Experiencing Scripture as a Disciple of Jesus: Reading the Bible like Dallas Willard

by Dave Ripper, Gary W. Moon (Foreword by)

Overview

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

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781514013106
Publisher:	InterVarsity Press
Publication date:	06/03/2025
Pages:	208
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Gary W. Moon (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is director of the Martin Family Institute and Dallas Willard Center for Christian Spiritual Formation at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California. He also codirects Fuller's doctor of ministry degree program in spiritual direction, which blends ancient Christian spirituality, Ignatian spirituality, and spiritual formation insights from Dallas Willard. He served as distinguished professor of psychology and Christian spirituality at Richmont Graduate University, editor in chief for the journal Conversations, and director of the Renovaré International Institute for Christian Spiritual Formation. His books include Apprenticeship with Jesus and Falling for God.

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.

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

Editorial Reviews

"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."

Stephen A. Macchia

"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."

Charles Galda

"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."

Trevor Hudson

"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."

Lacy Finn Borgo

"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."

Barbara L. Peacock

"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."

Ted Harro

"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."

Bill and Kristi Gaultiere

"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."

John Ortberg

"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."

Todd Hunter

"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!'"

Howard Baker

"You will want to take a look at a new book centered on the devotional life of Dallas Willard. Title? Experiencing Scripture as a Disciple of Jesus. Author: David Ripper, author and pastor. In the past few years, Ripper has spent much time researching the life and work of Dallas Willard, His objective? To discover fresh Willard insights on what it means to be a mature follower of the Son of God. This new book is one result of that faithful labor. Those of us who love and highly respect Dave Ripper know that any time we see him coming in our direction, we will likely hear a newly discovered Dallas Willard quote and new Willard book recommendations. And that's okay. Three kinds of people are going to benefit richly from Ripper’s new work. The first group? Men and women who preach from the Bible regularly. They'll find themselves reaching for this book frequently (both as a source and for illustrative ideas) to bring their sermons to life. A second group? Leaders of small groups looking for dialogue on the nature of Christian living. And a third, much larger group? People of diverse ages and stations of life (like myself) who are looking for the kind of personal inspiration that keeps one's spiritual journey alive and well. Oh . . . one more thing. I particularly loved Ripper's powerful Dallas Willard insights about a life strengthened and guided by the regular reading of the Bible."

Gordon MacDonald

"Dallas Willard's life and writings have deeply influenced many of us. Experiencing Scripture as a Disciple of Jesus helped me remember that one of Dallas' greatest gifts to me was his unique approach to the Bible. Dave Ripper helped me see how Dallas invited us to rediscover the beauty of God's written word engaged in communion with the living Word. This book was a profound gift to me."

Alan Fadling

"In this clear and compelling book, Dave Ripper provides an illuminating treatment of how Dallas Willard's experiential approach to reading Scripture can enrich the spiritual lives of everyday followers of Jesus. The book includes a must-read chapter for ministry leaders interested in a way of preaching and teaching that deepens their own and others' spiritual formation. Highly recommended!"

E. Trey Clark

"Reading Experiencing Scripture as a Disciple of Jesus unlocked something deep within. It was as if the Scriptures weren't just inspired but inspiring me to new depths with my rabbi. This book is chock-full of thoughtful, wise, and deeply practical stories that make Dallas Willard's study methods accessible to us all."

Steve Carter

"What a joy to see Dallas's contagious love of Scripture spread to Dave Ripper and lead to his helpful method of seeking the living God 'upon the sacred page.' Thank you, Dave!"

Jane Willard and Rebecca Willard Heatley

"In Experiencing Scripture as a Disciple of Jesus, Dave Ripper has offered a beautiful gift to both the global church and the spiritual formation movement. Many pastors quote Dallas Willard's ideas, but few have successfully implemented them into the culture of their church. This book makes the compelling case that integrating Willard's vision for spiritual formation in the church begins with understanding his experiential approach to encountering God through Scripture. As an experienced pastor and longtime student of Willard, Ripper draws on his deep grasp of Willard's thinking to inspire fresh wisdom, practices, and methods for seeding his insights into our own souls and local church communities."

Brandon Shields