Religion & Spirituality Books

Mary has seen the Holy Spirit at work in the lives of God’s disciples. At the same time, she realized how challenging it is to be a disciple. She shares her experiences in discipleship, revealing His reality and relevance today to encourage readers to grow in their faith. In her book, Mary shows readers how they can reconnect with God. She explains the “Fruits of the Spirit” in a way that is easy to understand and apply to one’s personal life. “We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.” 1 Corinthians 2:12 (NIV)

Being part of a church community is a special experience. However, the sense of belonging increases exponentially with a deep and nuanced understanding of the doctrine, discipline, and heritage of your church family. With Member's Class 102, Mary Vaughn, who has taught a New Members Class in the African Methodist Episcopal Church for ten years, brings together her knowledge and array of resources to provide a manual for new and present members to better understand the African Methodist Episcopal Church. This unique educational resource can benefit not only Church members, but anyone interested in the rich heritage of the Church. Experience the excitement and pride of truly understanding the history and doctrine of this vibrant Christian community, and enjoy the blessings that come from being closer to the Church. The Bible says, "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed." (2 Timothy 2:15) The more you apply yourself to the word of God, the more God will be present in your life. Member's Class 102 is an excellent guide to experience that presence with intention and knowledge.

Knowledge is powerful; sometimes, the plans we least expect become the most impactful. In 2008, teaching a new member's class was the last thing on my mind, but God had other plans. When my pastor asked me to lead the class again, I resolved to document all the information I gathered, ensuring I’d have a solid foundation to build on in the future.

As I developed and researched materials for the class, it became clear that the content needed to be accessible, and engaging for adults and youth. This realization inspired the creation of Member’s Class 102.

Rooted in the guidelines set by The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church 2020, this book expands on the essential teachings for a new member’s class. It’s designed not only for those new to the AME Church but also as a refresher for seasoned members, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of their faith journey.