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.
I want to commend David Mathis’ challenge to Christians as we approach Halloween this year. Thanks, Nancy, for sending me this. What if a crisp October wind blew through “the way we’ve always done things” at Halloween? What if the Spirit stirred in us a new perspective on October 31? What if dads led their … More ‘Halloween on Mission’ (David Mathis)
Every year around Halloween, I like to explore the topic of spiritual warfare — you know, angels, demons and the cosmic forces of evil. Here are some of the posts on this topic from the past. Today I want to share Greg Boyd’s basic articulation of what he calls a “Warfare Worldview” — that is, … More God vs. Satan: The Warfare Worldview (G. Boyd)
Another excerpt from Will Willimon’s book “Pastor.” I began this series many months ago, sharing excerpts from this great book on the vocation of pastor. Now, I’m back reading the book for a class I’m taking in November. -JB “A number of years ago, James MacGregor Burns wrote a classic book on leadership in which … More Pastor 10 – Transformational Leadership
“When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became angry and was greatly incensed. He ridiculed the Jews, and in the presence of his associates and the army of Samaria, he said, “What are those feeble Jews doing? Will they restore their wall? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they finish in a day? Can … More NEHEMIAH 5: Overcoming Verbal Assaults by Faith
A few years back I was able to blog through the entire Letter to the Philippians, which was a long and arduous journey. But rich and rewarding too. I hope to do the same with the Letter to the Ephesians. Let me start with Klyne Snodgrass’s introductory words in his commentary on Ephesians to whet … More EPHESIANS 1: Introduction
At first glance, Nehemiah’s rebuilding project of the walls of Jerusalem can seem quite…well…unspiritual. Is it all about brick and mortar? Is the purpose strictly practical and militaristic? Are the walls being rebuilt merely to keep the city safe from enemy attack? I think not. The clue to the deeper motivation behind Nehemiah’s project, and … More NEHEMIAH 4: Gateways Into God’s Presence
Time to ask that question that divides Christians almost right down the middle: Should Christians have any participation in Halloween activities? Ben Witherington adds some thoughts on the matter. His post begins as follows: Ghosts and Goblins, tricks and treats, houses of horror and costumed heroes and villains. Should Christians have anything to do with … More Should Christians Celebrate Halloween?
This is good stuff. <div style=”width:425px” id=”__ss_9805155″> <strong style=”display:block;margin:12px 0 4px”><a href=”http://www.slideshare.net/tallskinnykiwi/resourcing-missional-entrepreneurs” title=”Resourcing Missional Entrepreneurs” target=”_blank”>Resourcing Missional Entrepreneurs</a></strong> <div style=”padding:5px 0 12px”> View more <a href=”http://www.slideshare.net/” target=”_blank”>presentations</a> from <a href=”http://www.slideshare.net/tallskinnykiwi” target=”_blank”>andrew jones</a> </div> </div>
I’m reposting an oldie but goodie from several years back. -JB These days, teachers in the news facing charges of “corrupting the youth” are usually repeat sex offenders. But did you know that the great philosopher, Socrates (469-399 B. C.), was also charged, convicted and ultimately executed for “corrupting the youth”? Socrates’ mode of “corruption” … More Socrates & I: Corrupting the Youth
“Christ is the head; the Church is the body. The head must have a body through which it can work. The Church is quite literally hands to do Christ’s work, feet to run upon his errands, a voice to speak his words. . . . Just a the ideas of the mind cannot become effective … More QUOTABLES: Barclay on the Church’s Tremendous Task
Peter’s VIKINGS SHIRT is his first lesson on PERSEVERANCE, the belief in MIRACLES and RESURRECTION from the dead.
I admit, I have a special place for ministering to and with college aged / young adults. One of the greatest blessings of planting a new church in Mound is that we have Crown College, an evangelical Christian school just a few miles away. Last fall we had a few outstanding students get involved with … More Next Generation Leaders
At first glance, Nehemiah chapter 3 is a monotonous list of random people doing seemingly mundane tasks (e.g., “So and so repaired such and such gate, putting in the doors and hinges…”). Yet, digging deeper we find a beautiful picture of an entire community — local families, business owners, religious leaders, neighborhoods — all uniting … More NEHEMIAH 3: More than Monotonous
Thanks to Tammi for passing this along to me on a day I needed to be reminded. -JB My Beloved Child, I am writing you today to let you know I am thinking of you. Actually, I am always thinking of you, because you are the apple of my eye. I created you unique and special. There has … More My Beloved Child (Source Unknown)
Scot McKnight hits the nail on the head today. One of the best reminders I’ve had in a long time. Everywhere I go and nearly everyone I read has a theme, whether central or peripheral, and I think the theme is getting too much attention and it’s getting too much play and it’s setting us … More The Cracked Fellowship of Cracked Pots
I just discovered this young church in Tampa, FL, that shares a lot of values with MainStreet. Keep pressing forward Pastor Bobby at Element Church! Here’s a cool video they just posted.
Mike is the definition of a ‘willing servant’. The greatest gift a leader can have is someone they can count on to show up and do whatever is needed. Mike doesn’t ask for glamorous roles, only to be used in God’s service. That said, I’ve enjoyed seeing Mike’s gifts as a mentor and teacher emerge … More MIKE’S STORY: Obedient to His Call
We’re studying the life and mission of Nehemiah at MainStreet this fall. I’m amazed at Nehemiah’s sacrifice, prayerfulness, leadership abilities and perseverance. I have used Nehemiah as a role model as Keri and I have set out with our own burden to rebuild in Mound — not physical walls but a new church community to … More NEHEMIAH 2: They Came From Abroad
Do you pick up hitchhikers? Why or why not? I passed one by again today as I drove through town. I have to confess my conscience is disturbed every time this happens. Why do we pass on by? Is it inconvenience? Are we afraid they may be dangerous? Are we just shy and want to avoid … More The Good Samaritan and the Hitchhiker
Here’s a repost from many years back. -JB “Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light” (2 Cor 11:14). Christians have always had a tough time with Halloween. The danger usually associated with the message of Halloween was its association with the occult — the glorification and celebration of evil, death, Satan, witchcraft, blood-sucking vampires … More Halloween and the Sexualization of Evil
If you haven’t heard the news yet…well…you probably have a life outside the Christian blogosphere. But Rob Bell is leaving his church to pursue a new venture in Hollywood. Meanie Christians are already drawing their own conclusions, questioning his motives and condemning this fellow brother…. Well, Eugene Cho, fellow Covenant pastor has the right take … More Rob Bell Going to Hollywood
How has God been at work in Keri and my life leading us up to this point in the MainStreet journey? Here’s the story so far. Follow links to watch fun videos associated with our journey. In April 2010, Keri and I were on a plane flying back from Nashville. We were sent to the … More Our MainStreet Journey – So Far
Kingdom Harbor 