About the Author

     Educator, trainer, leader, author, Rev. Dr. Eric A. Mayes, Jr. was one of this nation's premier preachers and pastors, and one of Oklahoma's most polished proclaimers of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He served as the first and senior pastor of Unity Baptist Church, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma for 48 years. He also served as moderator for the East Zion District, Oklahoma Baptist State Convention and as a lecturer the National Baptist Convention U.S.A. Dr. Mayes was an instructor at the Ministry Training Institute program at Oklahoma Baptist University School of Religion. ​      Dr. Mayes received his bachelor’s degree in education from Oklahoma Baptist University in 1963. He was the first African American to graduate from that institution. He received a master’s degree in teaching from Oklahoma City University in 1972 and completed the requirements for a Master of Religious Education at the Southwestern Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas in 1981. He went on to earn his Doctor of Ministry degree in Church Life Development from the International Seminary in Plymouth, Florida in 1990. Dr. Mayes was also awarded with an Honorary Doctorate degree of Humane Letters from the Oklahoma Baptist School of Religion in Langston, Oklahoma.  Dr. Mayes was a certified deacon trainer and has successfully used the material presented in Deacon Training in the Black Church in his own deacon training program. He had the opportunity to present workshops and trainings all over the United Staes using his deacon training and church covenant books. ​      Rev. Mayes was always giving back to his church and the community. During his pastoral tenure, he mentored several young ministers training them for pastoral leadership, many of whom are currently serving as pastors. Dr. Mayes is the author of five books, the first of which is The Preaching Values of a Church Covenant. His other books are Deacon Training in the African American Church, Suit Up Your Workers for Christian Service, Church-Related Position Descriptions for Presidents, Directors, Coordinators, and The Seven Greatest Signs Ever Performed: A Contemporary Treatment. All profits from the sales of Dr. Mayes’ books have always been and continue to be earmarked for college scholarships through B.E.A.M. Ministries, Inc.  The legacy and dream still continues. ​ To make donations towards the Oklahoma Baptist University Eric A. Mayes, Jr. Scholarship Endowment go to: https://www.okbu.edu/giving/mayes-scholarship.html