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.
Another journal entry from my college days. I’m no poet – and boy do I know it! But these give a glimpse into my heart when I was trying to find my way in this world as a newer disciple of Christ. I felt very lonely and misunderstood at this time, and was struggling to … More Echoes from the Pit 2 – This Old Boat
“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, … More Advent 2012 – Weariness (by David Brown)
Pulled out an old journal from my college days….found some very personal, desperate prayers and poems during a trying time in my life. I think I might share a few this Christmas. Here’s a childlike cry for God’s comforting presence to draw near — a prayer to Immanuel, “God with us.” IMMANUEL PRAYER – October … More Echoes from the Pit 1 – Immanuel Prayer
“This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham.” Matthew 1:1 This is a lengthy post but I do hope you will take time to read it. And before you do, go back and read yesterday’s post. I received the following story from a long-time friend who serves … More Advent 2012 – Genealogy (by David Brown)
“I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can … More Advent 2012 – Contentment (by David Brown)
This is great! From Rob Merola If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I’m just another decorator. If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at … More 1 Corinthians 13: Christmas Version
John 5:1-15 “Jesus went…to a pool (in Jerusalem) where a great number of disabled people used to lie-the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked … More Advent 2012 – Personal Touch (by David Brown)
Luke 5:27-29: “…Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. ‘Follow me’, Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything and followed him. Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were … More Advent 2012 – Follow (by David Brown)
John 8:12: (Jesus said) “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Advent is a word that means “coming” or “visit”. This Christian season we prepare for the “advent of Jesus”. Our preparations take on many forms. We prepare for Christmas … More Advent 2012 – Preparation (by David Brown)
Hi all, We’re getting closer to getting building permit to begin work on the new facility in Stonegate Plaza. There’s a lot that goes into these kinds of projects that we were not prepared for. We are asking for your continued prayers as we move this project forward to enhance our mission in Mound. On … More MainStreet Building Project Update
I’m in the process of being sifted these days. Have you been through this painful process? -JB Satan Desires to Sift us Like Wheat by Dick Karman God has warned us about Satan in the Bible. One probably most threatening and graphic passage is 1 Peter 5:8 where God tells us that the devil walks … More Being Sifted (Dick Karman)
“If you want to build a ship, don’t summon people to buy wood, prepare tools, distribute jobs, and organize the work, rather teach people the yearning for the wide, boundless ocean.” -Antoine de Saint-Exupery “Church planting is like trying to build a ship while you’re already at sea.” -Unknown
This is from Mark Stevens, who blogs at the Parson’s Patch: Are most Pastors really happy? I read an article recently that listed pastors as the happiest of all workers. It appears being a pastor is the most fulfilling of all vocations. Second on the list were fire-fighters (now that I can understand). Apparently we pastors … More Pastors: The Happy Job?
What do you think of Greg’s approach to churches addressing this issue? If you have time, watch the video, too. Here is a word I a shared this last weekend with Woodland Hills Church (where I’m senior pastor) in response to numerous questions I’ve received over the last several months. People have asked me why … More Greg Boyd on the Marriage Amendment
On the cross, Jesus gets into it with his mother. “Woman, behold thy son,” he says to her. Mary, look at the child you are losing, the son that you are giving over for the sins of the world. Maternal love is that love that loves in order to give away. In Mary’s case, it … More Jesus’ Family Values (by Will Willimon)
*From a recently published article MainStreet Covenant Church will soon open a new center in the Stonegate Plaza in Mound. Hometown Pastor Jeremy Berg is quick to make clear, “This is not a church building; it’s a community gathering place — a cafe, live music venue, book club hub, public meeting space, after school youth … More Church 2.0: A New MainStreet Location for New Impact
I enjoyed this piece by No Longer I. -JB Did you know that the Rabbis view the study of the Torah (first five books of the Old Testament) as the highest form of worship? One early Rabbi said, “When two sit together and exchange words of Torah, then the divine presence dwells among them.” … More The Power of Bible Study Remembered
Check out http://www.electiondaycommunion.com On November 6, 2012, Election Day, we will exercise our right to choose. Some of us will choose to vote for Barack Obama. Some of us will choose to vote for Mitt Romney. Some of us will choose to vote for another candidate. Some of us will choose not to vote. During … More Election Day Communion
[Following the Resurrection] “When the apostles met together with Jesus, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the Kingdom to Israel?” Jesus said to them, “The times and occasions are set by my Father’s own authority, and it is not for you to know when they will be. But when the Holy … More HE IS RISEN!! Now what? (Acts 1:6-12)
Last night was groundbreaking (again) for Mound Westonka youth. Oh, they don’t know it yet. But there is another mustard seed movement afoot. Small, invisible at the moment. MainStreet Church is determined to join God in the power of the Holy Spirit to launch another ‘youth movement’ for Jesus. It’s called The Alley based on … More Revolutionary Teens in Mound
Don’t let your worries get the best of you; Remember, Moses started out as a basket case. *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+* Some people are kind, polite, and sweet-spirited Until you try to sit in their pews. *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+* Many folks want to serve God, But only as advisers.*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+* It is easier to preach ten sermons Than it is to … More Christian One-Liners
Finally, a Bible for lifeguards, surfers, fisherman, heavy drinkers, naval officers, and people prone to spilling their coffee during morning devotions! A photo in need of a caption…..
What do you think of these words? My thoughts follow. Certainly his words apply to some teenagers — namely, privileged kids who grew up like me, blessed with an intact family and an actual yard to mow who waste their lives away. But that’s not the family background that many troubled youth who stand in … More Teenagers need more than words
The article below by Lindy Lowly called The Church’s Sleeping Giant aptly captures the missional philosophy driving the vision and approach of MainStreet. This is why we exist – short and simple. Most church-goers simply don’t understand how our approach is different than the standard “come to us” model of church. I hope this article … More The Big Idea Behind MainStreet Church
Kingdom Harbor 