She traveled thousands of miles in the United States and Britain as an effective evangelist on the camp meeting circuit.
She ministered to many of the disenfranchised, including the Oneida people, men and women in prison, and African slaves in the Southern United States.
They suffered a number of other setbacks, including the early deaths of some family members and a landslide that destroyed their home.
Ripley chose to remain single, believing she was called to Christian ministry and unwilling to be tied down by the responsibilities of marriage.
Ripley traveled, engaging in itinerant preaching in the United States, and spending much time in New York, South Carolina and Georgia.
A few of Ripley's opponents also accused her of prostituting herself, as she did not have an income as a means of regular support; her first years as a missionary were funded wholly by donations from people who believed in her ministry.
In January 1806, Ripley preached at a church service inside the United States Capitol building.
Ripley assisted Hugh Bourne in starting Primitive Methodism in the early years of the 19th century.
In 1830, Ripley led a revival that featured three other female preachers: Ruth Watkins, Nancy Towle and Ann Rexford.
Several Friends privately supported Ripley financially, believing she was legitimately called by God to preach.
[4] David Sands and Priscilla Hanna Gurney were notable Quakers who gave Ripley a great deal of personal and practical support.
She associated with many other famous Methodists, including Bishop Whatcoat, Ruth Watkins and Hugh Bourne.