What stories are we each born into and how do they shape our experience of God in ways we may not even realize? In this week’s episode of Deeper Experiences with God, host Dave is joined by Jenn Suen Chen, spiritual director, co-director of Summit Clear, and author of the new book 'Dim Sum and Faith'. The discussion revolves around the intertwining journey of knowing God and oneself, especially within the scope of our families and cultures of origin. Jenn elaborates on how personal stories shape our souls, using dim sum as a metaphor for collective spiritual growth. The conversation touches on the themes of shaping, undoing, awakening, and remaking in one's spiritual journey. Reflecting on Psalm 139, Jenn underscores the importance of being known by God and the inward and outward transformative power of God's love. The episode concludes with Jenn leading a thoughtful prayer, encouraging listeners to embrace God's presence in every season of life.

Takeaways:

• Know God by Knowing Yourself: Jenn reminds us that spiritual growth begins with honest self-reflection. As John Calvin once said, knowledge of God and knowledge of self are inseparable.
  • Action: Spend time this week asking God to show you where your personal story intersects with His story.
• Faith Is a Shared Table: Using dim sum as a metaphor, Jenn describes faith as a communal feast—intergenerational, messy, and filled with unexpected gifts. 
  • Action: Invite someone new into your spiritual life—share a meal, pray together, or simply listen to each other’s stories.
• Be Known and Loved by God: Psalm 139 reveals a God who fully knows and loves us. Our worth isn’t earned but spoken over us from the beginning.
  • Action: Read Psalm 139 slowly and let God’s words of love settle into the places where you feel unseen or unworthy.
• Dive into the Four Movements of Formation: Our spiritual lives move through seasons of Shaping, Undoing, Awakening, and Remaking. Growth isn’t linear—it’s cyclical and grace-filled.
  • Action: Reflect on which movement you might be in right now and what God might be forming in you there. 
•  The Wall Is Not the End: Periods of dryness, doubt, or disorientation—“the wall”—are sacred spaces where God meets us beyond performance or striving.
  • Action: Instead of rushing past pain or confusion, ask: “Lord, what invitation are You offering me here?”
• Let Yourself Be Loved: The final summit of spiritual life is learning to receive the love of God more deeply. True transformation flows from that love.
  • Action: Each day this week, take five minutes of stillness simply to let God love you—no words, no agenda.

Quote of the Show:

• “ When we feel fear around something, it just means that there's still places in our hearts that God's love has yet to reach.” - Jenn Suen Chen

Links:

• Website: https://www.jennsuenchen.com/ 
• Book Link: https://www.ivpress.com/dim-sum-and-faith 

Have you considered why Jesus shared so many teachings through stories, or parables? In this episode of Deeper Experiences with God, host Dave Ripper speaks with Dr. Steve Macchia, president of Leadership Transformations and author of Praying the Parables of Jesus. Together they explore how Jesus’ parables awaken spiritual readiness, creativity, and deeper intimacy with God. Born from Steve’s work guiding students in spiritual formation, the book—created with artist Sue Skinner—invites readers to approach Scripture through artful, prayerful reflection. Throughout their conversation, Dave and Steve reflect on themes of readiness, healing, humility, and dependence on God, discussing how true transformation requires acknowledging our brokenness and cultivating spaciousness for God’s voice. Steve also emphasizes that spiritual maturity is not about knowledge or success but about faithfulness, relational engagement with Jesus, and living from a restful, receptive heart attuned to the kingdom of heaven here and now.

Takeaways:

• Praying the Parables: Steve Macchia invites listeners to engage with Jesus’ parables not just as stories to study, but as prayers to experience.
  • Takeaway: Choose one parable this week (like the Good Samaritan or the Prodigal Son) and slowly read it as a prayer—asking God what He wants to awaken in your heart through it.
• Cultivating Readiness: Spiritual maturity begins with being open and responsive to God’s presence rather than striving for achievement.
  • Takeaway: Begin your day by simply praying, “Lord, I’m ready for You.” Notice how that posture shifts your awareness throughout the day.
• Creating Space for God’s Voice: Steve emphasizes that transformation happens when we slow down enough to listen and make room for God’s Spirit.
  • Takeaway: Set aside 10 minutes today for quiet stillness. No agenda, no list—just listen for God’s gentle voice.
• Healing Through Dependence: True wholeness often comes through acknowledging our weakness and need for God’s healing grace.
  • Takeaway: Reflect on an area of struggle or limitation in your life. How might God be inviting you to surrender and trust Him more deeply there?
• Living from Rest, Not Striving: Steve reminds us that the Christian life is about relational faithfulness, not constant productivity.
  • Takeaway: Set aside a few hours this week for intentional Sabbath rest. Step away from productivity and spend that time delighting in God’s presence through prayer, beauty, or unhurried joy.

Quote of the Show:

• “ That word success – I don't see it in the Bible at all. It's faithfulness, that is what God cares about, not success.” - Steve Macchia 

Links:

• Website:https://www.leadershiptransformations.org/ 
• Book Link: https://www.stevemacchia.com/books 

Have you ever thought that one of the best ways to connect with God might be through play? Join Dave for this week’s episode where he speaks with John Carroll, Executive Director of Dallas Willard Ministries’ School for Kingdom Living, about the surprising spiritual discipline of play and its role in experiencing life with God. Together, they explore themes of work, rest, burnout, and practicing Jesus’ teachings in everyday life. John shares how he’s encountered God through moments of joy, creativity, and even personal challenges—drawing deeply from the wisdom of Dallas Willard. As always, the conversation closes with a time of meditative prayer, grounding listeners in their identity in Christ.

Takeaways:

• The Discipline of Play as Spiritual Practice: John Carroll shares how play—often overlooked in spiritual life—can be a powerful way to experience God’s joy and presence.
  • Takeaway: This week, choose one playful activity (hiking, sports, music, games, etc.) and invite God into it. Notice moments of joy and gratitude as you play.
• Focal Practices for Burnout Prevention: Research shows activities that make us lose track of time can help prevent burnout and nurture spiritual health.
  • Takeaway: Identify one hobby or creative outlet that brings you fully into the present moment and schedule time for it this week.
• Community and Spiritual Formation: The School of Kingdom Living creates space for people to journey together in learning and practicing the way of Jesus.
  • Takeaway: Look for a spiritual community—a small group, class, or retreat—where you can share your faith journey with others and grow together.
• Experiencing God Through Creation: Both John and Dave shared moments of encountering God through nature, whether on mountain hikes, at the ocean, or while surfing.
  • Takeaway: Spend time outdoors this week—at a park, on a trail, or by the water—and intentionally pause to notice God’s beauty and presence around you.
• Living in Your True Identity: John invites listeners to embrace the prayer, “I am one in whom Christ dwells and delights, and I live in the strong and unshakable kingdom of God.”
  • Takeaway: Write this prayer on a note card and return to it throughout your day—while driving, brushing your teeth, or before bed—to stay grounded in God’s love.

Quote of the Show:

• “ The truth is that the kingdom is not in jeopardy and neither are we.” - John Carroll

Links:

• Website: https://dwillard.org/ 
• Book Link: https://dwillard.org/school-of-kingdom-living/description 

Have you been looking for some practical steps to guide you into a more immersive daily experience with God? In this special solo episode of 'Deeper Experiences with God,' host Dave delves into a transformative method for encountering God more deeply in daily life. Drawing from his book 'Experiencing Scripture as a Disciple of Jesus,' he introduces the 'Immerse Method'—an acronym for Immersion, Meditation, Memorization, Encounter, Response, Supplication, and Experience. Each step is designed to help readers engage with the Bible in an experiential way, inspired by the teachings of Dallas Willard. Dave uses Matthew 11:28-30 to demonstrate how these steps can deepen one's spiritual journey, emphasizing a posture of reverence, anticipation, and trust.

Takeaways:

• Immersion - approach Scripture with reverence and expectancy, believing you will encounter God as you read.
  • Takeaway: Before opening your Bible, pause to pray. You can use the words of Dallas Willard, “Lord, beyond the sacred page, I seek You.” Read the passage slowly, paying attention to context, key words, and what it might have meant to the first listeners.
• Meditation - let the passage speak personally to you by reflecting on what stands out.
  • Takeaway: Read the passage again and notice what words or phrases draw your attention. Sit in silence for a few moments, allowing those words to sink in, and ask, “What might God be saying to me here?”
• Memorization - internalize Scripture so it becomes part of you, shaping your thoughts and daily life.
  • Takeaway: Choose one phrase from the passage to carry with you throughout the day. For example, “Come to me, and I will give you rest.” Repeat it during moments of stress or pause to keep God’s word close to your heart.
• Encounter - experience God’s presence in the text by using your imagination and attention.
  • Takeaway: Close your eyes and picture Jesus speaking the words directly to you. Imagine his tone, expression, and presence. Sit quietly, waiting for God to meet you in the stillness.
• Response - consider how God is inviting you to act based on what you’ve read.
  • Takeaway: Ask, “How can I live this out today?” It might mean forgiving someone, slowing your pace, or extending kindness. Take one concrete action that reflects the passage’s invitation.
• Supplication - bring your needs and desires before God with openness and trust.
  • Takeaway: Pray specifically for what you long for—peace, rest, wisdom, strength—and give God permission to work in your heart and circumstances.
• Experience - reflect on what you experienced with God through the passage.
  • Takeaway: try journaling about your time with God: what stirred in your heart, what you prayed for, and any sense of God’s presence. Revisit this later to notice how God answered or worked in your life.

Quote of the Show:

• “ We don't just want to understand what the words say. We want to meet and encounter the Author, ” - Dave Ripper
• “ What really deepens relationships? It’s shared experiences, and that's what God is inviting us to.” - Dave Ripper

Links:

• Website: https://www.daveripper.com/ 
• Book Link: https://www.ivpress.com/experiencing-scripture-as-a-disciple-of-jesus?srsltid=AfmBOorGCRD5reF5529_nTukHm78ayzsZ5nkS8enkKEazPOCp2pfdRJ_ 

What happens when modern charismatic passion meets ancient Christian tradition? In this episode of 'Deeper Experiences with God,' host Dave converses with Andrew Arndt, lead pastor of New Life East in Colorado Springs and an accomplished author, including his latest book, 'A Strange and Gracious Light.' They explore the intersections of modern Christianity and ancient spiritual traditions, highlighting how these can deepen our relationship with God. Arndt recounts his journey through 20 years of ministry and his formative experiences growing up in a charismatic church while falling in love with ancient church tradition. He describes how reading Richard Foster's 'Celebration of Discipline' and encountering the Desert Fathers and Mothers enriched his spiritual practice through different seasons of suffering and growth, encouraging listeners to press into these “thick” spiritual practices. 

Takeaways:

• The Concept of 'Great Tradition Charismatic': Arndt identifies as a 'great tradition charismatic,' blending the vitality of charismatic worship with the theological depth of historical Christian traditions. He encourages leaders to integrate various Christian practices to enrich their faith communities.
  • Explore one ancient practice—such as praying the Psalms, using a written prayer, or learning about the church calendar—to deepen your own walk with God.
• The Role of Suffering and Contemplative Prayer: Arndt shares his personal journey of suffering and identity crisis upon leaving his church plant in Denver. He emphasizes how embracing suffering and engaging in contemplative prayer can lead to profound spiritual transformation.
  • Instead of rushing past your struggles, bring them to God in prayer. Try five minutes of silent, contemplative prayer this week.
• Wisdom from the Desert Fathers and Mothers: The conversation delves into the importance of learning from ancient Christian monastics who found God in desolate places. Arndt highlights how their teachings can guide modern believers through crises.
  • Read a short saying or story from the Desert Fathers & Mothers and sit with it—ask, What might this mean for my life right now?
• Practicing Detachment and Simplicity: We often cling to ego and things that don’t ultimately satisfy—approval, busyness, or success. Letting go makes more room for God.
  • This week, notice one compulsion you feel (checking your phone, seeking affirmation, overfilling your schedule). Practice pausing, breathing, and turning your attention back to God. Even ask the Holy Spirit to help you do this.
• Community and Spiritual Direction: The importance of surrounding oneself with a supportive community and seeking guidance from a spiritual director is discussed as essential for navigating spiritual crises and growth.
  • Reach out to one trusted friend or mentor to talk honestly about your spiritual life. Invite them to pray with you or walk with you through your current season. Maybe even consider and pray about finding a Spiritual Director.

Quote of the Show:

• “ I think it's almost always crisis that initiates the deepest kinds of transformation in our lives” - Andrew Arndt
• “ Most of our Christian life is just learning how to die well and it's learning to rest in peace in whatever grave God has given us in Jesus.” - Andrew Arndt 
• “ Pop Evangelicalism is like a thinly veiled version of the gospel of the American dream.” - Andrew Arndt

Links:

• Website: http://andrewarndt.com/ 
• Book Link: http://andrewarndt.com/book/ 

How would our spiritual lives change if we could turn from distraction and linger at the feet of Jesus? In this episode of 'Deeper Experiences with God,' host Dave welcomes doctors Bruce and Carolyn Hindmarsh to discuss encountering God's presence through scripture. Bruce, a professor of Spiritual Theology and History of Christianity, and Carolyn, who teaches Spiritual Theology and New Testament Greek, have co-authored the book 'At the Feet of Jesus: A Guide to Encountering Christ in the Gospels.' 

The conversation explores themes from Ignatian spirituality, the insights of Saint Augustine, and how scripture serves as a meeting place with God. The authors share their experiences offering retreats focused on encountering God through Gospel narratives, particularly the story of Mary of Bethany. The discussion touches on overcoming distractions, the importance of preparation, and the relational nature of engaging with scripture. Bruce and Carolyn also reflect on their personal spiritual journeys, sharing wisdom for deepening one's spiritual life and providing practical advice for married couples seeking to grow together in faith. 

Takeaways:

• Scripture as a Meeting Place with God: Bruce and Carolyn emphasize that scripture is not just for study but is a living space where we can encounter Christ personally.
  • Takeaway: When reading a Gospel passage, pause and ask, “How is Jesus present to me here and now?”
• Mary of Bethany’s Posture of Presence: The story of Mary sitting at Jesus’ feet serves as a model for slowing down and listening deeply.
  • Takeaway: Choose one Gospel story this week and linger with it prayerfully, resisting the urge to rush through.
• Overcoming Distractions in Prayer: They highlight the importance of preparing the heart and mind to meet God through scripture.
  • Takeaway: Before reading scripture, take a few minutes of silence to release distractions and invite the Holy Spirit to guide your attention.
• Ignatian Spirituality & Augustine’s Wisdom: The conversation shows how spiritual practices from the Christian tradition can help us enter scripture relationally.
  • Takeaway: Try placing yourself imaginatively in a Gospel story—see, hear, and feel what it’s like to be with Jesus in that moment.
• Spiritual Growth as a Couple: Bruce and Carolyn share insights into cultivating a shared spiritual life in marriage.
  • Takeaway: If married, set aside time with your spouse to read a short Gospel passage together and share what stands out to each of you.

Quote of the Show:

• “ We need God to reveal God.” - Carolyn Hindmarsh 
• “ In the gospels…if this is Jesus speaking, it actually isn't just then and there.It's happening here and now.” - Bruce Hindmarsh

Links:

• Website: www.brucehindmarsh.com/ 
• Book Link: https://www.ivpress.com/at-the-feet-of-jesus?srsltid=AfmBOoqYpaKixk406QFWbzQS0n-BrNWQlsi_wbz-vo7q5i36BkwqT0n4 

What do children know about faith that adults often forget? In this next episode of Deeper Experiences with God, Dave sits down with Lacy Finn Borgo, author and spiritual director, to explore both deeper and wider experiences with God through childlike faith, simplicity and exploring human senses in silence and prayer. She shares some powerful personal anecdotes, including her difficult journey through surgery and her own personal daily practice of silence. The discussion covers the importance of developing your own 'survival three' spiritual practices and the role of listening in developing a loving relationship with God and others. Borgo concludes by leading a brief, childlike prayer exercise to demonstrate a practical spiritual practice of silence and meditation. 

Takeaways:

• Childlike Faith as a Path to Depth: Lacey Finn Borgo explores how humility, playfulness, and deep relational trust mirror the natural spirituality of children—and how adults can return to that posture.
  • Takeaway: Begin your day with a childlike prayer. Speak to God with curiosity, honesty, and simplicity—like a trusting conversation with a loving parent.
• Childlike Faith as a Widening Path of Faith: Lacey shares several reflection exercises that require looking back on one’s childhood memories in prayer, and seek God in the midst of them.
  • Takeaway: Take some time to reflect in silence or journaling on your favorite childhood foods, pets, places, or other memories and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal how they might point to God, your Abba Father.
• The “Survival Three” Practices: She shares her essential spiritual tools: silence, spiritual direction, and time in nature, which help her stay grounded in God's presence.
  • Takeaway: Choose one “survival” practice to experiment with this week. Try five minutes of silence a day, or explore one of the four gospels on Jesus’ life.
• Healing Moments in Surrender: Lacey recounts a spiritual breakthrough during a health crisis, revealing how surrender and stillness can lead to profound connection with God.
  • Takeaway: Reflect on a moment of pain or uncertainty in your life. Where might God be inviting you into deeper trust? 
• Listening as a Loving Posture: She emphasizes the sacredness of listening—not just as a skill, but as a spiritual act that nurtures both our relationship with God and with others.
  • Takeaway: Choose one moment today to fully listen—without fixing or reacting. Let your listening be an act of presence and love. 

Quote of the Show:

• “ Simplicity does not negate depth. ” - Lacy Borgo 

Links:

• Website: https://www.gooddirtministries.org/ 
• Book Link: https://www.gooddirtministries.org/books-curriculum 
• Instagram: @lacy_finn_borgo

What if the key to a deeper, more transformative relationship with God isn’t doing more—but slowing down? In this episode of the 'Deeper Experiences with God' podcast, host Dave Ripper interviews Alan Fadling, president of Unhurried Living, about the significance of silence and rest, mastering peace, and deepening spiritual growth and leadership. Alan, an author of several books like 'A Year of Slowing Down,' 'An Unhurried Leader,' and 'A Non-Anxious Life,' discusses the foundational principles of his ministry: resting deeply, living fully, and leading effectively. They explore how to determine spiritual growth, particularly in the context of modern Christian leadership, and emphasize the necessity of rootedness and personal impact over mere organizational success.

Takeaways:

• The Power of Slowing Down: Alan Fadling discusses how an unhurried life can lead to deeper spiritual growth and healthier leadership. He emphasizes that speed and constant productivity can erode our connection with God and others.
  • Takeaway: Embrace slowness and sameness as spiritual disciplines. Intentionally pause and notice where you see God in the day-to-day.
• Spiritual Rhythms for Everyday Life: Alan introduces rhythms like silence, solitude, sameness, and stability as daily practices that cultivate inner peace and grounded leadership.
  • Takeaway: Choose one spiritual rhythm to incorporate this week. Start small—try five minutes of silence or solitude each day.
• A Non-Anxious Friendship with Jesus: He invites leaders to move away from anxiety-driven performance and into a calm, rooted relationship with the Prince of Peace, marked by trust and presence.
  • Takeaway: Begin your workday with a breath prayer or centering practice. Let peace—not pressure—set your tone.
• Redefining Leadership from the Inside Out: Alan challenges conventional leadership metrics by shifting the focus from external success to internal transformation and spiritual rootedness.
  • Takeaway: Reflect on where your leadership identity is rooted. Journal about how your inner life with God is shaping—or could better shape—your influence.

Quote of the Show:

“ [Anxiety] is what my caring looks like when God's not in the picture. When I think my caring is all there is.” - Alan Fadling

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanfadling/ 
• Website: https://www.unhurriedliving.com/ 
• Book Link: https://www.unhurriedliving.com/resources 

How can we deepen our spiritual lives through stillness, surrender, and sacred tradition? In this episode, Dave speaks with Reverend Dr. Barbara Peacock about spiritual formation through an African American lens, focusing on prayer, soul care, and spiritual direction. Barbara shares her theological journey, personal struggles with depression and burnout, and the inspiration behind her book Soul Care and African American Practice. She explores historical connections to spiritual practices like Lectio Divina, linking them to notable figures in the African American community. The conversation emphasizes resilience, trust in God, and passive spirituality— inviting listeners to experience God’s love through stillness and surrender.

Takeaways:

• Spiritual Tenacity: Barbara discusses the importance of spiritual tenacity and perseverance, linking it to her heritage and personal experiences. She emphasizes that tenacity is essential for surviving and thriving in adversity, a theme that resonates throughout the Bible and African American history.
  • Takeaway: Embrace a posture of spiritual resilience by trusting God through challenges. Draw strength from personal and communal histories of perseverance.
• Receiving God's Love: Barbara emphasizes the power of passive spirituality—pausing, resting, and allowing yourself to be loved by God—as foundational to spiritual growth.
  • Takeaway: Create space in your daily rhythm for stillness. Practice pausing to welcome God’s presence without striving.
• Lectio Divina and Sacred Reading: She introduces Lectio Divina as a slow, prayerful way of engaging scripture, using Frederick Douglass as a historical example of this contemplative approach.
  • Takeaway: Read scripture slowly and meditatively. Choose one verse a day and let it guide your reflection, prayer, and attention to God.
• Soul Care in Historical Context: Barbara links soul care and spiritual direction to the communal practices of enslaved Africans, who leaned on prayer, love, and mutual support during pivotal times, such as the Middle Passage journey.
  • Honor the spiritual wisdom passed down through your community. Engage in practices that connect personal faith to collective healing.
• Dark Night of the Soul: Connecting the theology of St. John of the Cross to African American suffering, Barbara reflects on how spiritual darkness can lead to deeper trust and transformation.
  • When experiencing uncertainty or despair, remain open to God’s work in the unknown. Transformation often begins in the dark.

Quote of the Show:

• “ Being silent and being still are imperative for the formative journey. ” - Barbara Peacock

Links:

• Website: barbaralpeacock.com, peacockselfcare.com 
• Book Link: https://www.ivpress.com/soul-care-in-african-american-practice 
• X/Twitter: https://x.com/BarbaraLPeacock?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor 

Join Pastor Dave Ripper for an enriching conversation with Dr. Gary W. Moon, founding director of the Martin Institute and Dallas Willard Research Center, as they explore the golden thread of Christian spiritual formation: encountering divine presence. Gary shares his framework for spiritual healing, emphasizing salvation as a journey of union with God, and offers practical questions to overcome spiritual stagnation. Through a powerful river baptism exercise, listeners are invited to experience God’s presence by releasing the past and embracing the present moment with Jesus.

Key Points and Actionable Takeaways

1. Golden Thread of Spiritual Formation: Gary identifies the core of Christian spirituality as encountering divine presence, a theme woven through church history. This encounter fosters healing and union with God, reframing salvation as a holistic restoration.
   • Takeaway: Reflect on salvation as healing, not just forgiveness. Pray, “Lord, heal me of my sinfulness,” to reconnect with God’s presence daily.
2. Salvation as Healing (Sōzō): Gary redefines salvation using the Greek word sōzō, meaning healing, to emphasize restoring all aspects of personhood (thoughts, feelings, behaviors, relationships, choices) for union with God.
   • Takeaway: Incorporate “healing” into your prayers or devotions (e.g., replace “save” with “heal” in scripture readings) to focus on holistic restoration.
3. Cup and Saucer Analogy: Gary’s analogy of aligning our “saucer” (personal will) with God’s “platter” (His kingdom) illustrates the journey toward union with God, where our will surrenders to God’s without losing our unique identity.
   • Takeaway: Visualize your will as a saucer resting on God’s platter during prayer to align your desires with God’s kingdom.
4. Seven Questions for Spiritual Growth: Gary offers seven questions to address spiritual stagnation: three vision questions (Is salvation a healing process? Is my view of God and self magnificent and loving enough?), two intention questions (Am I desperate to change? Do I recognize my will’s limits?), and two means questions (Is my rule of life holistic and ecumenical?).
   • Takeaway: Journal through these questions to assess and adjust your spiritual practices, ensuring they engage all aspects of your personhood and draw from diverse Christian traditions.
5. River Baptism Exercise: Gary’s guided prayer exercise invites listeners to stand in a river with Jesus, letting the past flow downstream and the future arrive in God’s timing, fostering presence and peace.
   • Takeaway: Practice the river baptism exercise daily, imagining standing with Jesus in the present moment, releasing past regrets and future anxieties.

Quote of the Show

“The primary activity of living as an apprentice of Jesus is to be with him in the river that is our life.” – Gary W. Moon

Connect with Gary W. Moon

• Explore Gary’s work and Dallas Willard’s archived teachings at Conversatio Divina or download the Conversatio Divina app.
• Read Gary’s books, including Becoming Dallas Willard and Apprenticeship with Jesus, available wherever books are sold.

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Join Pastor Dave Ripper for a transformative conversation with bestselling author John Ortberg, a leading voice in spiritual formation. In this episode, they explore vital spiritual experiences, drawing from John’s book Steps: A Guide to Transforming Life When Willpower Isn’t Enough and the Christian roots of the 12-step program. Learn how to cultivate a deeper connection with God through practices like prayer, meditation, and scripture immersion, and discover actionable steps to overcome challenges and grow in faith. John shares insights from Dallas Willard, integrates psychology with spirituality, and leads a guided exercise to encounter God’s presence.

Takeaways

• Vital Spiritual Experiences: John explains that vital spiritual experiences, like those that shaped the 12-step program, can be dramatic (e.g., Bill W.’s encounter with God) or gradual awakenings through disciplined practice. These experiences connect us to God’s transformative power.
  • Takeaway: Focus on seeking God rather than chasing specific emotional experiences. Invite God into your daily life through prayer and meditation to foster spiritual growth.
• Conscious Contact with God (Step 11): Step 11 of the 12-step program emphasizes improving conscious contact with God through prayer and meditation. John suggests simple practices like reflecting on a word like “joy” throughout the day or recognizing others as “image bearers” to stay connected to God.
  • Takeaway: Experiment with small, playful practices to turn your thoughts to God regularly, such as setting phone reminders or silently naming moments as sacred (e.g., “Bethel” – the house of God).
• Letting Go of Reputation: John shares wisdom from Dallas Willard about releasing the burden of reputation—what others think of you. He encourages trusting God with how you’re perceived rather than managing impressions.
  • Takeaway: Practice secrecy when you do something good (e.g., don’t share achievements publicly) and openly admit mistakes to break the cycle of impression management. Try Dallas’s discipline of “not having the last word” when criticized.
• Scripture as a Living Connection: Dallas Willard’s approach to scripture emphasized immersion and memorization to experience God’s reality. John highlights Dallas’s balance of deep reverence for scripture’s truth.
  • Takeaway: Spend intentional time with scripture, such as memorizing passages like John 14–15, to let God’s truth shape your thoughts and actions.
• Integrating Psychology and Faith: John discusses how Freud’s depth psychology addressed human complexity but dismissed spiritual experiences. Dallas Willard’s work, like Renovation of the Heart, integrates psychology and theology to understand personhood holistically.
  • Takeaway: Reflect on how psychological insights can complement your faith. Explore Dallas Willard’s writings to deepen your understanding of spiritual formation.

Quote of the Show

“Reputation is just what you think other people think about you. It’s a very good thing to let go of.” – John Ortberg

“If I go into worship thinking I must have this certain kind of experience, then I end up worshiping the experience instead of God.”  – John Ortberg

Connect with John Ortberg

• Follow John’s daily teachings at Become New: https://becomenew.com/
• Check out his book, Steps: A Guide to Transforming Life When Willpower Isn’t Enough, available wherever books are sold: https://www.amazon.com/Steps-Guide-Transforming-Willpower-Enough/dp/1496447042

Welcome to the Deeper Experiences with God podcast. I’m your host Dave Ripper. My hope is that through conversations, teachings and practices on the Christian spiritual life, that you might experience an ever-deepening life with God.