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.
Beth Felker Jones discusses the challenge Christians face in the U.S. amidst current political turmoil. It paraphrases the Barmen Declaration to emphasize the need for the church to uphold its identity in Christ against nationalism and false doctrines. It calls for unity, faithful leadership, and a rejection of ideologies that compromise the gospel. … More Jesus, Not Nationalism
This week’s “David” series examines David’s refuge in the cave of Adullam while fleeing King Saul. Despite hardships, this experience fosters community and leadership, shaping David for future kingship. The cave symbolizes refuge, divine deliverance, and the importance of gathering in adversity, echoing the biblical theme of hope in difficult times. … More In the Cave with Dave
I’m debuting my Bob Dylan Tribute show later this week, and hoping to bring a simple twist of faith to my performance. I even bought a special shirt for the gig (see photo). This has me revisiting a piece I wrote a while back. Enjoy some wisdom from the now 83-year old Bob that he shared on his 50th birthday. … More Bob Dylan, Yuppies, and the Most Important Thing
As a young pastor, I read a number of books about ministry and church leadership. One memorable book included a chapter titled “Bigger is Better” in which the authors said: “a church should always be bigger than it was. It should be constantly growing.” Wherever Jesus went, growing crowds gathered to hear what he had to say.” Apparently the book’s authors didn’t read the end of the gospels where Jesus died rejected and alone. … More The Idol of “Bigness”
If I have socially withdrawing tendencies, it’s because I’m trying to survive life married to an incurable socialite who’s constantly dragging me into public. When we’re not out on the town, she’s welcoming the town into our home. Just this morning I asked what are evening plans are, and she said, “Not much…except Peter is inviting his entire basketball team to sleep over.” We have very different definitions of “not much.” Scot McKnight riffs today on Derek Thompson’s essay, “The Anti-Social Century.” … More Eating Alone
It’s the time of year I send out our annual ministry report and pray God will continue to move in hearts to support us financially for another year. A full report will be coming out shortly, but I wanted to share this word from a student today. … More Student Impact
David’s life is a compelling study of contrasts—victor and sinner, poet and warrior. The upcoming series at MainStreet Covenant will explore some key episodes from David’s life which reflect humanity’s struggles and divine connection. Participants are encouraged to read and choose a Psalm that represents the season they are living in as we begin a new year together. … More David and the Psalms
A first crack at a favorite Dylan song. I’m discovering quickly that covering Dylan songs isn’t so much musically challenging, as lyrically challenging. That is, figuring out where to fit all the syllables from his spiraling and sprawling lyrics. … More #SaturdaySong – “I Want You”
I recently saw “A Complete Unknwown,” a film about Bob Dylan in theaters. The film starring talented Timothee Chalamet has inspired a fun new project in the works to kick of the new year. Let me share what I have in the works, and a few thoughts on this film. … More A Simple Twist of Faith
You might have expected public celebrations of the birth by crowds of enthusiastic well-wishers; messages of goodwill from kings, queens and emperors, movers and shakers; religious leaders, political power-brokers, and wealthy benefactors. What you got was a child-killing death squad sent at the command of a vicious despot, and refugee status in a foreign land. Why this way? … More Why this Way?
May you be filled with the wonder of Mary, the obedience of Joseph, the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the determination of the magi, and the peace of the Christ child. Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit bless you now and forever. … More A Christmas Benediction
A pastor friend of mine sends me a personal prayer each Monday. They are rooted in Scripture, deeply personal, beautifully written — inspired. Sunday my kids and I performed a concert of carols. All month I’ve been doing concerts at senior homes and churches, hoping to bring some JOY to hearts through my songs. Let me share my friends’ prayer on this Christmas Eve, and I pray the same over you. … More Spirit and Songs of Joy
As much as I despised these inner voices and nagging feelings, I also found strange comfort in their familiarity. I could hardly imagine life without them running amuck and filling my soul’s courtyard with 24/7 parties of gloom. I figured it was better to feel something “living” inside my soul, than to feel nothing at all. So I embraced an inner life full of brooding thoughts, bubbling resentment, and emotional turmoil. … More Elizabeth’s Inner Tenants
Okay, here’s the deal. You may need a break from the mad rush of the season. My son Peter (13) and I will be performing an acoustic Christmas concert of sorts in the beautiful lakeside chapel at St. Martin’s this SUNDAY, DEC. 22 @ 5PM. We invite you to come and enjoy an hour of serenity, music and storytelling. … More Evening of Music & Storytelling
The Third Sunday of Advent Here’s my 1st-person imaginative monologue of Joseph and his blue-collar faith. I’m not sure why you have included me in this series on contemplative spirituality. Contemplatives are typically thought to be monks and nuns found in monasteries, men and women who have left ordinary life to pursue a life of … More Joseph: Blue-Collar Contemplative
This is my imaginative first-person narrative of Mary’s story, reflecting on her humble beginnings and deep connection to Holy Scripture. Mary’s story intertwines with biblical history, particularly the Ark of the Covenant, ultimately leading to her acceptance of the divine role bestowed by the angel Gabriel, allowing her to be a receptacle of the divine, and invites us to contemplate a similar calling. … More Mary’s Inner Sanctuary
“The obviously well kept secret of the “ordinary” is that it is made to be a receptacle of the divine, a place where the life of God flows.” These words from Dallas Willard get to the heart of my meditation this coming Sunday as I get into the character of Mary in our “Contemplative Christmas” series. I am delighted … More Receptacles of the Divine
This is my imaginative first person account of Zechariah’s story found in the Luke 1 shared at our Advent Service this Sunday. I come from a very religious family and background. A family of priests in the order of Abijah to be exact (1 Chr 24; Neh 12). I then doubled down on religious piety … More Zechariah’s Silent Retreat
Join us this Sunday as we kick off Advent with my original script that tries to get us inside the heart and mind of Zechariah, and experience his story like never before. He had no idea the surprise God had in store when he entered that holy sanctuary to offer incense. What might God have in store for us as we enter the chapel at St. Martin’s and into the Advent season together? … More Come Hear Zechariah’s Story
Here I sit on another Thanksgiving week, trying to put into words what God has been doing among us and through us as this past year. Once again, I humble myself and admit my utter dependence God and his people to raise a modest salary to continue this ministry. I don’t like it, but humility is a Christian virtue and crucifying one’s ego a worthy spiritual practice. … More Giving Thanks!
Enjoy a classic story by Tony Campolo who went to be with the LORD this week. He was a good and faithful servant. He describes the kind of church that Jesus came to set up on earth. … More Birthday Parties For Prostitutes
Tony Campolo came into my life twenty years ago and I am forever grateful for his voice that has called generations of Evangelicals to lean into the Red Letters of Jesus instead of opting for partisan politics. This past week I rediscovered him, picking his book off my shelf to prepare for a class only to hear that he died yesterday at age 89. Here’s a tribute. … More Tony Campolo: Red Letter Evangelical Dies
The film “Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin” hits theaters this week. Key members of the ensemble offer a statement to distance themselves from possible misuses of the film. They stand behind the calls from Bonhoeffer scholars, church leaders, and extended members of the Bonhoeffer family to stop the distortion of Bonhoeffer’s life and legacy to justify Christian Nationalism and political violence. … More Bonhoeffer Film Cast Offer Statement
Are you ready to leave the noise of the election behind and move into the stillness and wonder Advent?Join us this Advent as we explore Zechariah being struck dumb, resulting in a forced silent retreat; ponder Elizabeth’s inner leaping, and wonder if our soul is more apt to leap, flee or slumber in God’s presence; marvel at Mary’s inner hospitality, and wonder what it means for us to cultivate an inner sanctuary for the dwelling of God. And more. … More A Contemplative Christmas
An Open Letter from evangelical leaders emphasizes that most American evangelicals possess nuanced views on immigration, supporting neither open borders nor mass deportation. They advocate for the dignity of all individuals, the need for secure borders, and the preservation of family unity, urging political candidates to reflect these values in their policies. … More Open Letter: Evangelical Views on Immigration
Jeremy Berg 