In Episode 60 of The Town Square Podcast, hosts Trey Bailey and Gabriel Stovall welcome two behind-the-scenes heroes of Newton County: Claudia Minge, church facilitator at Covington First United Methodist Church and longtime coordinator of Change the World Day, and Margaret McDonald, Executive Director of Giving Hands Food Pantry. What begins as a conversation about a one-day event blossoms into a powerful testimony of what happens when a community chooses to serve together. Claudia shares the origin story of Change the World Day—born from a global Methodist challenge to serve outside the church walls—and how it’s evolved into a multifaceted community celebration offering health screenings, a service fair, free food and clothing, live music, and a strong dose of hope. Now in its 17th year, the event has become a staple of Newton County’s identity, not just for what it provides, but for how it brings people together across denominations, backgrounds, and needs.

Margaret adds a compelling layer to the conversation by describing the year-round impact of Giving Hands Food Pantry, which serves over 200 families weekly. From refrigerated box truck deliveries to volunteers helping shoppers “shop with dignity,” the pantry has become a vital lifeline for families navigating rising grocery costs and food insecurity. The annual Change the World Day is a high point for many who rely on the pantry, offering not just food, but resources, human connection, and a sense of celebration. Margaret and Claudia both echo a core theme: when people serve together, they are changed themselves. This episode is a love letter to community spirit, and a reminder that even in a county of over 125,000 people, we can still feel like a small town when we show up for each other.

In this episode of The Town Square Podcast, co-host Trey Bailey sit down with Dr. Cody McNutt, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Covington, for a candid and compelling conversation about faith, leadership, and bold decision-making. Dr. McNutt opens up about the emotional and strategic journey behind First Baptist’s controversial decision to demolish its historic sanctuary—a space rich in memory but limited in future functionality. He shares how the church’s “Growing Together” campaign emerged not just as a building project but as a vision for deeper community engagement and Gospel-centered impact in a rapidly growing Newton County.

The conversation moves beyond bricks and mortar to tackle bigger questions about the role of the Church in today’s cultural landscape. Dr. McNutt reflects on the challenges of navigating public opinion, preserving sacred traditions, and leading a congregation toward future-forward ministry. He also discusses the church’s 5–10 year plan, their approach to outreach, and how pastors can stay rooted in calling while adapting to change. Whether you’re a person of faith, a community leader, or just someone who cares about the evolving story of Covington, this episode offers wisdom, transparency, and a refreshing look at the “messy middle” of modern church leadership.

In Episode 24 of The Town Square Podcast, hosts Gabriel Stovall and Trey Bailey sit down with Pastor Justin Adams of New Life Praise Center and Minister Nytravious “Nytro” Smith of James Paschal Missionary Baptist Church for a spirited and inspirational conversation about the state of the church and faith in Newton County. The episode explores the incredible growth of New Life Praise Center, from its humble beginnings to a thriving congregation of over 1,000 attendees, and the ways Minister Nytro is helping revitalize the congregation at James Paschal. Together, these leaders discuss church growth, outreach, and the importance of embracing diversity in the modern church.

The conversation also highlights the significance of unity among local faith leaders and their collaborative efforts to serve the community. Both churches are deeply engaged in partnerships with schools and nonprofits, working to support the people of Newton County. With the holiday season approaching, the pastors share how they are reaching out to families and creating opportunities to make a difference during this special time of year. Tune in to hear how these dynamic leaders are impacting faith and community in Newton County.