A Come-As-You-Are Church on Shiloh Road
Biltmore United Methodist Church gathers on Shiloh Road in Asheville, North Carolina, in a relaxed, come-as-you-are atmosphere that combines a semi-traditional approach with contemporary language, meaningful liturgy, and uplifting music. The congregation describes itself as a family brought together by love of God and one another, dedicated to spiritual growth, compassionate fellowship, and meaningful outreach. Sunday worship takes place at 11 AM at 55 Shiloh Road, and on every third Sunday of the month the church worships together with Rock Hill Missionary Baptist Church.
Two Pastors Serving Two Communities
Lead Pastor Lucy Robbins is a United Methodist Elder in Full Connection in the Blue Ridge District. She leads both Biltmore UMC and the Wellspring Congregation through preaching, pastoral care, and collaborative ministry. Associate Pastor Spencer Cullom, also a United Methodist Elder in Full Connection in the Blue Ridge District, finds inspiration on the Blue Ridge Parkway and enjoys meeting new people. The two pastors share ministry with Wellspring, helping each community live out its calling in faithful and meaningful ways. Visitors who would like prayer can reach Lucy at lrobbins@wnccumc.net and Spencer at scullom@wnccumc.net.
The Gathering Place
The gathering place is the congregation's third-space initiative - a physical setting designed to be more than just a location. Its doors stay open to people of all backgrounds, with no expectations or obligations attached. The space centers on four values reflected in its logo: connection, creativity, coffee, and clergy. It offers a cozy corner to read, a table to craft and create, and a welcoming atmosphere to simply exist and breathe. Among its emphases is the Queer Clergy Collective, a place for safety, strength, and inclusion among clergy within the United Methodist connection.
Women Growing in Faith
Women at Biltmore UMC find several entry points for fellowship and study. Sisters is a women's Bible study that meets every Wednesday at 10 AM in the conference room at 55 Shiloh Road. Open to all women regardless of church membership, the group gathers for Bible study, meaningful fellowship, and volunteer opportunities, engaging in thoughtful discussion and collaborating on projects that benefit the wider community. United Women in Faith meets once a month after worship, connecting and nurturing women through Christian spiritual formation, leadership development, creative fellowship, and education. The church also belongs to the Reconciling Ministries Network, which works for the full participation of all LGBTQ+ people throughout the life and leadership of the United Methodist Church.
Reaching Out Across Asheville
Each month, the Biltmore Village Cooperative Parish offers volunteer opportunities ranging from food pantry assistance and community meal service to neighborhood clean-up projects and outreach events. On the third Monday of every month, members travel to MANNA FoodBank in Mills River to help sort, label, and distribute food items serving sixteen Western North Carolina counties. Once a month on Thursdays from 4 to 6 PM, the church gathers with residents of Compass Point Village on Tunnel Road for crafts, conversation, and a shared pizza dinner. In partnership with Wellspring, the congregation provides a monthly meal for the Respite Ministry at Haywood Street Congregation, offering companionship to those healing after surgery or medical treatments. The church has also presented a major gift to Haywood Street for their Respite expansion project.
Sunday School Before Worship
Adult Sunday School meets at 9:45 AM each Sunday at 55 Shiloh Road, preceding worship. The class currently uses Cokesbury Adult Book Studies and has been working through the book of 1 Thessalonians. As member Bess Redmond puts it, "What makes our class unique is the fact that we always have a lively discussion. No one is afraid to share their viewpoint."