North Texas Churches Trade Spaces
Southside Baptist Church (SBC) in Carthage, Texas, was running about 50 people in a 46,000-square-foot building that was draining all the church's resources, including the congregation’s energy.
Kirby Hill, pastor of SBC, noticed Faith Assembly of God outgrowing its space, so he proposed to Senior Pastor David Baze in October 2024 a building swap to better serve both churches.
Through God's direction and a lot of supernatural unity, both boards and congregations voted overwhelmingly to complete the trade.
Gaylan Claunch, superintendent for the North Texas District of the Assemblies of God (NTDAG), likened the swap to something rooted in Psalm 118:23, which says "this is the Lord’s doing and it is marvelous in our sight."
Baze, who also serves as a presbyter for NTDAG, "encountered a God moment" at a time when they needed more room for growth and ministry, according to Claunch.
"At the same time, Kirby Hill was praying along with his congregation about the need for different facilities,” Claunch says. "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."
Faith Assembly's new building, the former Baptist church, needed some renovations, but God miraculously provided, including random strangers who asked to hook up their recreational vehicle outside the church.
The couple then donated their RV (valued at almost $80,000) to Faith Assembly. Faith Assembly then received a nearly two-thirds discounted rate on the congregation's property insurance from the original quote.
Through all of this, no monies were exchanged and it has been something that has inspired community members.
Gayla Wilson, a resident of Carthage, which has a population of around approximately 6,600, says her first reaction to the trade was "just wow."
"Every time we had driven past Faith Assembly before, that body of believers looked like they were bursting at the seams,” she recalls. "The parking lot was always full and you could just see the growth. When I learned that one congregation needed more space while the other needed to downsize, it just seemed like such a perfect fit.
"To me, it felt like one of those situations where everyone wins," Wilson, 70, adds. "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."
Baze, 64, who has pastored Faith Assembly for 24 years, notes that his initial reaction to the proposal was "shock and disbelief."
"For my church board, it was even more so because of the insurance, increased utilities, repairs and updates needed,” he explains. "Would our congregation of 100 be swallowed up in a sanctuary that size?"
"I believe it was God’s direction and timing for both churches," Baze adds. "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."
Since moving into the new location in 2025, Faith Assembly has started three new ministries and the congregation now draws 135 attendees, which is a 30% increase in the past nine months.
"It was and still is the talk of the town in many places," Baze says. "Nobody thought it was possible and many did not understand what or why it was being done. Kirby and I went on the local radio program to be interviewed to clear up any rumors. We received great feedback and many thanked us for clearing everything up. It has been a great picture of two congregations in the body of Christ working together to see His kingdom being built. We have shared services together."
Hill, 65, who has pastored SBC for 19 years, notes that his congregation now averages about 15 or 20 more attendees on Sunday mornings, which is also about a 30% increase.
"The most common thing I heard expressed about the trade was that’s the way things ought to be done,” Hill explains. "If this move would have been a box, when you opened the lid and looked inside you would have found Christian love, compassion, cooperation, trust and the good Golden Rule. This was inspiring to the Christian community, but it shouted loudly to the non-Christian community. They understand property and value. To them, this was tangible proof that Christian brotherhood is real."
