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.
I recently discovered a new trail system for my morning walks. Having lived in the same place now for 45 years, this is no small feat. As a turned the corner in the deep woods, up ahead running toward me at a brisk pace was my old high school cross country and basketball coach. “Good … More Pep Talk on the Trail
In Mark 7, we encounter a Jesus who is a bit more intrusive and hands-on than we were prepared for. We want God’s healing touch, but we would prefer if he worked the miracle from a safe distance. We desire God’s healing and pray for him to show up in our lives, but are we willing to embrace the messy, personal boundary-breaking processes by which God may choose to show up? … More The Sigh of Jesus
Christians have lost their way when it comes to the intersection of faith & politics. It’s time to reframe our political identity as we take the lead in healing what’s broken. Jesus’ call is clear: We are to be salt and light in this world. Come be equipped and encouraged in this 6-week series as we prepare for the true party to come. We’ve saved a seat for you! … More Join us for The After Party!
Some thoughts on my emotional highs and lows, the life of a creative, and how music has helped pull me out of the mud and onto higher ground. Turns out I needed “Hope on the Hill” most of all this August. … More Onto Higher (Emotional) Ground
A space of welcome. An oasis in the desert. A garden where faith, hope, and love can grow. These are some of the aspirations Keri and I have for our 3 acres on Applegarden Road. Toward that end, join us on the hill for live soulful music, words of hope, toe-tapping fun, and good-hearted Minnesota hospitality on August 18 & 25 for Hope on the Hill. … More Join us for “Hope on the Hill”
This Sunday we baptized our son, Isaak David, in a beautiful service under an oak tree next to our chicken coop in our neighbor’s horse water tank. The weather was beautiful, the music was fun, and I was nervous as I shared a message God had placed on my heart for Isaak. Instead a water-themed Scripture, I was led to a desert text where Jacob wrestles all night with God and walks away with a holy hobble and new name. … More Isaak’s Baptism
The next two Sundays (7/21 & 7/28) are a case in point.
In place of our regular Sunday service, the next two Sundays we’ll be meeting “on the trail” for all-church Jesus Walks together. Join us 7/21 at Gale Woods Farm and 7/28 at Big Stone Sculpture Gardens. Let nature help preach the sermon! … More July 21 & 28: Church on the Trail
Like a good gardener, Keri digs into life with both hands, not afraid to get life’s dirt under her nails. She brings beautiful things to life and calls life out of others. She produces endlessly herself, at a pace few can keep up with. If I aspire to be a rock who is steady and reliable, Keri is a garden you want to stretch your picnic blanket out in under the afternoon sun, or frolic through like a carefree child on that summer day you wish would never end. … More 19 Years of Marriage :)
Our son Isaak will be baptized this August. This has me asking: When is the right time, age, and maturity for baptizing a child? My theological view of baptism has shifted back and forth over the years. Here’s where I am at these days. … More Is My Child Ready for Baptism?
A quote attributed to Cornel West sums up my feelings in this current political season, “I cannot be an optimist but I am a prisoner of hope.” I skipped watching the national debate, knowing that my social media feeds would be flooded with “highlights.” It turns out I didn’t miss much, and I spent the next several days afterward lamenting, with many others, that these two men were our only choices. … More A Prisoner of Hope
In this 4th of July episode of Theology in the Raw podcast (which was recorded on May 1st), Preston Sprinkle talks with Shane Claiborne about the conflict in Israel-Palestine, student protests on U.S. university campuses, and various things related to patriotism, nationalism, and the gospel. Good food for thought for Christians trying to keep their allegiances straight. … More Should Christians be Patriotic?
In a former life I played a lot of basketball. I was #45 and my kids all honored me by taking my number. I turned 45 and we took a special photo to mark the occasion. … More #45
On my 45th birthday hike at Thrive Park in Nelson, Wisconsin, I gained a newfound perspective as I overlooked the village below. Observing the daily activities from high above, I was struck by the sacredness of life, particularly witnessing a funeral procession. I left with a deeper appreciation for my own life and calling and experiences. … More Birthday on the Bluff
I’m on a solo retreat at the Pepin Forest Treehouse cabin Keri booked for me for my 45th birthday. Feeling a bit nostalgic and retrospective in the treehouse this morning, I stumbled across an old journal entry and poem written by a 23-year old Jeremy just after college. This led me to thinking about aging instruments and Willie Nelson’s guitar. … More My Life Song & Willie’s Guitar
Physical touch has profound effects on well-being, as shown in studies, yet many feel deprived. This week’s Gospel lesson of the woman healed by touching Jesus’s cloak emphasizes the significance of physical contact. In today’s digital world, there is a growing need to prioritize face-to-face interactions and embrace the healing power of physical touch. … More Healing Touch & Touch-less Faith
I love reading familiar Bible stories with an eye for the odd and often missed detail that invites further inquiry. In the beloved story of Jesus calming the storm, we jump right over one strange detail and focus on the storm, the frightened disciples, Jesus sleeping on the cushion, and his divine power over the sea. But what ever happened to the “other boats” that set out on the seas with Jesus that stormy night? Buckle up. … More What about the Other Boats?
I just listened to a good interview with Fr. Robert Spitzer unpacking his new book “The Four Levels of Happiness: Your Path to Personal Flourishing.” I found his wisdom compelling and practical for charting the ultimate goal and diagnosing why so many of us get stuck in ruts that leave deep and enduring happiness elusive. Here’s a nice summary and overview. … More The Four Levels of Happiness
Sitting at my 9-year old daughter’s softball tournament recently, I was bookended by two other dad’s talking about life, family, and business. I often feel out of place with “successful” business men talking about their big boat, lake home, and country club lifestyle. I was caught off guard when the conversation suddenly turned toward my work and the question one of them asked me. … More The Hungry Preacher
On Isaak’s 11th birthday I want to share a lesson he is helping me learn about tough love vs. tender love. A strong person is described as “tough as nails,” which has me thinking about the One who took the nails for me. Those nails couldn’t have pierced the skin of Iron Man, Super Man or the Incredible Hulk. Their bulletproof exterior would have bent the nails in half and kept them from harm. That’s Ford Tough; that’s strength “like a rock.” But that’s not Christlike strength. … More Tender Love is Toughest: Happy Birthday, Isaak!
I am not a “funcle” – a “fun uncle” as they say. If I could show up at family gatherings and push a magic button that transforms me into carefree and social uncle who holds newborn baby nieces, rolls around on the floor with toddler nephews, and makes small talk with teenage nieces, I would push that button in a heart beat. Here’s an introvert’s apology. … More Funcles & Muncles: An Introvert’s Apology
My kids are learning to play the piano. While we could have had them watch YouTube instruction videos, we signed them up for private lessons. Once a week they sit side by side at the piano, Miss Liz “taking them by the hand” and tailoring lessons to their skill level and needs, manipulating their fingers, correcting and encouraging, addressing their questions and meeting each student where they are at. This reminds me of Jesus and discipleship. … More Parables and Private Lessons
Today I reflect on my two childhood pets, highlighting the contrast between their lives. Pierre, a wild outdoor cat, met an unknown fate during the Super Storm of 1987,, while Snoopy, an indoor cat, lived a long but sheltered life. Let’s ponder whether a safe but limited existence is truly fulfilling, linking the theme to a deeper contemplation of purpose and impactful living. … More A Tale of Two Kitties
Let’s dig into Genesis 3, a text ripe and juicy with deep insights. Humanity, estranged from God after disobeying, feels exposed and fearful, hiding from God. But God seeks them out, asking where they are not for location, but for the state of their souls. They are covered in grace, as God clothes them, revealing His relentless pursuit of His wayward children. … More Evening Breeze in the Garden
This morning I came upon a friendly painted turtle on the road and pulled over to help him to safety. Yesterday I joined several other cars pulled over to watch another more daring Good Samaritan helping a large and intimidating snapping turtle across the highway to his wetland destination. What is it about turtles that evoke such concern and compassion? I think we see something of ourselves in these creatures. … More The Turtle’s Shell
We just wrapped up our “Imago Vita” series on the role of imagination in spiritual transformation. In this post I share my “imago vita” and spiritual journey and yearning to become a more joyful and carefree sower of God’s Word. I have found inspiration in an AI-generated Van Gogh-style portrait of a happy sower, which symbolizes my desire to be a more joyful worker in God’s field. … More The Happy Sower
Jeremy Berg 