Decoding Nike: Culture, Commerce, and the Church
After a 27-year absence from the Super Bowl stage, they didn't just return – they revolutionized.
While millions saw a celebration of women's athletics, I saw something deeper: a masterclass in cultural leadership that church leaders need to study and talk about.
Strategic Presence
Nike could have chosen any moment. They chose the 2025 Super Bowl. Not just to advertise but to advocate. They understood what many church leaders forget: timing transforms a message into a movement.
When was the last time your church showed up where culture was happening?
The HeART of Story
Nike didn't sell shoes. They sold struggle. Victory. Humanity. Through black-and-white imagery and raw emotion, they presented a narrative that grabbed hearts before minds. Each athlete's story wasn't just told – it was felt.
Our pulpits often overflow with doctrine while our people hunger for authenticity. Real stories. Real struggles. Real transformation.
The Truth Transforms
The ad didn't shy away from uncomfortable truths about double standards in sports. It confronted them head-on. This wasn't just brave – it was necessary.
The early church changed culture because it dared to speak truth to power. Today's church often chooses comfort over confrontation. But real leadership means naming the elephants in the room without offending the humans in the room.
Cultural Convergence
Nike merged sports with music. They understood that cultural impact happens at intersections. They didn't just speak to athletes – they spoke to a generation.
Your church's influence shouldn't stop at the parking lot - that’s where it starts.
The HeART of Impact
The visuals. The narration. The raw emotion. Nike created more than content – they created an experience. In 60 seconds, they moved millions. And every Sunday, we should too.
Sunday mornings shouldn't just inform. They should transform.
The Choice
Nike just showed us how a brand can transcend commerce to shape culture. But here's what keeps me up at night: If a shoe company can move millions toward cultural change, what could the church do if we led with the same boldness?
Nike made a commercial.
Your church can make a movement.
Correction: Your church is a movement. His.
Eric V Hampton
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