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.

Check For Ticks (and Sin)

May 13, 2025

If ticks go unnoticed, attach themselves and feed off your blood, they grow larger and can cause problems. Deer ticks can carry the borrelia bacteria that causes Lyme disease. Every loving parent checks their children for ticks after a day in the deep woods. Likewise, a loving God encourages His children to check themselves regularly for sin and provides a way to deal with its bite before it grows, festers and brings destructive consequences. … More Check For Ticks (and Sin)

Classic Country Show

May 9, 2025

This spring and summer I am putting together an old classic country set to perform at senior residences and other venues. The highlight has been getting Abby (10) involved and watching her embrace old Dolly Parton songs such as “Jolene” and “Here You Come Again.” Come see us May 14 at the Gillespie Center’s “Country Jam.” … More Classic Country Show

Unmasking Babylon

May 8, 2025

Revelation is not a key to unlock some future prophecy timeline; it’s a key to understanding our current times, unmasking true allegiances and calling Christians to follow the Way of the Lamb while resisting the ways of Babylon. Today, my teacher, Scot McKnight, posted chapter 5 of his timely book, “Revelation for the Rest of Us”, on his Substack. Read. If. You. Dare. … More Unmasking Babylon

The First 100 Days

May 6, 2025

This week’s featured conversation is from “The Good Faith Podcast.” Host Curtis Chang is joined by David French and Russell Moore to unpack what Trump’s agenda and executive actions demand from people of faith. From foreign policy chaos and attacks on democratic institutions to political fatigue and Christian witness, this conversation gets real about the cost of following Jesus in a divided America. … More The First 100 Days

Explosive Truth

May 5, 2025

I was 21 years old. I was in the honeymoon period of my newfound faith. I still remember how exciting it was reading my new Study Bible. Everything was new. I had highlighter in hand. Underlining relevant passages. Pondering remarkable truths. I get emotional pulling out that old Bible, and remembering the moment I first underlined this or that passage. God was speaking to me. I was reading His love letters and falling deeper in love with my Savior. … More Explosive Truth

Monday Morning Rooster

May 4, 2025

My rooster often crows loudest on a Monday. I don’t mean to imply I deny Jesus on a weekly basis. The rooster I speak of is the inner critic, the ever-present whisper of self-doubt I try so hard to keep silent all week as I go about my pastoral work. The rooster can leave me questioning my call, my giftedness and my effectiveness as a pastor. We are wise to know what to do when the rooster comes crowing.  … More Monday Morning Rooster

NEW Class: The Cruciform Kingdom

May 1, 2025

Paul warned the Corinthians that the cross-shaped wisdom and power of Jesus Kingdom seems foolish and weak to the worldly mind. If so, we need Jesus to rewire our minds, change our way of thinking and to have “the mind of Christ” (1 Cor. 2:16). Toward this end, we invite you to join us this spring for a video course, The Cruciform Kingdom of God taught by Dr. Greg Boyd. Here’s a taste to whet your appetite. … More NEW Class: The Cruciform Kingdom

Pure Art, No Frills

April 30, 2025

I made a silent vow to myself a few years ago to spend the money and miss seeing “bucket list” musical legends when they come to town. So, I have a little slush fund of “gig” cash hidden away in one of my books, and I’ve been dipping into it recently. In the past few weeks, I saw two 83-year old legends — Bob Dylan and Paul Simon. … More Pure Art, No Frills

David Brooks: Rupture, Repair & Societal Change

April 28, 2025

David Brooks is one of my go-to sources for reasoned political commentary and analysis. Give 14 minutes to consider his speech at the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship. Brooks’ speech is challenging and thought provoking, calling for us to reassess what we think cultural renewal looks like and to reconnect to our spiritual roots. … More David Brooks: Rupture, Repair & Societal Change

#SaturdaySong – “My Labour Is Not In Vain”

April 26, 2025

Here’s a rough cut, first attempt at a newer song. A powerful message and charge to keep laboring for the LORD, and to “not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we shall reap a harvest if we do not give up and quit” (Gal. 6:9). I like the rough unpolished vocal for the message of this song, just as Jesus graciously works in and through our rough and unpolished lives. … More #SaturdaySong – “My Labour Is Not In Vain”

Let Jesus Reign (David Fitch)

April 25, 2025

Professor David Fitch reflects on life after Easter, emphasizing the struggle Christians face between the victory of Christ’s resurrection and the ongoing presence of evil in the world. He draws parallels with Marthe Cohn’s experiences during WWII, urging believers to actively participate in God’s reign and proclaim Jesus as the ultimate Lord amidst current chaos and challenges. … More Let Jesus Reign (David Fitch)

Swedish Pancakes By the Empty Tomb

April 24, 2025

We celebrated Easter this year under the shadow of disease and death. We sang victory songs nearer to the tomb than usual. Jesus’ grave is empty, but we will someday be lowered into ours — at least temporarily. I used to visit a cemetery early on Easter morning before showing up at church to proclaim God’s victory over the grave. It’s good to stare death in the face before you go on stage to publicly announce its humiliation and defeat! … More Swedish Pancakes By the Empty Tomb

Podcast #198 – Job Interview With Jesus

April 23, 2025

Our friends Sarah and Doug are back with another deep dive discussion of a meditation I am preparing for an upcoming pastor’s conference. Looking at John 21, we explore God’s grace in the midst of our worst failures, and the invitation to throw ourselves overboard into the ocean of God’s love and forgiveness. What is Jesus’ main qualification for his servants? Listen and find out. … More Podcast #198 – Job Interview With Jesus

Easter 2025 Highlight Video

April 21, 2025

MainStreet Covenant once again took our Easter service on the road to bless seniors with resurrection hope! This year we did two services at Lake Minnetonka Shores, and was extra special as all three of my kids participated in the service. Peter on the piano, Abby singing, and Isaak reading Scripture. For the message, I did a dramatic reading of my short story, “The Naked Truth About Easter.” Here’s a highlight video. … More Easter 2025 Highlight Video

A Night of Shadows

April 18, 2025

Our family tradition is to return from Good Friday service and observe an evening of darkness and shadows at home. We light candles and don’t use electricity. It’s a dark, somber night. But our culture doesn’t readily embrace silence and darkness. We run the other way from all that, just like we run away from the reality of death and grief. … More A Night of Shadows

Podcast #197: Special: The Naked Truth

April 16, 2025

Enjoy a special Holy Week audio presentation of Jeremy’s story, “The Naked Truth About Good Friday.” For centuries the story of the naked guy in Mark’s passion story has been shrouded in mystery and the source of much speculation and snickering. The young man is finally read to tell his side of the story. Get the bare facts and stripped down version of Good Friday in this imaginative and inspiring short story. … More Podcast #197: Special: The Naked Truth

We Still Choose Barabbas

April 15, 2025

There is nothing Christian about Christian Nationalism. It’s a capitulation to the Way of Barabbas over the Way of Jesus. It’s waving palm branches for Judas “The Hammer” Maccabeus on his warhorse over Jesus on a donkey. We are faced with the same question as the crowd that first Holy Week: Who do we want to go free and to follow, and who do we want to send to the cross to be rid of? … More We Still Choose Barabbas

A Revolutionary Jesus

April 14, 2025

This Sunday we will be shocked once again with the yearly reminder that, given the choice between the peaceful and non-violent revolutionary prophet Jesus bar Joseph or the patriotic freedom-fighting violent revolutionary Jesus bar Abbas, otherwise known as Barabbas, the crowd chose Barabbas over Jesus. We’re still doing it today. My teacher, Scot McKnight, introduces a new book on Jesus and non-violent peacemaking on his Substack today. … More A Revolutionary Jesus

I Want You

April 11, 2025

Here’s an artsy video snippet of one of my favorite Bob Dylan songs we covered at our recent show. I find great joy listening to Peter’s happy piano in the background, and don’t miss Jared’s wink on the drums at the beginning. We’re having fun. … More I Want You