PHOENIX, AZ — Youth pastor and social media influencer Kyle Braddock has taken his ministry viral, performing mass baptisms with Mountain Dew while streaming to his 2.4 million TikTok followers from a ring-lit kiddie pool in his parents’ backyard.
“The Holy Spirit works in mysterious ways,” Braddock announced during last Sunday’s livestream, pouring neon-green liquid over the head of a teenager who drove three hours to receive the sacrament. “And sometimes, those ways taste like citrus and caffeine.”
The 28-year-old pastor, known online as @HolyVibesKyle, began using Mountain Dew for baptisms after what he describes as a “divine download” during a late-night gaming session. He claims the soft drink’s voltage represents the energy of spiritual awakening, and its color symbolizes renewal—or at least that’s what he told his congregation before asking them to like and subscribe.
“Jesus turned water into wine, I turn water into Dew,” Braddock explained in a follow-up video that has been viewed 8.3 million times. “Same energy, better engagement metrics.”
Participants in the ceremony, which Braddock calls “getting Dew-tized,” report feeling a mixture of spiritual fulfillment and extreme thirst. Many describe a tingling sensation, though medical professionals suggest this may be related to the 77 grams of sugar per serving rather than divine intervention.
“I felt the Spirit enter my body,” said 19-year-old attendee Brittany Carmichael, wiping sticky residue from her forehead. “Or maybe it was just the carbonation. Either way, I’m saved and caffeinated.”
The baptisms have drawn criticism from traditional religious leaders, who argue that substituting soda for holy water undermines the sanctity of the ritual. Reverend Michael Patterson of First Baptist Church called the practice “theologically questionable and probably a health code violation.”
Braddock, however, remains undeterred, citing scripture and engagement analytics in equal measure. “Jesus said to go forth and make disciples of all nations,” he countered during a recent stream. “He never specified the beverage. And honestly, my retention rate is way higher than traditional church.”
The pastor has also monetized his ministry, offering premium packages that include personalized blessings, exclusive access to member-only prayer streams, and limited-edition towels pre-soaked in Mountain Dew. Standard baptisms are free, but participants are encouraged to support the ministry through Venmo donations or by purchasing merchandise from his online store.
“Faith shouldn’t cost you anything except maybe shipping and handling,” Braddock said, gesturing to racks of branded hoodies bearing the slogan “Saved and Caffeinated.”
The event has attracted the attention of PepsiCo, which issued a carefully worded statement neither endorsing nor condemning the practice, noting only that “Mountain Dew is best enjoyed as a refreshing beverage and was not formulated with sacramental use in mind.”
Despite the controversy, Braddock’s follower count continues to climb. He recently announced plans for a national Dew-tism tour, with stops in twelve cities and a finale at a megachurch parking lot in Dallas.
“People are hungry for authenticity,” Braddock said, adjusting his ring light mid-stream. “They want a faith that meets them where they are—online, on their phones, and honestly kind of sticky.”
When asked whether he had concerns about the long-term theological implications of his methods, Braddock paused thoughtfully before responding: “Listen, I’m just trying to save souls and build community. If that happens to involve a refrigerated truck full of two-liter bottles, then blessed be the logistics.”
He then concluded the interview by asking viewers to hit the notification bell for updates on salvation.
At press time, Braddock was negotiating a potential sponsorship deal, though he insists it won’t compromise his message—unless the compensation package is “truly blessed.”