'Costco Pastor' Goes Viral: Gen Z Is Abandoning the Culture and Running to the Church

Viral 'Kirkland King' Pastor Says Young Americans Are Abandoning Culture for the Church

Pastor Lucas Gomes, who serves at First Baptist Church Fort Lauderdale and Church by the Glades in Coral Springs, Florida, has become a viral sensation on social media by blending his love for Costco with his Christian faith. Known online as the "Kirkland King," Gomes has amassed over 83,000 followers on Instagram under the handle @therealkirklandking.

Gomes appeared on Fox & Friends this week to discuss a striking trend: young adult ministry groups at his two South Florida churches are drawing thousands of attendees. He told host Ainsley Earhardt that the surge reflects a deeper cultural shift among Generation Z.

"The culture is starving for purpose. People are starving for meaning. People want so badly for their life to mean something, and they're asking hard questions."

The Florida pastor believes there is only one place where those hard questions can truly be answered.

"There are no good answers outside the church."

Gomes also drew a trademark comparison between his two passions, quipping: "The only thing more reliable and consistent than the $1.50 hot dog is God."

His observations are backed by recent data. A report published by the Barna Group's State of the Church Initiative found that Gen Zers and millennials now attend church more frequently than older generations. Gen Z averages 1.9 church visits per month, while millennials average 1.8 visits per month.

Perhaps more strikingly, commitment to following Jesus among young men has surged. According to the Barna data, the percentage of millennial males who say they are committed to following Jesus rose from 52% in 2019 to 71% in 2025. Among Gen Z overall, that number climbed from 52% to 67% in the same period.

Gomes acknowledges that while social media can have negative psychological impacts on young people, he uses his platform intentionally to invite them into something greater than viral content: a life of faith.

Gen Z Faith Revival: Why Young People Are Filling Churches Across America

The trend Gomes describes is not isolated to South Florida. Across the United States, churches that embrace contemporary worship formats and authentic engagement are reporting significant growth among younger demographics. The data suggests a generation that was written off as secular may be leading an unexpected spiritual resurgence.

The Crusader's Opinion

While the world told Gen Z to find meaning in likes, followers, and cultural trends, God was quietly calling them home. Pastor Gomes gets it. He meets people where they are, even in a Costco aisle, and points them to the only source of truth that never changes. The culture offered this generation nothing but confusion, loneliness, and an identity crisis. The Church offers purpose, community, and the unchanging Word of God. The numbers do not lie. Young men and women are waking up and realizing that no algorithm, no trend, and no political movement can fill the void that only Christ can fill. This is not a fad. This is a generation crying out for something real, and the Church must be ready to answer that call with open arms and uncompromising truth.

Take Action

• Invite a young person to church this Sunday. Whether it is your child, a neighbor, or a coworker, a personal invitation remains the most powerful tool for evangelism.
• Follow Pastor Lucas Gomes on Instagram at @therealkirklandking and share his content with young people in your life who may be searching for purpose.
• Support ministries reaching the next generation. Consider donating to The Shepherd's Shield to help fund Christian outreach and youth programs.
• Read the full Barna research on Gen Z church attendance at Barna Group and share the encouraging data with your church leadership.
• Start a conversation with a young person about faith. Ask them what questions they are wrestling with and listen without judgment. Meet them where they are, just like the Kirkland King does.