King's Church DC today announced a remarkable increase in attendance over the past seven years, with growth surging by approximately 2,000% as younger generations seek meaning, community, and answers through faith. Founded in 2018 near the U.S. Capitol, the nondenominational congregation aligned with the Southern Baptist Convention has grown from just a few dozen attendees in its early years to regularly drawing 600-700 people on Sundays.
According to one of the church's founding pastors, Ben Palka, the church experienced modest numbers in its first two years but saw a significant shift beginning in 2020. "We just had a lot of grit, a lot of God's grace the first couple of years to endure the storm," Palka said, noting that the church's decision to remain open through the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to accelerated growth.
Church leaders report a sustained influx of Generation Z and millennial attendees, many of whom had previously been disconnected from church life but now are committing to their faith and community. Leaders describe this renewal as a type of "revival" that began in 2020 and has continued year over year.
In 2018, King's Church DC averaged about 30 people in attendance; by 2025, that number had climbed to approximately 650, with consistent annual increases.
Pastor Wesley Welch highlighted stories of young adults who deepened their faith as they engaged with the church community. One attendee, initially drawn by shared values with an influential public figure, eventually embraced baptism and a personal commitment to Christ after being shaken by recent cultural events.
Staff pastor Daniel Davis also attributes the church's growth to a broader cultural search for meaning and community. "Younger generations have had to grow up in a world that is deprived of meaning," he said, emphasizing that many are turning to church not only for fellowship but also for grounding in transcendent truth.
Research from the Barna Group shows that church attendance among Generation Z and millennials has increased in recent years, with younger adults attending worship services more frequently than older generations in some measures.
In addition to Sunday worship, King's Church DC offers small groups, social events, and community-building activities designed to foster deep relational connections-creating spaces where attendees of all ages can grow in faith together.
