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.
It’s blowing everywhere, covering everything. Cottonwood trees are spreading their seed indiscriminately by way of the warm spring breeze. Those of us too absorbed in our ordinary affairs will simply ignore nature’s process of procreation as pollen storms blow in and cotton-like snow accumulates on our lawns, car windshields, patio furniture and everything else. Until, … More It’s blowing everywhere, covering everything!
I’m reposting this series from 2009 when I was a youth pastor leading a trip to Colorado. Enjoy! -JB After all this, God tested Abraham. God said, “Abraham!” “Yes?” answered Abraham. “I’m listening.” 2 He said, “Take your dear son Isaac whom you love and go to the land of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering … More Mountain God 4: Faith & Obedience (Genesis 22)
I’m reposting this series from 2009 when I was a youth pastor leading a trip to Colorado. Enjoy! -JB God said to Moses, “Go to the people. For the next two days get these people ready (i.e., “consecrate them”) to meet the Holy God. Have them scrub their clothes so that on the third day … More Mountain God 3: A Holy God (Exodus 19)
“Mountain God” is a series of reflections I shared on a youth adventure trip climbing in the Rocky Mountains in 2009 with a group of teenagers. Enjoy! Three months after leaving Egypt the Israelites entered the Wilderness of Sinai. They followed the route from Rephidim, arrived at the Wilderness of Sinai, and set up camp. … More Mountain God 2: A Holy People (Exodus 19)
I’m reposting this series from back in 2009 when I was a youth pastor. Enjoy! -JB “The mountain is no ordinary place. It is a dangerous environment of holiness, the place where the ordinariness of human, earthly life has contact with the holy that destabilizes and consequently transforms. We have trivialized “mountaintop experiences” as though … More Mountain God 1: Introduction
No one likes being underdressed. A beautiful sunset off the coastline is hard to enjoy when you are shivering in a T-shirt and shorts. It’s hard to enjoy three feet of fresh powder on the slopes of Aspen when your fingers and toes are numb from the bitter cold. And a rainy camping trip is … More Dirty Laundry 7: Dress Accordingly
A repost from my youth pastor days. Enjoy! -JB “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” -Jesus A recent Barna survey revealed some less than optimistic stats on the percentage of Americans who hold to a “biblical … More Christianity 1.0: “Installing” the Faith
Fashion trends come and go like the ocean tide, but one fad that is here to stay is the style of being in style. And the drive toward conformity begins at a surprisingly early age. I still remember my first brush with the “fashion police” from way back in grade school. The popular brand name … More Dirty Laundry 6: Jesus en Vogue
My oldest son turns 3 today! When he was born I shared a series of reflections on the significance of his name, Peter. I’m reposting this one in honor of his birthday and as my continued prayer for Peter who at age 3 already has the strong personality of Simon Peter shining through. Happy Birthday Peter! … More Happy 3rd Birthday Peter Bjorn
Whether we like it or not, our clothes make a statement. Uniforms identify us with a particular team, business, or school. Our attire often pigeonholes us by profession. The white-collar, blue-collar distinction is still readily acknowledged. More superficially, in school brand name shoppers are given more respect, while secondhand thrift shoppers are seen as “not … More Dirty Laundry 5: Wearing Your Heart on Your Sleeve
Never Gone I’m in bad shape, So I want to escape. There’s so much stress. I feel depressed. I’ve tried sleeping, But I feel the stress creeping. I’ve tried drinking. What was I thinking? God, I wish I wouldn’t avoid. Only You can make me feel overjoyed. Help me to face what’s going on And … More Never Gone (by Danny Evans)
For some, the entire idea of clothing one’s self with an alter ego, taking on a new persona empowered to accomplish awesome things, sounds like mere fantasy. It sounds just like our favorite comic book superheroes. Clark Kent goes into a phone booth and, seconds later, comes out Superman. Diana spins around in circles to … More Dirty Laundry 4: Superheroes & Phone Booths
Reposted from April 2011 and worth repeating…daily. -JB I often get asked, “How is the church plant doing? Are you succeeding?” That moment you must decide which measuring rod you’re going to use for gauging progress or failure. I decided years ago that success in the Christian walk is measured by our FAITHFULNESS and not any sort … More How God Measures Success: Effectiveness or Faithfulness?
Wow. Talk about coincidence! I just shared a post reflecting on my journey as a young pastor and the significance of the year 33 for me. I picked up the latest Christianity Today issue and the cover story(!) is titled 33 Under 33. The subtitle reads, “Thought that Millennials are leaving the faith? They’re actually leading it.” The article … More 33 Under 33 at Christianity Today
Everyday we get up and put on new clothes. Yesterday’s apparel is dirty, wrinkled and smelly from yesterday’s work. Today is a new day, and should begin with clean, fresh smelling clothes. Yesterday’s attire may be spotted with embarrassing coffee or ketchup stains. Old pants get holes in awkward places. Dress shirts get “ring around … More Dirty Laundry 3: New Clothes for a New Day
Have you seen this recent piece of art making the rounds? It’s called “One Nation Under God.” As you can see, Jesus is front and center holding the U.S. Constitution which, according to this artist, was “inspired by God.” Greg Boyd took this artist’s message to task on his blog, saying among other things: “Artistically … More Jesus, the Constitution & the Founding Fathers
You and some friends have escaped to a secluded lake in the country for some night swimming. To add to the excitement, you dare each other to take off your suits for a skinny-dipping rush. Just after you set your suits on the swimming dock and have swam out some fifty yards from shore a … More Dirty Laundry 2: Naked & Ashamed
Socrates famously said,”The unexamined life is not worth living.” Another year has passed. I am halfway through my 30s and halfway to 70. Ugh. I hope to follow Socrates’ advice each year by pausing to offer a birthday reflection — to capture the moment, to look back on later, for my kids to read someday, for my … More Birthday Reflection – 35 Years
Reposted from summer 2013. -JB [The church]…is [Christ’s] body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all” (Ephesians 1:23). “God’s plan for the world is in the hands of the church….God’s intention is that all alien forces, all estranged persons, all warring elements are to be brought to unity. Christ is the center around … More The Greatest Cause on Earth
“We do not want to be found naked, but clothed; so that what is mortal will be transformed by life.” 2 Corinthians 5:4 “Now you’re dressed in a new wardrobe. Every item of your new way of life is custom-made by the Creator, with his label on it. All the old fashions are now obsolete.” Colossians 3:10 … More Dirty Laundry 1: Introduction
We should never be ashamed of our past, for those memories will be surpassed. We all make mistakes, but put on the brakes before you call yourself a snake. Whatever has happened, we will learn from. Every lesson plays a part adding up to a sum. So, take that next step to prep for the … More Contrast (by Danny Evans)
As my 35th birthday approaches, I’m looking back through some old journal entries. In my mid-twenties I had one big aspiration for my life: to put my knowledge to good use by becoming a teacher/college professor. The problem was I had no clue how to teach, and learning and teaching are too very different things. I … More Like a Unicorn at a Balloon Popping Party (or The Joy of Teaching)
I recently was invited to attend another church’s leadership council meeting to present the needs of MainStreet as we move into the next phase of launching this new church. These dear “mission friends” have embraced our little MainStreet team with a big bear hug, reaching into their pockets to support us, letting us use their … More God’s Economy: Give Him What You Have (Mk 6:35-44)
I posted this blog years ago while sub teaching in a class at MWHS called “Advanced Game Programming.” Geeks, nerds, and PC gaming addicts all register for this semester class where they can learn how to make a creative contribution to the wide world of network gaming. With this new global community, or network, of … More Kingdom Metaphors 3: The Network of God
“The best way to drive out the devil, if he will not yield to texts of Scripture, is to jeer and flout him, for he cannot bear scorn.” -Martin Luther
Kingdom Harbor 