North Carolina Church Baptizes 458 People in Annual Outdoor Event
Based on 2 sources
Biltmore Church, a multisite congregation in North Carolina, baptized 458 individuals during its annual outdoor event held on September 13, 2026. The gathering, which took place at a private property featuring a lake in Fletcher, marked a record for the 137-year-old church. Executive Pastor Devin Goins described the event as a celebration of personal salvation and a step of obedience for those who have committed to following Christ.
Church staff conducted personal outreach to all participants prior to the event to confirm their faith and readiness for baptism. The attendees included local congregants as well as individuals from outside the area, such as one participant who traveled from New York. The church provided assistance for those with mobility challenges, including individuals in wheelchairs, to ensure they could participate in the lake baptism. Following the event, the church initiated follow-up discipleship efforts, encouraging those who do not live near a Biltmore campus to connect with local congregations in their home areas.