---
title: Views from a Seat at The Table
description: "<p>When 30 talented creative/communications professionals gather in one room, there's bound to be some great take-aways!</p>
<p>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.</p>"
---

[Articles ](https://www.fishhook.us/articles)

# [Views from a Seat at The Table](https://www.fishhook.us/articles/views-from-a-seat-at-the-table)

 Written by [Lindsay Dudeck](https://www.fishhook.us/articles/author/lindsay-dudeck) | January 31, 2012

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](https://www.fishhook.us/event/261259-2012-01-26-grab-a-seat-at-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](http://www.onepieceofpaper.com/) *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](http://peterbregman.com/18-minutes/) *by Peter Bregman  
Find your focus, master distraction, and get the right things done.

*[Getting Things Done](http://www.davidco.com/about-gtd)* 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.](http://www.lessclutterlessnoise.com/)* 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](http://www.blainehogan.com/)* by Blaine Hogan  
Why some churches and non-profits impact the culture and others don't.

[The Prayer Engine  
](http://www.theprayerengine.com/)A customizable, web-based prayer wall and moderation system.

[Kingsway Christian Church Prayer Wall  
](http://www.kingswaychurch.org/prayer-wall/)An interactive tool for Kingsway Christian Church members to share their prayer requests.

[Planning Center Online  
](http://get.planningcenteronline.com/)The best way to plan and organize your services, schedule your teams, plan your worship, and store media!

[Team Work PM  
](http://www.teamworkpm.net/)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  
](http://www.churchmarketingsucks.com/)The website to frustrate, educate, and motivate the church to communicate, with uncompromising clarity, the truth of Jesus Christ.

[View full post](https://www.fishhook.us/articles/views-from-a-seat-at-the-table)

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