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 Paul’s letter to Timothy, his young apprentice and “son in the faith,” Paul mentions 10 important things that Timothy “knows full well” about Paul’s life and faith journey. Sadly, many of us have never taken the time to get to know these things about our own parents/grandparents and mentors. This Father’s Day, check out my guide to Ten Spiritual Legacy Conversations. … More The Greatest Father’s Day Gift
Today is Juneteenth, a day to celebrate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, but also to lament that it took far too long for white enslavers and politicians to free them. Lincoln proclaimed freedom 1 January 1863 but Juneteenth in Texas was not declared until 19 June 1865. … More Juneteenth: Far Too Long
Young adults increasingly seek quiet, meaningful worship experiences in churches that emphasize warmth and community over spectacle. To engage them, churches should reclaim silence as a ritual and utilize sensory engagement, fostering deeper faith connections in today’s noisy world. … More Young People Crave Quieter Churches
Jeremy reflects on the unexpected visitors who show up at Abraham and Sarah’s table in Genesis 18, and invites us to be open to being surprised by God in our routine lives, and especially at the Lord’s Table. From his series, “Bread on the Water.” … More Table of Surprises
My musical talent comes from my mom’s side. Mom is rusty now, but was a fine piano player and would occasionally dazzle us with the accordion. But Dad had a guitar tucked away that we occasionally beg him to pull out. Whenever he brought it out, Dad had one go-to song he would, ahem, attempt to play: “Wildwood Flower.” … More “Wildwood Flower”
In a recent sermon at Brookdale Covenant Church, Jeremy highlighted the biblical calling for Christians to be “witnesses” rather than political combatants. He explores the actions of Peter and John in Acts 3-4, emphasizing the importance of authentic, Spirit-led faith, kindness, and dignity in addressing societal issues. … More Acts 3-4: Kindness in the Public Square
What can a 3,000 year-old proverb teach us about God‘s saving presence available to us in the middle of life‘s most chaotic circumstances? Jeremy offers a spiritual reading of Ecclesiastes 11:1: “Cast your bread upon the waters and receive it back after many days.” … More Bread on the Water
Want to know more about MainStreet Covenant Church, its beginnings, its DNA, impact and philosophy? Here’s what Google Gemini found. … More Deep Dive: MainStreet Covenant Church
Scot McKnight is utterly stunned by the sycophantic behaviors of our nation’s senators and representatives. And he’s just as stunned by the political loyalty of Christians who do not see what is actually going on. He urges pastors to take it on the chin and speak up. … More Pull the Plug on Bystanding
Continuing to get to know myself according to AI, today I asked Google Gemini: “Summarize Jeremy’s philosophy of youth ministry and his experience as a youth pastor.” I learned that my philosophy transitions away from traditional entertainment-based “church-as-usual” models toward a grassroots, relational, and “Jesus-shaped” spiritual revolution. Check it out! … More Deep Dive: My Youth Ministry Approach
Continuing this series of deep dives into my life and thought according to Google’s AI bot Gemini, today I asked about my key theological influences. … More Deep Dive: My Key Influences
Pastor Jeremy is preaching a sermon series on the Book of Acts, emphasizing its significance beyond mere history. He outlines five major insights: the Gospel’s continuation, the Ascension as Jesus’ enthronement, the shift from passive to active waiting, recognizing the Holy Spirit’s role, and the importance of dreaming big regardless of age. … More Introducing Acts: Five Big Ideas
I want to share an exciting ministry update on some new opportunities that are developing. … More Ministry Update: The Roaming Reverend
Russell Moore emphasizes the importance of listening to Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical on artificial intelligence, highlighting the spiritual and existential implications of technology. He argues that humanity risk becoming machine-like under a technocratic paradigm, urging a deeper understanding of our nature as humans. … More Tech-Bros vs. Pope Leo on AI
Pulling from thousands of my articles, books, videos, sermons, here’s Google Gemini found concerning my thoughts on Jesus Christ in particular. … More Deep Dive: My Thoughts on Jesus
Diving deeper into my theology and writings, Google Gemini offers the following snapshot. … More Deep Dive: My Theology & Writings
Google Gemini offers the following big picture biographical overview of my life and ministry. … More Deep Dive: Extended Bio
For decades, we have treated Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind” as a riddle without a resolution. We ask: is the “answer” blowing away from us, a sign of the cynical futility found in the scrolls of old? Or is it blowing toward us, as near as the oxygen in our lungs? Jeremy finds a Pentecost sermon in the song. … More A Pentecost Sermon from Bob Dylan
A group from our church recently attended a Meal of Appreciation at Brookdale Covenant Church lovingly prepared by our immigrant brothers and sisters we helped out during ICE’s Operation Metro Surge. The authentic ethnic dishes were fantastic, but even more nourishing were the powerful testimonies of the individuals whose lives were turned upside down. … More An Evening of Food & Testimonies
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
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
Kingdom Harbor 