“God did not design us to face life on our own.” These words encapsulate the essence of Living Savior Lutheran Church. Living Savior isn’t just a building. It is a community woven together. It is a place where believers encourage one another. They walk the often-difficult path of life together.
Living Savior began humbly. In 1977 two families met in their homes for worship. They sought a Christ-centered faith. They wanted a Bible-based message. They wanted a message that would share all of God’s Word. This small group grew. Pastors traveled from Knoxville, TN, and Columbia, and Greenville, SC, to share God’s Word. “Our Savior Lutheran Church” was born. A building was purchased on Oakland Street in Hendersonville.
In 1998, a decision was made to relocate. The new mission focused on the Arden/Fletcher/Mills River areas. April 8, 2001, marked the grand opening for Living Savior. The Groce chapel served as the Sunday morning meeting place for over six years. Later, they used the former Grange Community Building on Overlook Road as their Ministry Center. A new church was built in 2006-07. It was dedicated on June 3, 2007. Living Savior Preschool opened its doors that September. It has been providing a Christ-centered education ever since.
In 2015, Living Savior evaluated a new way to carry out the church’s mission. They decided to become a multi-site congregation. By the start of 2017, they held worship services at two different locations each weekend. They leased and remodeled a space for worship. It was next to the Honey-Baked Ham along Four Seasons Boulevard. By early 2018, Living Savior had a second pastor. The pastor helped reach more people in Hendersonville with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Living Savior offers Living Savior Groups. These groups bring members together. They share each other’s joys and burdens. They help each other in times of need. They support each other in their spiritual life. GriefShare Support offers a Christ-centered place for those grieving the loss of a loved one. Foundations of Faith is for everyone. It is for people interested in becoming members. It is for those looking to build their faith. It is also for the curious observer who wants to study the Bible.
Women’s Night “Out” Fellowship Groups meet monthly at a local restaurant. Men gather monthly in the pavilion at Living Savior’s AVL location. They enjoy casual discussion about God’s Word as well as fellowship and snacks. Youth and Families enjoy family nights, hikes, and service projects.
Living Savior serves as an important member of the community. It serves those around it with programs, classes, events, and worship. All are centered on the love of God in Jesus Christ our Savior. He and His Word are the focus of all that they do.
Living Savior is part of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS). WELS began in Milwaukee, WI in 1850. Three German Lutheran pastors met together to do mission work. WELS is evangelical. It shares the good news of Jesus Christ. WELS is Lutheran. It proclaims the forgiveness of sins through God’s grace in Christ alone, by God’s grace alone made ours by faith alone. WELS is a synod. Over 300,000 Christians served by over 1,000 pastors walk together. They carry out the mission that God has given. They preach and teach the Word. They serve everyone around them.
Living Savior follows the Bible first and foremost. Its teachings are well represented in the Lutheran Confessions. These documents were prepared in the 16th century during the Protestant Reformation. Living Savior wants to help you see life in light of the truth. It teaches and believes what God says will work. People of Asheville and the surrounding communities can use what God has given them.