Deeper Experiences with God

What's Missing in Our Discipleship Models - Deeper Experiences with God - Episode 20

Have you ever wondered what might be missing from your personal and the church’s corporate discipleship model? On this week’s episode with Pastor Dave, he reflects on gaps in modern discipleship, drawing from early church formation and his own pastoral experience. Contrasting his long-held model of askesis (training through spiritual disciplines of engagement and abstinence) leading to agape (Christ-like love) with the early church’s pattern of askesis leading to apatheia (abiding calm through surrendered relinquishment) and then to agape, he  invites listeners to practices like unhurried walking to cultivate slowing down. He also outlines six stages of faith, based on Pete Scazzaro's model in his book, "Emotionally Healthy Spirituality", arguing many churches lack a plan to guide people through the second half of this journey. Finally, he emphasizes patience as a neglected virtue in our instant-gratification culture. He invites listeners to reflect on where you are in your own discipleship journeys and where might God be challenging you to step into the gap.    Takeaways: * Rediscovering Apatheia. Dave introduces a missing step in modern discipleship: apatheia — not apathy, but an abiding inner calm that comes through surrendering our anxieties and cares to God. He draws on the early church's formation model and practices like unhurried walking as a way to cultivate this quality of stillness. * Action:  What is one care or anxiety you might cast upon the Lord this week, trusting that he cares for you more than you can imagine? Try going for a prayer walk as a step towards surrendering.  * A plan for the second half of the spiritual journey. Drawing on six stages of faith — awareness, learning, ministry/productive life, inward journey, outward journey, and being pervaded with love — Dave argues that many churches have a strong plan for the first half of the journey but leave people without a map for the deeper, inward stages. * Action: Which of the six stages are you in right now? Sit with that question and consider whether your current rhythms are serving where God has you in this season. * We often resist the hardest what we need the most. Dave challenges listeners that if you feel resistant to where the Spirit might be nudging you, that resistance itself might be worth paying attention to. What might you be resisting in your life right now?  * Action: Take space to sit with this question this week. Consider journaling, praying, or discussing it with a trusted friend or spiritual director. * The forgotten virtue of Patience. In a culture wired for instant results, Dave calls patience a deeply counter-cultural and undervalued spiritual virtue — one that God often uses quietly and slowly to form us into the people he intends us to be.  * Action: Where in your life is God asking you to be patient right now? Choose one area this week to intentionally slow down and trust his timing rather than forcing an outcome. Quote of the Show: * “   We often resist the hardest the thing we need the most.” - Pastor Dave Links: * Website: https://www.daveripper.com/ * Book Link: https://www.ivpress.com/experiencing-scripture-as-a-disciple-of-jesus?srsltid=ARcRdnozSLwlOR3rXlh5Rp4R0kSzNB2t_cI8-pmHSl_L4L2j8VYEOANk [https://www.ivpress.com/experiencing-scripture-as-a-disciple-of-jesus?srsltid=ARcRdnozSLwlOR3rXlh5Rp4R0kSzNB2t_cI8-pmHSl_L4L2j8VYEOANk]  * Podcast: https://www.daveripper.com/podcast

The Place God Sets You Down - Deeper Experiences with God - Episode 19

What if where you are right now is exactly where God wants you? On this week’s solo episode with Pastor Dave, he reflects on a powerful quote shared by renowned pastor Alistair Begg: "There's no ideal place to serve God except the place he sets you down." In a culture obsessed with chasing the next opportunity, the next city, or the next season of life, Dave invites us to slow down and consider that God's providence may already have us exactly where we need to be — for such a time as this.   Takeaways: * Kairos over chronos. Drawing on Ephesians 5:15–16, Dave unpacks two Greek words for time: chronos — the ordinary, clock-ticking passage of time — and kairos — the opportune, pregnant moment poised for something powerful to occur. He asks: what if now is that kairos moment for you? * Action: Take some time this week to meditate on this question for your current season of life. * The wisdom of staying. Rooted in the tradition of the Desert Fathers and Mothers, Dave explores how staying put — resisting the urge to uproot and replant — is often where the deepest growth and self-awareness are forged. * Action: What areas of your life are you tempted to want to leave rather than stay? Why do you think that is? What does this reveal about where your heart and walk with God is right now? * Co-creating with God. Ephesians 2 reminds us we are God's workmanship, created for good works. Dave challenges us to imagine what God might do through us if we patiently and creatively followed his lead, year after year, right where we stand. * Action: Take a walk somewhere that reminds you of God's creative hand this week and meditate on what it means to be God's workmanship. How might that shape the way you approach the harder parts of your current season? Quote of the Show: * “  What if for a moment we gave God the benefit of believing His hand is leading us?” - Pastor Dave Links: * Website: https://www.daveripper.com/ * Book Link: https://www.ivpress.com/experiencing-scripture-as-a-disciple-of-jesus?srsltid=ARcRdnozSLwlOR3rXlh5Rp4R0kSzNB2t_cI8-pmHSl_L4L2j8VYEOANk [https://www.ivpress.com/experiencing-scripture-as-a-disciple-of-jesus?srsltid=ARcRdnozSLwlOR3rXlh5Rp4R0kSzNB2t_cI8-pmHSl_L4L2j8VYEOANk]  * Podcast: https://www.daveripper.com/podcast

Seeds, Seasons & Soil: A Conversation on the Pastor as Gardener with Matt Erickson - Deeper Experiences with God - Episode 18

What season is your life with God currently in? Discover more how God moves in the Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter of our lives with this episode’s guest, Matt Erickson, senior pastor of Eastbrook Church in Milwaukee. He and Dave discuss a renewed vision for pastoral ministry drawn from Matt’s upcoming book, “The Pastor as Gardener [https://mwerickson.com/books/]”. Erickson shares about how “God must increase, I must decrease” and that fruitful ministry best comes from an overflow of life with God—describing decreasing as cooperating with God through prayer, listening, and releasing control. Erickson reflects on the church’s “winter” season of decline and disorientation as an invitation to return to first things. Through scripture and the influence of other theologians like Eugene Peterson, he shares more on Jesus’ “gardener” imagery in John as a new creation. As always, the episode closes with a led prayer for rootedness and fruitfulness.   Takeaways: * Fruitful Ministry Flows from Life with God - Matt emphasizes that the most meaningful work for God flows out of a deep life with God. Echoing John the Baptist’s words, “He must increase, I must decrease,” true fruitfulness comes not from striving but from surrender and dependence. * Action: Identify one area where you may be striving in your own strength. Practice “decreasing” by bringing it to God in prayer and asking Him to lead instead. * Discern the Season You’re In - Drawing from the rhythms of creation, Matt Erickson reminds us that our lives with God move through seasons—spring, summer, fall, and winter. Each season has its own purpose, whether growth, fruitfulness, pruning, or rest. * Action: Take time this week to reflect on which spiritual season you may be in right now. Ask God, “What are You inviting me to receive or learn in this season?” * Cultivate the Soil of Your Soul - Drawing on the image of the pastor as gardener, Matt reminds us that growth takes place when we cultivate the conditions for life with God—through listening, prayer, and openness to the Spirit’s work. * Action: Choose one way to “tend the soil” of your spiritual life this week: spend time in silence, journal about where God is at work, or take a reflective walk outdoors while praying. * God is the Ultimate Gardener - We see throughout scripture, from Genesis to Revelation, a recurring theme of the garden. Matt touches on some of those examples, reminding us of the slow, organic work that God does first that we can join in. * Action: Reflect this week on what the image of God as a Gardener says to you? Where do you need God to plant, tend, harvest or prune in the garden of your life right now? * Trust God’s Subterranean Work in Winter - Matt describes winter as a season when the ground lies fallow. It may look barren, but unseen work is happening beneath the surface. In the same way, seasons of decline or uncertainty—both in our lives and in the North American church—may be times when God is quietly preparing the ground for renewal. * Action: If you’re in a winter season, resist the urge to force growth. Instead, ask God what unseen work He may be doing beneath the surface of your life or community. Quote of the Show: * “ Don't spend so much time trying to force fruit. Send your roots down deep into God and let the fruit come. It is a natural thing. ” - Matt Erickson Links: * Website: https://mwerickson.com/ [https://mwerickson.com/]  * Book Link: https://www.eerdmans.com/9780802884145/the-pastor-as-gardener/ [https://www.eerdmans.com/9780802884145/the-pastor-as-gardener/]  * Podcast: https://mwerickson.com/podcast/ [https://mwerickson.com/podcast/]

The Art of Asking Better Questions: Nurturing Deeper Faith, Leadership, and Relationships with Dr. J.R. Briggs - Deeper Experiences with God - Episode 17

In this conversation, host Dave Ripper welcomes Dr. J.R. Briggs to explore how asking better questions can transform our lives, leadership, and walk with God. Drawing from J.R.'s book The Art of Asking Better Questions: Pursuing Stronger Relationships, Healthier Leadership, and Deeper Faith, they discuss the power of questions to connect, discern, heal, and draw out what God is already doing in us and others. The episode weaves personal stories, biblical insights (including Jesus as the ultimate question-asker), the concept of kairos moments, mentorship influences like Eugene Peterson and Gordon MacDonald, and practical ways to ask life-giving questions of God, ourselves, and others. Includes a guided reflective practice using the "inner compass" to notice God's presence and invitations. Guest Bio Dr. J.R. Briggs is the founder of Kairos Partnerships, an organization dedicated to serving hungry kingdom leaders through coaching, consulting, speaking, and teaching. He serves as Director of Leadership and Congregational Formation for the Ecclesia Network and teaches on leadership and spiritual formation at institutions including Friends University and Taylor University. J.R. is a prolific author of books such as Fail, The Sacred Overlap, and The Art of Asking Better Questions. He hosts the Resilient Leaders Podcast and lives in the greater Philadelphia area with his wife and sons. Key Topics & Highlights * Kairos Moments: Understanding kairos (opportune, God-invaded time) vs. chronos (sequential time). How leaders steward unexpected invitations—whether joyful or painful—and why faithful response benefits everyone. * The Power of Questions: Questions hijack the brain, foster connection, build trust, spark creativity, and reveal worldview. The quality of our lives and relationships often depends on the quality of our questions. * Personal Influences: J.R. shares his father's modeling of question-asking, studying Jesus' questions in the Gospels, and a 12-year mentorship with Eugene Peterson (sparked by bold questions at a thank-you event). * Mentorship & Formation: Stories of Eugene Peterson's key question ("What is God doing in your congregation right now?") and Gordon MacDonald's decade-based questions (e.g., "What kind of old man/woman do I want to be?"). * Growing Fruit on Others' Trees: Shifting from self-focus to educe (draw out) what the Holy Spirit is doing in others through curious, motive-checked questions. * Questions to God: Guests share honest questions they'd ask if God guaranteed an answer (e.g., Why is grace so hard to receive? Why mosquitoes? How to make sense of trauma?). Dave reflects on questions like "Lord, what is this time for?" and "What's Your unexpected invitation in my unwanted suffering?" * Questions We Ask Ourselves & God: Moving from statement-heavy prayers to question-filled ones (as in the Psalms); reminders that God not only loves us but likes us. Reflective Practice: The Inner Compass J.R. leads a guided prayer using a compass rose for noticing God's presence: * North (North Star / Faith deepening): Where does my trust in Christ need to grow? Who/where is Jesus guiding me deeper? * South (Southern Light / Longings): What do I long to become or do? Where do I need joy and delight in this season? * West (Setting Sun / Release): What must I let go of (fear, resentment, despair, false certainty)? * East (Rising Sun / Welcome): What new opportunity, relationship, or kairos moment do I need to embrace? Listeners are invited to sit with these questions prayerfully, even while multitasking. Resources Mentioned * The Art of Asking Better Questions: Pursuing Stronger Relationships, Healthier Leadership, and Deeper Faith by J.R. Briggs * Kairos Partnerships: kairospartnerships.org * J.R.'s website: jrbriggs.com * Resilient Leaders Podcast * Books by Eugene Peterson (e.g., pastoral theology works beyond The Message) * Gordon MacDonald’s A Resilient Life (chapter on decade-specific questions) Connect & Next Steps Subscribe to Deeper Experiences with God and share this episode with someone who might benefit from asking better questions in their faith journey. Find more episodes and show notes at podcast.daveripper.com. Follow Dave on social media or at Crossway Church (Nashua, NH) for updates. Grace and peace to you as you pursue deeper life with God through the simple, powerful practice of better questions.

The Best Question Ever, and Other Spiritual Wisdom from Howard Baker - Deeper Experiences with God - Episode 16

"Is Jesus enough?" This week’s guest challenges us to ask this simple but powerful question. In this special live episode of 'Deeper Experiences with God,' recorded at Denver Seminary's Spiritual Formation in the Local Church event, host Dave Ripper interviews Dr. Howard Baker– renowned spiritual director and Professor Emeritas of Christian Spiritual Formation. They discuss Dr. Baker’s invaluable influence, the profound stages of spiritual growth, and the journey from a “without God” life to a “with God' life. Through rich storytelling, practical wisdom, and guided spiritual exercises, this dialogue offers deep insights into living a more fully integrated life with God.   Takeaways: * Stages of Growth Are Normal—and Necessary: Dr. Baker reminds us that spiritual growth unfolds in stages, each with its own gifts and challenges. Confusion, dryness, or disorientation are not failures; they are often signs of deeper formation at work. * Action: Ask yourself: “What season of growth might I be in right now?” and resist the urge to rush past it. * The Core Question of Spiritual Formation: Is Jesus Enough? Dr. Baker continually returns to the foundational question beneath all spiritual growth: Is Jesus enough for us? Many of our struggles arise when we seek fulfillment, security, or identity apart from Him. * Action: Spend time this week asking God honestly where you may be looking for “enough” outside of Christ. * Growth Is a Journey from “Without God” to “With God”: Spiritual formation is not about becoming more religious, but about learning to live all of life with God. Dr. Baker describes this as a gradual process from the “without God” life, to the “about God” life, to the “for God” life, to the “with God” life. * Action: Which of these stages do you feel most accurately describes where you are at with God right now? *  Move Formation from Ideas to Practices: Transformation happens when truth is practiced consistently, not merely understood. Small, repeated actions shape us over time. * Action: Commit to one simple practice (silence, examen, breath prayer) for five minutes a day over the next week to start your new year  Quote of the Show: * “ The journey hardly begins until we are experiencing our own belovedness ” - Howard Baker Links: * Website: https://denverseminary.edu/directory/baker-dmin-howard/ [https://denverseminary.edu/directory/baker-dmin-howard/]  * Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Howard-Baker/author/B001K8I9FY?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=c3a9b1e4-7b75-4f6b-8ff5-650ed7d0079b [https://www.amazon.com/stores/Howard-Baker/author/B001K8I9FY?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=c3a9b1e4-7b75-4f6b-8ff5-650ed7d0079b]