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.
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
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
Kingdom Harbor 