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

by David Scott Ripper, Gary W. Moon (foreword)

Discover new, vibrant ways to experience God’s presence through Bible studyExperiencing 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

Genres: Christian, Theology, Discipleship, Christian Living

194 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 3, 2025

Reviews

[Josiah Harmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book. I think the beautiful part of this book (and its main purpose) is in teaching us how to engage with Scripture and it does a wonderful job of that. Chapters 3-5 and 8 are really really good and I would recommend this book to anyone trying to figure out how to transform their lives through engaging with Scripture. There is something so wonderful about the way that Dallas Willard is described by his pupils and the reverence with which he studied the Bible. It is pretty incredible how effective and deeply changing the work he did is. Read this book!

[Candace Blackwelder · Rating 5 out of 5]

By far one of the best books I’ve read this year.

[John Vick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Dave Ripper, for the gift of this book! I feel more deeply in love with the Lord (and the teachings of Dallas Willard) through this book - and I am confident I will be looking to this book as a resource many times in the decades ahead.

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary: How the approach of Dallas Willard to reading scripture may transform us as disciples.

The late Dallas Willard was not only a distinguished academic philosopher. He also was known for his teaching on spiritual formation. At the heart of that teaching was the idea of experiencing transformation from the inside out, becoming more like Christ. Willard understood this in light of the biblical idea of discipleship. He observed that “disciple” occurs 269 times in the New Testament whereas “Christian” occurs only three times. For Willard, that transformation as disciples came, at least in part, through his reading of scripture. His own Bible was marked up on every page with underlines, circles, and notes.

As Dave Ripper read the works of Dallas Willard and then had the chance to meet him, Willard’s engagement with scripture fascinated him. Whereas for many, reading scripture was about information, Willard encountered Christ as he read scripture. So, Ripper wanted to read the Bible like Dallas Willard. Both during Willard’s life and through his writing, he came to understand how Willard immersed himself in the text But Willard never wrote a book about this. This is that book.

Ripper begins with Willard on John 17:3. Jesus says to his disciples, “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent” (NIV). Willard stressed that this is relational, intimate, personal knowledge and by this we experience that eternal life of God in us now. Willard urged expectancy that as we read, we will experientially know God. He goes on to elaborate Willard’s view of scripture as establishing the boundaries of what he will say to us. While we may hear God in prayer, it will always be within these boundaries. But Willard expected God to speak, as Ripper describes in writing about Willard as a mystic. He believed God would both speak through this text and speak personally.

But how do we read like Willard? Similar to Mortimer Adler, Willard was a believer in marking up the text. He believed in the over-arching story of scripture of God forming a People for himself, a theme he traced in fifteen movements. Willard also believed it was more important to get scripture through us than to get through a lot of scripture. He stressed meditating on shorter texts and doing so through memorization of those texts.

Ripper explores Willard’s adaptation of both lectio divina and Ignatian approaches. Ripper then distills Willard’s ideas into a seven-step process defined by the acronym IMMERSE. These steps are;

1. Immersion. Our posture of reverence and expectancy that God will speak.
2. Meditation. Spending extended time mulling over what we’ve read before God.
3. Memorization. Start with key passages and memorize as much as you can.
4. Encounter. Using our imagination, we become a participant in the text, addressing and being addressed by God.
5. Response. How are we being invited to act upon what we’ve heard? What does it mean for us to trust and obey?
6. Supplication. Asking God for what we need for what we’ve heard to become so for us.
7. Experience. Knowing God to be truly present with us amid our circumstances.

Through this process we move from communication to communion to union with God.

Then Ripper devotes two chapters to elaborating how Willard experienced the Old Testament and then the New. Finally, Ripper discusses how to teach scripture like Dallas Willard, offering ten short aphorisms. For example, the first is “speak from the overflow of a satisfied soul.” I liked the fourth as well: “Give ’em heaven!” If all of us who teach heeded these ten, the church would be immeasurably enriched. And it would not be at the expense of our souls.

This book is hardly a substitute for either the scriptures themselves, nor the writings of Dallas Willard. But the ideas here may well whet your appetite for a richer engagement with scripture and the Lord who waits to speak to us. It was twenty years ago that I heard Willard speak and read his books–and not all of them. Ripper’s study of Willard is a spur to me that led me to move a couple of the unread books to my TBR pile.

_______________________

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willard posits, But God is simply one great inexhaustible eternal experience of all that is good and true and beautiful and right. This is what we should think of when we think of God. And God desires to share his joyful life with us. The essential nature of God is love.
The gospel is the good news of the presence and availability of life in the kingdom of God now and forever through reliance on Jesus the anointed. Key is the person of Jesus and not just the work of Jesus. We’re called to trust Jesus the real person, to experience the good news rather than merely some arrangement for sin remission, guilt remover. Trusting Jesus means we have confidence in him for every aspect of our lives, we believe he is right about everything, and sufficient for all we need.
Willard believed as we place our individual kingdoms within God’s kingdom we can enter into an eternal kind of life now.
Scripture (Hearing God) is a communication that establishes communion and opens the way to union all in a way that is perfectly untreatable once we begin to have experience of it. This is how spiritual growth and marriage relationship works, communication to communion to union (me to we).
Memorizing scripture is more important than a daily quiet time. For as we fill our minds with passages and have them readily available, quiet time takes over the entire of our lives. It’s how we keep the Lord always before us (Psalm 16:8)
5 step adaptation of Lectio Divina: Read the passage of scripture. What in this passage do you want to be true in our life? Affirm this longing is actually true in Christ. Ask that God would make these realities known to be true in your life. Notice how God is working to make these realities true in your life.
What conversation might the Lord be patiently waiting for you to have with him now? What has been consuming your mind or weighing heavily on your heart? Perhaps this very moment is an opportunity to speak with our magnificent God, to give him access to your inner life. God loves to meet you right where you are, as you are.
Immerse method: Willard urges us to read with a submissive attitude, a readiness to surrender all that you are all your plans opinions possessions positions. Don’t read to find inspiration for what you want to do, read in order to put in practice what it teaches, read the Bible to live it.
The human problem is not just depravity but deprivation (disconnection from God). We must be connected to the vine to overcome our pathological sinfulness, bear fruit and flourish. This has transformed how I confess my sin and seek forgiveness. A common prayer of mine is Lord, forgive me of my sin, and heal me of my sinfulness.
Willard’s translation of Matthew 6:33-34. My advice would be not to worry about what’s going to happen to you. Instead make it a top priority to be a part of what God is doing and have the kind of goodness he has. Everything else you need will be provided. Tomorrow? Don’t worry about it. You can do your worrying about tomorrow, tomorrow.
Willard recommends we have substantial times every week when we do nothing but enjoy God. Take an unhurried walk, or be fully present in the company of family and friends. This involves enjoying the presence of God while we read, meditate, memorize his Word.
Willard says, Our experience of God’s love is what allows us, empowers us, to set aside anger, lusting, selfishness, and so on in our relationships with others. Outside the dominating control of fear, genuine neighborly love becomes possible. We can intend to become the kind of people who embody this kind of love in our actual lives and present circumstances.

[Donald W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Become a Better Disciple of Jesus by Better Reading the Bible

If you want to stretch your Bible reading in righteous and transforming ways, you should read this book! You can learn in a few hours to accomplish what it took me decades to learn on my own!

What does the book teach? The key concept is gaining more communion and union with God through your Bible reading, connections that will make you a much more fruitful disciple of Jesus. You will learn to encounter God uniquely through each time you read Scripture, to draw deeper into and receive more from that reading, and to be more willing and able to cooperate with being transformed by the Holy Spirit! In addition, you will gain the ability to be more fruitful through sharing the Bible with others. The insights are enhanced by references to Scripture and the experiences of Dallas Willard in seeking these results through his advanced Bible reading approaches.

Most people read the same verses in the Bible over and over, and they draw the same, often superficial, perspective each time. I'm reminded of my great-grandmother. As new Bible reader myself, I asked her what she learned from reading the long genealogies that can be found there. She answered that she just read them, didn't get anything out of that reading, but she kept hoping something would occur for her. That reaction struck a chord in me, giving me a hunger to understand more. Eventually, I moved beyond listening to many verse-by-verse sermons to begin reading a variety of translations, study Bibles with notes in them, and commentaries. I began to gain new information each time. If certain verses seemed foundational to me, I memorized and repeated them often. Much later, I learned to imagine myself in the situation I was reading about as one of the people there. I also discovered multi-day silent retreats where I could focus on just a few verses, expecting that God would speak to me through those verses. Gradually, I took more and more of the content to heart, and I changed in good ways. I share this information with you because the author takes you through a similar journey where interacting with the Bible will mean mostly encountering God and being transformed by the experience. If you hunger and thirst for that kind of communion and union with Him, this is an excellent book for the purpose. Pay particular attention to chapters 4 and 5. If you are ever called to teach based on the Bible as a lay person or as a pastor, Chapter 8 will be especially helpful. If I had read this book as a young person, I would have had much faster and more certain progress in becoming a better disciple of Jesus.

There's a lot of Dallas Willard in the book. Thank God that there is. His perspective on overcoming the Great Omission (making disciples ... not just converts) is well captured here ... focused on interacting with the Bible as an encounter with God. Although I have read all of Dallas Willard's books and his biography, I found much new-to-me information in this book about Willard's approach to Bible studies and transformation.

However, the author moves beyond the writings of Dallas Willard to describe a pathway to communing and partially uniting with God in the IMMERSE method described in Chapter 5. It's a valuable synthesis of a way to read more like I believe God intended all of us to read the Bible and relate to it.

[Gary Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

For most of my life, I have begun each day opening my Bible and reading Scripture. This centuries-old “spiritual discipline,” Christians believe, is a practice that not only shapes the attitudes and behaviors of the believer but that also allows for encounter with the living God, who speaks to us, by His Spirit through the pages of His living Word.

In the practice of this discipline, like many Christians, I’ve engaged with God’s Word in all manner of ways; from reading through the Bible in a year (3 or 4 chapters a day), to working methodically through a book, to using devotional aids, to reading the early church fathers, or simply engaging meditatively with one verse each morning.

But it’s fair to say that my practice of engaging with God’s Word has been challenged recently by the release of my friend, Dave Ripper’s, book, Experiencing Scripture as a Disciple of Jesus: Reading the Bible like Dallas Willard.

First, Dave’s book was a wonderful, personal testimonial about the life of Dallas Willard. Dave’s privileged position to have had the opportunity to know Dallas personally, in addition to being his student, provided a unique perspective to this learned devotional-philosopher and lover of Jesus. Getting to know Dallas Willard through the experience of Dave Ripper was intriguing and fulfilling.

Second, Dave’s book presents engagement with God’s Word as an expectant encounter; daily assuming to meet with Him as we open the pages of His Word. And the philosophical mindset to this was striking, personally. The idea of “getting God’s Word into us,” versus “getting into God’s Word,” is one simple example.

Finally, lest anyone have the impression that this book is one for only mystics or philosophers, Dave presents Dallas Willard’s approach to Scripture in systematic ways that are compelling for the most methodical or formulaic among us, principally demonstrated in what Dave presented as the “IMMERSE” method.

This last point was the real difference-maker for me.

You see, first Dave introduces us to Dallas Willard, allowing us to know his mind a bit and to be drawn into his passion for the Word of God. At this point, we, like Dave, want to engage with Dallas, to learn from him as well. Then, Dave shares with us Dallas’s unique perspective on the Bible.
And finally, Dave breaks down Willard’s approach and method that leaves us yearning to open our Bibles and to engage with this fresh approach.

If Dave Ripper’s stated desire was that we might know this man that he loved and admired so much, such that we might know Christ more through a newfound love and appreciation for God’s Word, then mission accomplished.

Experiencing Scripture as a Disciple of Jesus: Reading the Bible like Dallas Willard has my wholehearted endorsement, and I trust you’ll be moved to a renewed passion for reading God’s Word as well, should you choose to read it.

[Bret Hammond · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You can know Jesus by acquaintance–directly, personally, interactively. You can experience a transforming friendship with Jesus that begins now and lasts forever as you apprentice your life to his. Jesus’ invitation to everyone is to taste and see and experience life in the kingdom. Scripture is a gateway to eternal living.” – Page 26

As someone who reads mostly from electronic sources, I confess I miss the process of wearing out a physical copy of the Bible. I’ve known families who have treasured dog-eared, highlighted, and note-filled Bibles from ancestors. All I can offer my descendants is my Bible App password (don’t look at the weird stuff).

But in the end, it’s not about what’s marked on the page—it’s about what’s hidden in the heart. I hope the way I’ve doggedly read and dog-eared life itself offers a better inheritance than a busted-up book.

Experiencing Scripture as a Disciple of Jesus (Reading the Bible like Dallas Willard) by Dave Ripper has rekindled the desire to wear out a Bible even as I read it on my Kindle! Dave delightfully channels Dallas as he offers instructions, challenges, and even (ugh) homework, guiding the reader to “Willard’s experiential approach to reading scripture theologically, biblically, practically, and even accessibly, in hope that local churches may become centers for spiritual formation.” – Page 10

I’m only about halfway through, but I already see great potential in this book. It’s one worth sharing as we desire to see the image of Christ grow within us. This would be an excellent guide for small-group leaders, pastors, and others seeking to come to the Bible with a purpose greater than simply checking the “I have read the terms and conditions” box.

A little over a year ago, I posted this on Facebook:

An Observation from a Spiritual Formation Pastor:

This may be a gross exaggeration, but it seems to me the majority of books I read on “Spiritual Formation” are simply attempts to dumb down stuff Dallas Willard said.

And, as a self-professed dumb guy, I’m ok with that.

I’m still ok with that! I love seeing Dallas’ life and legacy made accessible to a new generation. As Hebrews might put it: he being dead yet speaketh.

“It is better in one year to have ten good verses transferred into the substance of our lives than to have every word of the Bible flash before our eyes.”

— Quoted from Dallas on page 63

[Elise Pettijohn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book does a good job of distilling the essential tenants of Dallas Willard’s teachings (at least, the way I perceive them) in an understandable and inspiring way. It also struck an effective balance between appreciating Willard for who he was in Christ, while ultimately pointing to the God he served.

I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because I would’ve enjoyed more in-depth descriptions of what the Ignatian Exercises (spiritual practices taught by Saint Ignatius) actually entail, not just what they hope to accomplish in those who practice them.

Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone interested in knowing more about Dallas Willard (particularly if you’ve liked John Mark Comer’s books, but aren’t ready to commit to reading a full Willard book). If you’re already well-read in Willard’s works, you may find this book repetitive, though I don’t think that’s a bad thing.

[Ben Tuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just a couple quotes from the book that jumped off the page…

“Interacting with scripture as communication that leads to communion necessitates a deep trust in the slow, unhurried work of God. Allowing communion to lead to union with God is the journey of our lifetime. So keep showing up expectedly. Relinquish your agenda. And enjoy the deep contentment, joy, and confidence that come from being with God in his word.”

“The New Testament is not just a volume filled with nice stories about a nice savior. It contains the best answers to life‘s greatest questions, taught by the most brilliant person to ever live. Obedience to these teachings brings the abundance of life Jesus offers (Jn 10:10).”

[Sean · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone relatively new to Dallas Willard’s work, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But this book turned out to be an incredible introduction. I’ve heard so much about him through John Mark Comer that my curiosity was already sparked.

What I appreciated most was the personal feel. Dave’s relationship with Dallas added warmth and depth to the book. It genuinely felt like I was sitting in on conversations between them about how to read and live out Scripture.

This is more than just a summary of Willard’s ideas. It’s an invitation to engage with Scripture in a way that shapes your life as a disciple of Jesus. Highly recommended for anyone looking to grow in both understanding and practice.

[Leroy Zumack · Rating 4 out of 5]

This compendium of Dallas Willard’s life and teaching was very helpful to understand spiritual formation. The author sounds as if he read everything ever produced by his hero to write this work. If you are interested in spiritual formation and D Willard’s influence on the subject this is a helpful beginning. I enjoyed reading it and have a plan in place to start using it and working into the process.

[Greg Savage · Rating 4 out of 5]

I discovered the work of Dallas Willard early in my nearly thirty years of ministry. He has been very impactful on my spiritual life. David Ripper has written a very good book on the ministry of Willard and helped to teach us how Willard thought through spiritual matters, especially as it concerns reading Scripture. I would recommend the book for anyone who wants to learn more about Willard or for anyone who wants to grow more effective in their personal Bible study and teaching.

[Jennifer Franzke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was reading & studying the Gospel of Matthew as I was reading this book, and it helped refocus my time on union instead of just communication. As a teacher, the chapter on teaching was full of fantastic points that I will be incorporating into my teaching. If you’re looking to take you “quiet time” to another level, definitely pick up this book!

[Maitland Gray · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think the cover of this book played on my love for Dallas Willard and thinking he had a certain way of visually engaging with the Bible. It's not a bad book, but I think I'd recommend reading Dallas Willard rather than reading someone telling you about how he thought.

[Michael Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an excellent book! I look forward to going back through it, taking notes, and trying some of the suggested practices. Highly recommended.

[Justin Ruszkiewicz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding book! Makes me want to dive into all the Willard classics. Loved how the book was structured. Very insightful and helpful.

Rating: 9/10, five stars!

[Sarah Blount · Rating 3 out of 5]

Always appreciate Willardian insight. Chapter 5 on the IMMERSE favorite was the highlight for me.

[Matt Redmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strongly recommend.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great synthesis of much of Willard’s teaching. Many helpful application points and practices on how to incorporate Willard’s thoughts+ideas in everyday life.

[Lorie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Did not finish

[Nicholas Pokorny · Rating 3 out of 5]

True rating: 2.5 stars