About the Book
Discover new, vibrant ways to experience God’s presence through Bible study
Experiencing Scripture as a Disciple of Jesus offers a unique pathway to deeper spiritual engagement, using Dallas Willard's revolutionary approach to reading the Bible. More than a study tool, Experiencing Scripture as a Disciple of Jesus invites you to transform your encounters with Scripture from mere information gathering to profound spiritual experiences. Using primary source material and insights from Willard, Dave Ripper takes you on an immersive exploration of Scripture that mirrors the intellect of a philosopher and the heart of a mystic.
You'll find experiential exercises designed to prompt reflection and foster enriching group conversations, helping you not just to read, but to truly know the God of the Bible. Perfect for pastors, ministry leaders, and spiritual seekers shaped by voices like Eugene Peterson and Richard Foster, Experiencing Scripture as a Disciple of Jesus offers a call to experience God’s presence in new and vibrant ways.
Experiencing Scripture as a Disciple of Jesus is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding and connection with Scripture as a disciple of Jesus. It offers practical tools, insights, and exercises that can be applied both individually and in group settings. By incorporating the teachings of Dallas Willard, Experiencing Scripture as a Disciple of Jesus provides a unique perspective on reading the Bible that goes beyond simple information gathering.
"Ripper aims to demonstrate that encountering God through Scripture is, according to Willard, the primary vehicle for a life of authentic Christian spiritual formation. ... Protestant spiritual formation via Dallas Willard for those seeking a deeper spiritual engagement." – Library Journal Review, May 2025
Table of Contents:
Foreword by Gary W. Moon
Introduction: Encountering Dallas Willard
1. Scripture as a Gateway to Eternal Living
2. Southern Baptist, Philosopher, Mystic
3. Getting the Bible Through Us
4. Reading Scripture like Saint Ignatius
5. The IMMERSE Method
6. Experiencing the Old Testament
7. Experiencing the New Testament
8. Teaching Scripture like Dallas Willard
Conclusion: We'll See
Acknowledgments
Appendix: Summary of Dallas Willard's Scripture-Reading Distinctives
Notes
About the Author :
Dave Ripper is the lead pastor of Crossway Christian Church, a multicongregational church in southern New Hampshire, focused on spiritual formation. He earned a doctor of ministry in spiritual direction from Fuller Theological Seminary and The Martin Institute for Christianity and Culture and Dallas Willard Research Center at Westmont College. He is coauthor of The Fellowship of the Suffering and serves as the chaplain for the Boston Bruins. Dave and his wife, Erin, a mental health therapist, have three children. They make their home in the woodlands of New England near Nashua, New Hampshire.
Review :
"Nothing has supported my discipleship to Jesus more than Scripture. I resonate deeply with the work Dave Ripper is doing in Experiencing Scripture as a Disciple of Jesus. If you are looking to jump-start, refresh, or deepen your followership of Jesus, this book is a great place to start."
"Throughout the ages, Christ followers have affirmed the astonishing good news that we can encounter the living God as we read the Scriptures. In his careful reflections on the way that Dallas Willard read, taught, and lived the Scriptures, Dave Ripper guides us step by step into how we can open our hearts and minds to this divine encounter. This accessible book deepened my desire to live more deeply with one foot in the Bible and my other foot in my everyday life. I believe it will also do this for you."
"Experiencing Scripture as a Disciple of Jesus should be central to every church's disciple-making plan and taught to all Jesus followers. Many are stuck in their spiritual journeys due to reading the Bible like any other book, rather than as one seeking an encounter with God. Dave expands on Willard's principles, making them accessible to those committed to growing more like Jesus and desiring the peace, joy, and contentment he promises. This approach is essential for anyone seeking a rich and vibrant spiritual life. Following Dave's methods will transform us through our encounter with the living God."
"In Experiencing Scripture as a Disciple of Jesus, Dave Ripper maps out the clues left by Dallas Willard for engaging with the Bible. Through story and scholarship, Dave weaves a comprehensive invitation for meeting God up close and personal through Scripture. Read this book, accept the helpful invitations at the end of each chapter, and prepare to get to know Jesus more deeply than you did before."
"Dallas Willard has had a remarkable impact on an inordinate portion of the church. In this book, Dave Ripper helps guide us through how to not only read but also be shaped by the Scriptures that contain unique power to illumine the human condition."
"Experiencing Scripture as a Disciple of Jesus offers Dave Ripper's insightful sharing of Dallas Willard's soul-filled passion for Scripture and spiritual practices. Willard desires humanity to daily experience eternal living. Ripper discusses Willard's mindset theologically, philosophically, experientially, reflectively, transformationally, lovingly, unhurriedly, and mystically. Willard desires Christ followers to encounter an intimate 'with-God life' experience, soaking in God's Holy Book. Embracing God's Word and disciplines provide paradigms for deep and spiritual immersion."
"I've often wondered how Dallas Willard arrived at such fresh takes on familiar scriptures. After reading Experiencing Scripture as a Disciple of Jesus, I understand—and better yet, Dave Ripper's practical exercises will help me do it for myself."
"It's refreshing to find a book that's authored by a pastor who believes Christlike formation is the central mission of the local church and has discovered ways to place the Scriptures in the middle of an authentic spiritual, formational experience. Pastor Dave Ripper loves and lives Dallas Willard's approach and invites us to do likewise as healthy disciples of Jesus."
"Dave Ripper knows and loves the Scriptures, and he knows and loves Dallas Willard. With the heart of a pastor, the insight of a biblical scholar, and the skill of a biographer, Dave becomes the channel through which his love and knowledge are forged by the grace and power of the Spirit into this truly remarkable offering for apprentices of Jesus. I sense Dallas smiling over this book and saying, with a wink to Dave, 'You got it!'"
"Through years of study, practice, and learning, Dave Ripper has synthesized the ideas of Dallas Willard and applied them to his life and ministry. Dave shares his personal journey and includes his method of interacting with Scripture to aid our moving from communication to communion with God."
