A Vicksburg pastor will launch his series of self-help books during a Sunday event at King Solomon M.B. Church.

The Rev. R.D. Bernard, pastor of King Solomon, has penned “Your Journey to Spiritual Maturity — Volume 1 — The Fool.” The release event, which will feature a book-signing, food and family activities, is set for 1 p.m.

If you go

The Rev. R.D. Bernard will sign copies of “Your Journey to Spiritual Maturity ­— Volume 1 — The Fool” at 1 p.m. Sunday at King Solomon M.B. Church, 1401 Farmer St. Copies will be sold for $15. Call 601-638-7658 or visit www.ksbc-vicksburg.org.

The book is the first in a series of four.

“From what I see as a pastor, I hear a lot of the same things,” Bernard said. “I need to put this in print because it’s a pattern. The books are in stages that each of us go through in terms of finding our way to God — things we used to do that we’re not proud of, but we had to go through them to get to our way to God.”

The book features testimonies from people who have struggled with and overcome certain issues, as well as a reflection and study guide.

“Every chapter starts out with a true story of people who have gone through a situation,” Bernard said.

In the book, Bernard said, he talks about teen pregnancy, HIV and AIDS and other social crises.

“Your Journal to Spiritual Maturity” will be available for $15 Sunday. It is also being sold online and in bookstores.

The series will continue with “Baby Step,” set for release in spring 2011; “Milk to Meat,” set for release in fall 2011; and “All Out Warfare,” set for release in summer 2012.

Bernard, who is an accountant and an auditor, is also the author of “Making Church Matter.” It is available online.

A Jackson native, Bernard was ordained as a deacon in 2000 and served at Mount Charity Baptist in Ridgeland, where he was also assistant Sunday school superintendent. He embarked on his own ministry effort in 2002 and became pastor of King Solomon in 2003. Bernard and his wife, Valerie, have two sons, David and Daniel.