#USA #New York #He Gets Us #7th Sense #Come Near

Come Near and 7th Sense Shine at the 2026 ARF David Ogilvy Awards

In a remarkable milestone for faith-centered marketing, Come Near, in collaboration with 7th Sense Research, a subsidiary of Radius Insights, has secured Gold and Silver awards at the prestigious 2026 ARF David Ogilvy Awards held at Tribeca Rooftop, New York. The campaign, focused on the initiative "He Gets Us," not only celebrated notable achievements in the sphere of cultural fluency but also highlighted the importance of social responsibility, marking a significant presence of faith within the mainstream marketing landscape.

The David Ogilvy Awards, which honor campaigns that achieve substantial impact through deep research and human insight, recognized Come Near’s innovative approach to connecting with diverse communities. This year's awards emphasized cultural fluency for understanding people and their intricacies in positioning the campaign effectively, while social responsibility celebrated work that incites positive societal change.

Come Near’s mission is deeply rooted in inviting individuals closer to the teachings of Jesus, irrespective of their backgrounds. The journey began with extensive listening efforts that involved more than 100,000 online conversations alongside a national survey of 5,000 U.S. adults, comprehensive focus groups, ethnographic studies in homes, diary studies, and continuous monthly tracking. These efforts culminated in insights revealing that nearly 27 million Americans are spiritually curious about Jesus yet remain guarded against traditional institutions like the church.

Much of these individuals carry past experiences of pain and exhaustion associated with church-related encounters, generating a desire for a safe space that nurtures curiosity. This understanding influenced how Come Near designated its audience, the communication strategies employed, and ultimately the creative direction the He Gets Us brand took within cultural contexts. Bukola Omotayo, Vice President of Research Insights at Come Near, articulated that, "As synthetic data and AI proliferate in understanding audiences, it is imperative to stay grounded in real human stories and experiences that data alone cannot encapsulate. That is the essence of cultural intelligence."

The campaign, featuring the thought-provoking component "Loaded Words," produced multiple films that centered around everyday vocabulary that incites emotional pressure, such as doubt or fear. Notably, the 60-second film, "More," aired during the 2026 Super Bowl, posing viewers a compelling question about life beyond materialism and calling attention to how Jesus may offer insight towards fulfillment. This initiative witnessed a statistically significant increase in positive receptivity towards teachings of Jesus among audiences engaged with He Gets Us and those who viewed "More."

The response was overwhelmingly positive, with numerous individuals sharing their experiences of feeling seen, heard, and safe, mirroring the requirements identified during the research phase. Rob Wengel, CEO of Radius Insights, commented on the significance of securing an Ogilvy award by stating that it illustrates the profound value derived from a trusted partnership with Radius Insights. It underscores how a focus on brand values enables deeper emotional connections, shaping strategies that resonate with genuine human experiences.

Kolin Watts, Co-Managing Director at 7th Sense, emphasized how the campaign effectively transformed the term "more" into a reflective inquiry, encouraging audiences to grapple with their intrinsic desires and struggles. The premise for this insightful artwork emanated from fostering deeper connections with people's realities through dedicated listening.

In summary, Come Near, the driving force behind the He Gets Us initiative, is committed to generating engaging narratives that invite diverse individuals to explore the significance of Jesus in their lives. Established in 2023, the initiative has engaged millions across major cultural platforms, embodying a movement that resonates on personal and communal levels. For more information on the initiative, visit hegetsus.com.

About Radius Insights

Radius Insights, positioned as a global leader in AI-driven insights and brand strategy, provides consultancy services aimed at unveiling growth opportunities and facilitating informed decision-making processes for the world’s foremost brands. With their innovative blend of research, advanced AI, analytics, and seasoned strategic expertise, Radius Insights continues to drive significant business outcomes across various sectors. To learn more about their offerings, check out www.radiusinsights.com.