The Origins and Key Players
The "He Gets Us" campaign is primarily funded by The Servant Foundation (also known as The Signatry), a Christian donor-advised fund based in Kansas. At the forefront of this billion-dollar initiative is David Green, the founder of Hobby Lobby, along with other wealthy Christian donors who prefer to remain anonymous.
Creative Team and Organizations
The campaign was developed through a collaboration of several agencies and organizations:
- Lerma Agency - Texas-based marketing firm
- Haven - Branding firm specializing in faith-based campaigns
- Come Near - Parent nonprofit organization
- Gloo - Technology and data partner
Key team members include:
- Bill McKendry - Founder of Haven
- Jason Vanderground - President of Haven
- Jon Lee - Chief Marketing Officer for "He Gets Us"
Campaign Strategy and Implementation 📊
The campaign employs a multi-channel approach to reach modern audiences:
- High-profile TV spots (including Super Bowl advertisements)
- Digital marketing
- Billboard advertising
- Social media presence
- Interactive website content
"We're trying to get the message across that Jesus understood the human condition and suffered alongside us." - Campaign spokesperson
Key Themes
- Empathy: Portraying Jesus as someone who understands human emotions and challenges
- Relatability: Using contemporary language and scenarios
- Inclusivity: Reaching diverse audiences regardless of religious background
Impact and Reception ðŸ’
The campaign has achieved significant visibility through:
- Super Bowl LVII appearances
- Nationwide billboard presence
- Viral social media moments
- YouTube channel engagement
Mixed Reactions
The campaign has sparked significant debate in the public sphere:
Positive Feedback
- Innovative approach to religious messaging
- Creative and modern portrayal of Jesus
- Broad reach across various platforms
Criticisms
- Questions about the substantial financial investment
- Concerns about commercialization of religious beliefs
- Debates over the effectiveness of corporate-style religious marketing
- Lack of transparency regarding some donors
Conclusion
The "He Gets Us" campaign represents a unique intersection of modern marketing and religious messaging, with a projected investment of $1 billion, making it one of the largest faith-based marketing initiatives in history. While controversial, it has successfully opened up conversations about faith, empathy, and understanding in contemporary society.
For those interested in learning more, visit the official He Gets Us website to explore their latest content and mission.