Author: Jeremy Berg

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.

The Invasive Gospel: A Theology of Dandelions

May 22, 2026

Jeremy humorously explores the dandelion’s resilience as a metaphor for spiritual growth and community acceptance. It critiques societal standards of lawn perfection, suggesting that such norms reflect cultural biases rather than natural truths. Jeremy advocates for recognizing the beauty in the unconventional, much like the Early Church’s enduring spirit. … More The Invasive Gospel: A Theology of Dandelions

The Epicurean Takeover: Rethinking Temple, Sabbath & Human Vocation

May 11, 2026

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

Turbulent ocean waves crashing near rocky cliffs under a vibrant sunset sky

How Should I Read Genesis 1?

May 6, 2026

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?

Burning Heart Sermons

April 30, 2026

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

What is Heaven?

April 30, 2026

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?

Sharing Jesus with Student Athletes

April 24, 2026

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

Visual Sermon: Road to a Better Story

April 23, 2026

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

Spring Fling ’26 Highlight Video

April 22, 2026

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

Live Concert Tomorrow!

April 17, 2026

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!

Trump’s AI Jesus (Russell Moore)

April 15, 2026

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)

Passing the Torch

April 14, 2026

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

Spring Series: The Emmaus Way

April 9, 2026

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

Ancient warriors fighting near ruins with modern city skyline and military vehicles in background

All We’re Saying is Give Hell a Chance

April 8, 2026

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

Special Easter Cinematic Sermon

April 5, 2026

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

Cling to the Wood

April 3, 2026

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

The Hidden Cast of the Passion

April 1, 2026

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

Abstract art of a rustic church spire shattering into many sharp geometric pieces.

Idolatry in the Camp

March 31, 2026

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