Derrick Hawkins and Jay Stewart's New Book "Welded" Hopes to Unite the Races

In a time of deep racial tension, pastors Derrick Hawkins and Jay Stewart formed an unbreakable bond centered on Jesus Christ. In their first co-authored book, Welded: Forming Racial Bonds That Last (iDisciple Publishers, November 2020), the pair recounts the two-year journey that led to the merging of an African American church with a predominantly white mega church.

Welded is the unlikely story of a white, middle aged man who grew up in south Georgia and a mid-thirties black man who made the conscious decision to pave a new way for future generations. Stewart and Hawkins share the backstory of their friendship, then bring the reader to a place of looking at a full-length mirror of their own value system.

"We believe that our story represents a better narrative that God wants to write in our nation," writes Derrick Hawkins. "We pray that readers see how the Gospel unites us all to become more like Jesus."

Hawkins and Stewart give guidance and direction to a nation that is being divided more than ever. Welded is the celebration that every human is created in the image of God, therefore our commonalities far outway our differences.

"I'm forever grateful for the friendship Derrick and I have cultivated, which has led to the merging of our churches," writes Jay Stewart. "This relationship is a sign of healing of what could be and what should be in our nation."

About Jay Stewart:

Jay Stewart grew up in Columbus, Georgia. He met his wife Melanie in high school, and they were married in 1983. Together with their five kids and grandkids, they live just outside of Charlotte, North Carolina. Jay is the Founding and Lead Pastor of The Refuge Church. In addition to leading The Refuge, he serves on several ministry boards, coaches pastors and church planters, and travels nationally and internationally to speak. He enjoys traveling, riding his Harley, playing basketball and golf, and spending time with his family. 

About Derrick Hawkins:

Derrick A. Hawkins is a devoted husband to Roshonda Hawkins. Together, they pastor The Refuge Greensboro in Greensboro, NC. He is the loving father of five: Ronnette, Dashawn, Labrica, Adarion, Jaylen, and the late Derrick Jr. In the summer of 2016, Derrick Hawkins became the Senior Pastor of House of Refuge Deliverance Ministries. In that same year, he led House of Refuge Deliverance Ministries into the historic merger with The Refuge. Today, he continues to fearlessly lead the campus; bringing the vision to new places and fresh heights.

Additionally, Derrick loves jogging, reading books, and adding to his shoe collection. He most enjoys quality time with his family, cooking and watching his sons play sports.

About iDisciple:

Since 2013, iDisciple has been leading people to dive deeper into life-changing content to be closer connected to God. Our mission is to connect people daily with God to make a global difference.iDisciple has grown to more than 900,000 users with 300+ authors offering sermons, devotionals, articles, and videos. Dr. Charles Stanley, Rick Warren, Joyce Meyer, Louie Giglio, and many others are part of the iDisciple experience.

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