The Rev. Dr. Jeremy Berg is the founding and lead pastor of MainStreet Covenant Church in Minnetonka Beach, MN, where he has served since 2010. He is an adjunct professor of Biblical and Theological Studies who has taught classes at Bethel University, University of Northwestern—St. Paul, North Central University, Crown College, and Solid Rock Discipleship School. Jeremy earned a doctorate in New Testament Context under Scot McKnight at Northern Seminary (Chicago). He and his wife, Kjerstin, have three kids, Peter, Isaak and Abigail.
In this nerdy post, Jeremy offers a summary of a lecture of N. T. Wright critiquing contemporary views, suggesting they echo ancient Epicureanism. He emphasizes a more integrated understanding of reality through the ancient Jewish concept of the Temple and Sabbath, inviting a reevaluation of history and theology. … More The Epicurean Takeover: Rethinking Temple, Sabbath & Human Vocation
Jeremy explores the complexities of interpreting Genesis 1, emphasizing that it serves as a “Home” story focused on functional purpose rather than a scientific account. Drawing on scholars John Walton and Tim Mackie, Jeremy highlight the narrative’s literary artistry, portraying humanity as caretakers of creation, and challenge readers to redefine their understanding of “Sin” and human vocation in restoring order. … More How Should I Read Genesis 1?
I had the privilege of preaching two Sundays at Brookdale Covenant Church. I shared two messages that have been “burning” in my heart for quite some time. This is a rare glimpse of me really preaching, as I don’t give sermons much at MainStreet these days (we do more interactive teaching and discussion in a circle). Check them out! … More Burning Heart Sermons
This Friday we will host middle school students to discuss concepts of Heaven. The focus is on biblical views, emphasizing that Heaven is not an escape but a restoration of creation. Salvation’s goal is not merely going to Heaven but dwelling with God in a renewed earth, reflecting God’s presence now and in the future. … More What is Heaven?
I had the privilege of sharing the gospel with Westonka students this week. I spoke on the parable of the Hidden Treasure, and urged them to treasure Jesus above all else. I reminded them that they are the treasure Jesus was willing to “sell everything” to purchase. In response, we are called to be like the “crazy sweeper” in Luke 15 who turns the house upside down in search of one lost coin. … More Sharing Jesus with Student Athletes
I haven’t really “preached” in years, since the earlier MainStreet days pre-2020. My teaching these days is more like a small group Bible study sitting in a circle most weeks. So, I’ve been itching to flex my preaching muscle and was delighted by the invitation to speak at Brookdale Covenant Church 4/19 and 4/26. Here’s a visual summary of my sermon this past Sunday! … More Visual Sermon: Road to a Better Story
We had a great time Saturday night performing for friends and family! Nothing better than making music with your kids, and these kids can rock. Highlights included debuting an original song based on a poem I wrote after my first date with Keri some 23 years ago, and bringing tears to a few eyes playing Ben Rector’s “The Richest Man in the World.” Here’s a highlight video! … More Spring Fling ’26 Highlight Video
Saturday night my friend Jared King and I will be performing at the Gillespie Center’s Spring Fling fundraiser from 7:00-9:30 in Mound, MN. This is fun on many levels, but the best part is making music with our kids. Let me introduce the band and then please come cheer them on Saturday at 7PM at the Gillespie Center in Mound. … More Live Concert Tomorrow!
In the past few weeks, the president has posted an Easter messagethat used profanity and threatened civilizational genocide, has issued threats to the pope, and has posted an AI-generated image of himself as Jesus. (He now says he was portraying himself as a doctor.) After all this, even some of the president’s supporters feel humiliated and angry. I think it’s worth asking what exactly is coming to light in this moment and whether it could disrupt a means-to-an-end cultural Christianity. … More Trump’s AI Jesus (Russell Moore)
Three days before Buddy Holly’s tragic plane crash, a teenage Bob Dylan saw one of his idols perform at the Duluth Armory. Reflecting on that moment, Dylan recalls feeling a spiritual connection that changed him. Jeremy visits the Armory, inspired by this legacy and the need for positive role models, drawing parallels with the biblical story of Elijah and Elisha. … More Passing the Torch
Are you feeling a bit lost or weighed down on the long and winding road of life? You aren’t alone! Join us for our spring series where we’ll step into the shoes of the disciples in Luke 24 and discover what it truly means to walk alongside Jesus. The beautiful, multilayered story of the Road to Emmaus shows how Jesus meets us exactly where we are—doubts, fears, and all. … More Spring Series: The Emmaus Way
Earlier this week, the president posted a profanity-laden Easter message promising that Iranians would be “living in Hell” if they did not reopen the Strait of Hormuz. After that, he threatened to wipe out “a whole civilization” in what would have been at best a war crime and at worst a genocide. We have crossed a scary threshold in American life. And in this flurry of words, there is one Christians especially should not miss: hell. … More All We’re Saying is Give Hell a Chance
On this Easter, I want to share a special cinematic visual presentation of a classic sermon I preached during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. I wandered around a cemetery reflecting on personal grief and the story of Jesus at the tomb of Lazarus to illustrate a God who empathizes with suffering. Behold the power of AI to transform a sermon into a cinematic experience! … More Special Easter Cinematic Sermon
It’s Good Friday, the holiest of days. A day to think about the cross of Jesus that achieved our salvation. But is there a fresh way to get to the heart of the message? I have created a 7-minute video dramatization of my short story, “The Wood and the Cross,” that does just that. May we all “cling to the wood and live.” … More Cling to the Wood
Last Easter I pondered the non-human actors in the passion narrative. Maybe I’m slowly losing faith in humanity’s ability to be reliable actors in God’s New Creation project. But our role in the drama of redemption is inextricably bound up with the groaning and crying of all creation. So, I want to share a new cinematic presentation of my reflection from last year this Holy Week. Enjoy! … More The Hidden Cast of the Passion
Below Scot McKnight once again reiterates why I and so many colleagues find it increasingly difficult to use the name Evangelical and why I only rarely refer to our denomination’s full name when identifying my church tribe. Theologically, I still very much resonate with the classic definitions of Evangelical, but the word means something else entirely now. McKnight is blogging through Ryan Burge’s latest book. … More Idolatry in the Camp
This is the finale of a 3-week Lent journey to a fuller understanding of the Cross and the Christian life. My foundational “CrossRoad” series from 2019 has been distilled into six short beautifully illustrated videos. This week we explore lamb power in the Book of Revelation and wrap up with a road map summary to keep you on the CrossRoad. … More CrossRoad Video Series, Part 3
Another clip from my “Diamond Cat” show–an oldie but goodie from 1966. Even though it’s kind of a heartbreak song, the happy melody and endless Ba-ba-bas make it a feel good moment in the show. It is well known for being an international hit for the Tremeloes in 1967, but this is an early Cat Stevens song. Enjoy! … More #SaturdaySong – “Here Comes My Baby”
Let’s imagine ourselves into the story and join this strange cast of characters sitting around Jesus’ table. Which of these characters do you relate to most? … More Our Place at the Table
In the basement, they gathered around pizza and silly games, sang songs and discussed ancient wisdom and timeless truth. There was laughter and seriousness, but mostly laughter. The junior high gathering drew in a random smattering of faces who heard about it through the grapevine. We call the gathering Jason’s House, and here’s why. … More Jason’s House Youth
This is week 2 of a 3-week Lent journey to a fuller understanding of the Cross and the Christian life via six brand new, beautifully illustrated short videos. This week we explore the wise foolishness of the Apostle Paul and the temptations of Jesus that face us all. … More CrossRoad Video Series, Part 2
March 17 celebrates St. Patrick’s Day, often overshadowed by myths of leprechauns and shamrocks. The true St. Patrick was a Roman citizen kidnapped to Ireland, who transformed from a slave to a devoted missionary despite challenges. His story, marked by faith and resilience, offers inspiration beyond the festive legends associated with the holiday. … More The Real Story of Saint Patrick
Enjoy this medley of Cat Stevens songs from my recent “Diamond Cat” show, and come see me with full band on April 18 at the Gillespie Center in Mound at 7pm. Song medley: “Wild World” (1970); “Here Comes My Baby” (1966); “The First Cut is the Deepest” (1965); “Peace Train” (1971) … More #SaturdaySong – Cat Stevens Medley
Join me on a 3-week journey to a fuller understanding of the Cross and the Christian life. My foundational “CrossRoad” sermon series from 2019 has been distilled into six short beautifully illustrated videos. This was a defining moment for me as a pastor and teacher, when I drew a line in the sand and decided that the only Christianity worth our time is one that takes Jesus’ most scandalous teachings seriously. … More CrossRoad: Lent Video Series
This Gospel text thrusts us back into that darkened upper room where confused disciples hang on their teacher’s every last word. Ominous feelings fill the room and haunt every heart trying to make sense of this perplexing last meal together. How can such beauty come out of a situation so ugly? How can grace withstand such a tidal wave of heartlessness? How can love flow so freely between these river banks of betrayal? … More Twisted Love
Kingdom Harbor 