Essential reading for any leader wishing to refresh their ministry. Many in church leadership roles know the reality of Bonhoeffer s phrases, but there seem to be hurdles and barriers that get in the way of that type of quality of hearing. We appear to live with the illusion that speaking and carrying out are more important than hearing. When confronted with all the many challenges for the church the temptation is for more approaches for success, more pressure to turn factors around. Listening in whatever form conveniently gets marginalized. Here, Chris Edmonson outlines why listening is so essential to good leadership. He talks about the obstacles to good communication, in the importance of silence and stillness, as well as the challenges of listening to those from whom we differ. He emphasizes the essential components of discernment and prophecy, searching closely at what those terms really mean, and offers some practical ways forward for leaders wishing to generate a more listening culture in their chapel communities.