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 episode of The Anchor Podcast I give a personal update touching on life, ministry, identity, left brain vs. right brain, seasonal depression and my latest musical adventures. I discuss my new wandering lifestyle as a hometown troubadour and conclude that the bumper sticker is true: Not all who wander are lost. Some wander with a purpose. … More Podcast #175 – Wandering on Purpose
The MainStreet Covenant community just completed a six-week series called The After Party aimed at fostering hope and humility in political discourse. Participants explored four profiles: Combatant, Cynic, Exhausted, and Disciple, emphasizing the need for forgiveness and reconciliation through Jesus’ teachings, leading to unity and peace. Here’s a final follow-up word from the creator of the course. … More The True After Party
I’m playing a lot of music these days – funerals, fundraisers, senior homes, and picking in the basement. Sometimes I hit record and perhaps I’ll share them here on Saturday mornings. Here’s a first take, rough cut (partial) cover of one of my favorite political songs in these days of confused allegiances. Feel free to skip my singing and just read the lyrics. … More #SaturdaySong – “The Kingdom of Jesus”
Pastor Mike Glenn emphasizes the challenges of navigating political discourse within churches during an intense election year. He urges believers to prioritize their relationship with Jesus above politics, reminding them they represent Christ as ambassadors. Ultimately, Glenn argues that the Kingdom of God transcends earthly elections and calls for faithful Christian engagement in societal leadership. … More Pastors and Politics
Podcast episode #174 is another Deep Dive with Sarah and Doug discussing my latest piece on my 40-year friendship with local legend and restaurant owner, Scotty B. What does it mean to put down roots in a community and invest yourself in one place for decades? What does any of this have to do with the song “Me and Bobby McGee”? Listen and find out! … More Podcast #174 – Me and Scotty B (Deep Dive)
The piece reflects on the lasting friendship and community impact between Pastor Jeremy and Scotty B, a beloved local restaurant owner. It contrasts their story with the song “Me and Bobby McGee,” highlighting Scotty B’s generosity, service, and the deep-rooted connections forged over three decades. They are collaborating for a fundraising luncheon on October 23, 2024. … More Me and Scotty B
On this somber anniversary, Rabbi David Wolpe emphasizes the importance of memory in Judaism, particularly in light of historical tragedies. Jewish memory serves as both honor and prophecy. It urges remembrance not only of pain but also of survival and divine presence. A piece published at Dispatch Faith. … More October 7 and the Perils of Memory
Deep Dive with Sarah and Doug is a new series from Kingdom Harbor featured on The Anchor Podcast. In this crossover episode, they analyze Jeremy’s music ministry at senior homes, highlighting his unique approach to conveying hope through concerts. More episodes and listener feedback are encouraged. … More Podcast #173 – Mr. Bojangles (Deep Dive)
Yesterday was my debut performance at a senior living facility, playing classic hits while subtly sharing messages of hope. I imagined having the opportunity to pastor some of the characters in the songs such as Mr. Bojangles. I went out with my red guitar in hand yesterday to perform a bunch of pagan hits, and dare say I ended up doing a bit of evangelism. … More Mr. Bojangles Goes to Church
I want to commend to you the “Evangelical Confession 2024” as a helpful guide for Christians this election season. It emphasizes allegiance to Jesus over political ideologies while encouraging love, truth, unity, and recognition of every individual’s worth. It outlines Biblical principles that reject fear, division, and manipulation in political discourse, aiming to position the Church as a prophetic witness of God’s reconciliation and love in a divisive world. … More Evangelical Confession 2024
Some thoughts on my journey as an unconventional pastor, currently with a bit of a “wandering” lifestyle. I explore the idea of being a modern troubadour — using music and storytelling to connect and minister to those outside traditional church walls. Is this a midlife crisis or the beautiful unfolding of a new season of ministry as a Home Troubadour? … More Hometown Troubadour
Today I’m sharing an editorial piece on the so-called cat-eaters of Springfield and a song by Jon Guerra that will pierce your heart and leave you in tears. The closing line is “Power has several prizes,
Handcuffs can come in all sizes,
Love has a million disguises,
But winning is simply not one.” … More Exotic Cat-Eaters and Christian Citizenship
A family I know and love was rattled recently to get a note from someone they considered a longtime friend suggesting that the family was going to hell. The cause for the impending brimstone was not that the family denied the faith, embraced some heresy, or adopted some unrepentant life of immorality. At issue was that the family did not support a presidential candidate.
… More To Hell With the Election (by Russell Moore)
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
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