Two East Texas churches swap buildings to better serve congregations

Assemblies of God and Baptist churches trade spaces in 'God moment' of unity

Mar. 12, 2026 at 5:24pm

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In a move described as a 'God moment' of interdenominational unity, an Assemblies of God church in Carthage, Texas, swapped buildings with a Baptist church, allowing each congregation to thrive in their new space. The swap came after the Assemblies of God church, Faith Assembly, outgrew its previous building, while the Baptist church, Southside Baptist, was struggling to maintain its large 46,000-square-foot facility.

Why it matters

The building swap between the two churches is seen as an inspiring example of Christian cooperation and unity, demonstrating how congregations can work together to better serve their communities. It also highlights the challenges some churches face in maintaining large facilities, and how creative solutions can benefit both parties.

The details

Through discussions between the pastors and congregations, the two churches decided to trade buildings, with Faith Assembly moving into the former Southside Baptist building and vice versa. The swap required some renovations to the Faith Assembly's new space, but the congregation received unexpected donations, including a nearly $80,000 RV from a random stranger, to help with the transition. No money was exchanged between the churches.

  • The building swap was proposed in October 2024.
  • The congregations completed the trade in 2025.

The players

Kirby Hill

Pastor of Southside Baptist Church.

David Baze

Senior Pastor of Faith Assembly of God.

Gaylan Claunch

Superintendent for the North Texas District of the Assemblies of God.

Gayla Wilson

A resident of Carthage, Texas.

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What they’re saying

“Probably the least likely answer to prayer was that the two congregations swapped their churches, resulting in growth for both, a vibrant witness to the local community, and a remarkable season of unity and ministry expansion. We rejoice with both Faith Assembly and Southside Baptist as two godly pastors led this incredible story.”

— Gaylan Claunch, Superintendent for the North Texas District of the Assemblies of God

“To me, it felt like one of those situations where everyone wins. It's practical, it makes sense, and more than that, I truly believe God is blessing both churches through it. It's encouraging to see two congregations work together in a way that strengthens them both and continues the work of the kingdom.”

— Gayla Wilson, Carthage resident

“I believe it was God's direction and timing for both churches. We spent four months walking through the process seeking God's direction and plan. God began to place a plan in our leadership for how we would put our DNA on the new building and how it would open the possibilities for ministry that we did not have room for.”

— David Baze, Senior Pastor of Faith Assembly of God

What’s next

The two churches plan to continue working together, sharing services and ministry opportunities in their new spaces.

The takeaway

This building swap between the Assemblies of God and Baptist churches demonstrates the power of Christian unity and cooperation, as the congregations put aside denominational differences to better serve their communities. The story serves as an inspiring example of how churches can creatively solve challenges and expand their ministries through collaborative efforts.