing the Lay Organization as a delegate at the General Conference on multiple occasions. Currently, Miss Stephens holds the position of Baltimore Eastern District Church School Superintendent, recognizing its significance in shaping the future generations of the church. A poignant inspiration for her is the song “Who’s Gonna Tell Them” by Marvin Winans.
Miss Stephens is the middle child of Miriam Stephens (Samuel-deceased), and the sister of Dino P. Stephens and Dr. Nicole M. Stephens. As a dedicated mother and grandmother, Nora “Cajetta” Stephens treasures her daughter, Cajetta Samiah Stephens, and her two grandsons, “Sir” Jett Omari Stephens and “Fella” Ronald, as well as her granddaughter, “the Princess” Devyn. Tracing her lineage back to her Great-Great-Great Grandfather, Reverend A. J. Corde, Jr., who served as a Dean of Kittrell College in NC, Ms. Stephens values understanding one’s family heritage.
For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.
1 Corinthians 3:9
It is my earnest aspiration to leverage my formal training, leadership background, and unwavering devotion to our denomination. In essence, I view this as a season to submit to God’s will in establishing a Treasurer/CFO, not through my own abilities, but through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Sustainability
I am committed to upholding and executing the duties of the Treasurer in alignment with The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Furthermore, I aim to equip future generations with essential skills such as grant writing and fostering a collaborative exchange of information to ensure the longevity of our Zion.
State-of-the-Art
Technology plays a crucial role in the advancement of modern churches, shaping the future of our denomination. It is imperative that we strive towards achieving excellence and fulfilling our higher calling. We must move away from initiating projects without seeing them through to completion, such as the membership card and the AMEAPP. Leveraging the expertise of tech-savvy church members to build and enhance technological infrastructures is essential for ensuring our church remains up-to-date and aligned with institutional standards, thus meeting our evolving requirements.
Stewardship
The practice of stewardship commences within one’s own sphere. I have dedicated and will persist in contributing to the welfare of our community through financial support, time investment, and the utilization of my skills. My involvement spans various roles such as serving in the Bishop’s and Treasurer’s offices, undertaking responsibilities at the District, Conference, and local church levels, fulfilling duties as a Lay Historiographer and Missionary, assisting the Annual Conference Secretary of the Baltimore Annual Conference. Currently holding the position of Church School Superintendent in the Eastern District of the Baltimore Annual Conference.
- I will assume the role of Full-Time Treasurer/CFO.
- I will oversee the financial records of all conferences and administrative committees, monitor accrued interest, and disburse funds as per the General Conference’s authorization and the General Board’s directives.
- Conduct training sessions for all staff members on The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church to ensure comprehensive understanding of the Church’s regulations.
- Advocate for our A.M.E. Universities and organize a Treasurers’ Conference in 2025.
- Ensure the completion of ongoing initiatives such as the AME APP and AME Membership card, aiming to enhance their value for the A.M.E. Church members.
A Woman for Servitude
in God’s Kingdom
N
Noble in dedication to God’s cause of serving God’s people. To find myself, I had to lose myself and live for God as a Servant questing for God’s purpose only.
C
Courtesy a genuine respect for the feelings of God for his people being considerate for and giving the due dignity that all persons deserve.
S
Servant Heart Not my will but God’s will! Putting the needs of God’s people ahead of my own and to serve them with the motivation of God. God’s will first.
A
Admiration having the utmost respect and warm approval for serving God’s people.
M
Morality is Honesty, which is the first requisite in keeping peace with oneself and merit the trust of others.
E
Economic Empowerment to contribute to and benefit from growth processes in ways that recognize the value of contributions and respect for dignity for the benefits of growth.
C
Compassion To serve with the essence of my God given spirit. To serve the African Methodist Episcopal Church with gentleness and mercy.
Email:
Phone:
(304) 878-5388
For donations, please make checks payable to “NoraCajettaStephens4AME/CFO”
Mailing Address:
104 Mountain Road, Unit 2D
Glen Burnie, MD 21060
Technology is the way of the future and is pivotal in the continued growth of the modern church. Our denomination is in the birthing process. We must press toward the mark of the higher calling. No longer can we start projects and not finish them (i.e. the membership card and the AMEAPP). We need to utilize members of the church, who know how to build and develop technology bases that will help our church stay consistent and current with institutional platforms and practices; meeting our church’s needs.
– Nora “Cajetta” Stephens