Just Do It
October 10, 2025
Back in 1988, Nike decided to adapt a new slogan that would come to define their brand for years to come. In that year, “Just Do It” became their moniker. From there, athletes from all across the nation participated in ads that showed them participating in impressive athletic feats, with the words “Just Do It” plastered across the front.
One of the ones I remember from my childhood came from Michael Jordan.
(Pictured above is a “Just Do It” poster from 1990. There were a variety of Jordan Nike ads.)
The “Just Do It” ads didn’t start with Jordan, though. They didn’t start with a star football player or boxer or anything like that. The first “Just Do It” ad from Nike featured 80-year-old runner Walt Stack jogging across the Golden Gate Bridge.
From there, the ads became part of American culture, dominating the airwaves, billboards, and magazines of the 90s, 2000s, 2010s, and all the way up to today.
Recently, though, Nike has re-introduced their slogan with a slight twist. Instead of “Just Do It”, they are know asking “Why Do It?” They released a video that included many of today’s athletic stars with this simple question attached to it. Their reasoning behind this is simple. In their own words: “The film’s striking message speaks directly to today’s athletes, who are growing up in a world where trying, and failing, can feel daunting; where taking a leap feels harder than ever; and where the temptation to quit is louder than any reason to keep going.”
A little later in the article that accompanied this unveiling, Nike says, “The film’s striking message speaks directly to today’s athletes, who are growing up in a world where trying, and failing, can feel daunting; where taking a leap feels harder than ever; and where the temptation to quit is louder than any reason to keep going.”
I think that Nike has come across something that we know for certain in the church.
There’s a time to just do it. Enough with the discussion, enough with the “maybe someday” statements - just get up and take the first step.
Yeah, you. Just get up and take the first step.
The church got this on day one. We’ve shared this passage before, particularly recently, but it’s so important to understand that we talk about it often. After thousands became followers of Jesus (as we read in Acts 2), we read something at the end of the chapter.
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:42-47, NIV)
Again, this was right after they started following Jesus.
No sitting back, no “well, let me think it over” - they followed Jesus and then they did this.
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. They were all together and had everything in common. They sold property and gave to anyone who was in need. They meet together daily in the temple courts and in homes. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts. They praised God.
From day one.
Just just did it.
Church, this is one of the reasons we’ve talked about small groups for years. It’s the reason we have small groups as one of the main methods of discipleship at our church. We see it reflected in the early church. We see the importance of it. We know we need it.
So just do it.
I’m guilty of saying, “Well, we will start a midweek small group soon.” Guess what? Soon never arrived. It didn’t arrive until I sat down and said, “Just do it.”
So we are.
On Wednesday, October 15, at 6:30 pm, we will start a brand new small group that will meet at the church. This is not just a Bible study (just like how the rest of our small groups aren’t just Bible studies). We will study the Bible, but we will also invest in each other’s lives. We will relationally disciple each other. We will “spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another” - and all the more as we see the day approaching (Hebrews 10:24-25, partially quoted and partially paraphrased).
So here’s my challenge to you.
Just do it.
Just join us on Wednesday evening at 6:30 pm at the church if you are not already part of a small group.
I’m looking forward to learning, growing, and serving with you and others in the context of this group.
- Sean
What’s Ahead
OFFICER NOMINATIONS OPEN
We are accepting nominations for church officer positions like elder, deacon, and trustee. All nominations must be submitted in writing to an elder by October 19.
NEW LIFE GROUP FOR MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
A new Life Group for 6th through 12th graders started last Sunday, but it’s still a great time to jump in and get started! They meet in the Green Room downstairs typically but on Sunday, October 12, they will be traveling to Nervous Dog Coffee Bar for Life Group time.
BRAZIL MISSION TRIP INTEREST MEETING - October 13
Southwest Church of Christ and Summit Christian Church are planning a trip with Central Brazil Mission on July 7-18, 2026. Anyone interested in attending should let Charles Hahlen know and plan to attend an interest meeting at Southwest Church of Christ in Barberton on Monday, October 13, at 6:30 pm. There are 3 spots remaining for the trip.
WEDNESDAY SMALL GROUP STARTING - October 15
A new adult small group is starting on Wednesday, October 15, at 6:30 pm. This is for those who are not yet part of a group. It will meet at the church and will be facilitated at first by Sean Plank.
BUDGET PLANNING MEETING - October 18
The annual budget planning meeting will happen on Saturday, October 18, at 9:00 am on Zoom. Ministry leaders are asked to have their 2026 budget proposals submitted by then.
HOSPITALITY TEAM MEETING - October 19
Our Hospitality Ministry Team will have a meeting on Sunday, October 19, after service. They will meet upstairs by the kitchen.
See you this Sunday! (Then some of you who aren’t yet part of a small group on Wednesday!)