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When 30 talented creative/communications professionals gather in one room, there's bound to be some great take-aways!

In case you missed it, The Table, held January 26, focused on enhancing visual media at your church. We covered everything from effective video to creative burn-out. At the end of the morning, participants were asked to jot down their key take-away and/or resource to share with others. Below are some great ideas from the crew.

Key Take-Aways

• Define, up front with others, "What does success look like?"
• Represent yourself honestly - who you are and what you want to be.
• What we do is important - it matters a lot!
• Creativity is a gift. We are gifted by God to do this work.
• The importance of getting on the "front end" of things.
• It takes time to change.
• What is your trump card? Remember to play it before it's worthless.
• Find ways to encourage the "creatives" on your team.
• Keep focused on the bigger picture - Don't get in the thick of thin things. (Stephen Covey)
• In all things in communications, planning makes the biggest difference.
• Communication is above all else, intentional.
• Create an atmosphere for creativity - water, food, light and space.
• Start the conversation before crisis.
• When you have to tell someone, "No", follow up with, "But, we could help you do . . ."
• People trump programs.
• Separating yourself from the church brand is the worst thing you can do, because it's that brand that helps bring people in.
• There's a difference between art and communication. We create with a purpose and should have a creative outlet outside of our work.
• Develop an identity that provokes more questions than it answers.
• We all suffer from compassion fatigue at one time or another.
• Do good to all people, especially believers.

Resources

One Piece of Paper by Mike Figliuolo
Imagine explaining your leadership philosophy on one piece of paper – a simple 8.5” x 11” summation of all you are and all you want to be as a leader.

18 Minutes by Peter Bregman
Find your focus, master distraction, and get the right things done.

Getting Things Done by David Allen
Getting Things Done enables greater performance, capacity and innovation. It alleviates the feeling of overwhelm, instilling focus, clarity and confidence.

Less Clutter. Less Noise. by Kem Meyer
What if you could break through the clutter and find the direct route to their hearts and minds? It’s easier than you think.

Branding Faith by Blaine Hogan
Why some churches and non-profits impact the culture and others don't.

The Prayer Engine
A customizable, web-based prayer wall and moderation system.

Kingsway Christian Church Prayer Wall
An interactive tool for Kingsway Christian Church members to share their prayer requests.

Planning Center Online
The best way to plan and organize your services, schedule your teams, plan your worship, and store media!

Team Work PM
An easy-to-use online teamwork and project management software application that helps managers, staff, and clients work together more productively online.

Church Marketing Sucks
The website to frustrate, educate, and motivate the church to communicate, with uncompromising clarity, the truth of Jesus Christ.