by Southwest Conference Minister Rev. Dr. Toni Hawkins

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. — Ecclesiastes 4:12

Thank you for your prayers during my recent health challenge. That experience reminded me of how much we truly need one another. Covenant is not just a church word — it’s the sacred bond that carries us when life feels heavy and celebrates with us when joy overflows.

In the Southwest Conference, Covenant Relationships are the “C” in our CARES framework, and they are the foundation of everything we do. We are stronger when we walk side by side. We are braver when we hold each other accountable to love, justice, and mercy. And we are more resilient when we honor that no one is meant to walk this journey alone.

This month, I invite you to pause and ask yourself: Where am I being called to deepen my covenant — with God, with my congregation, or with the wider church? Sometimes covenant looks like showing up; sometimes it looks like speaking truth; sometimes it looks like simply sitting with one another in silence.

This is the work that makes us the Southwest Conference — a community bound not by convenience, but by covenant.

In my next message, we’ll explore how Accountability and Alignment help us walk in step with our values and keep us focused on the mission God has given us.

In Care and Covenant,

Dr. Toni