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.
The Macedonian Call Paul was both an “Apostle” and “apostle.” The big “A” Apostles are in a class all by themselves. They played a unique, God-chosen role in the expansion of the church in those early days following Jesus’ Resurrection and Ascension. They had to have seen the risen Christ. Luke restricts this this to … More Divine Summons 13
The past 7 months have been filled with unexpected endings and goodbyes as well as thrilling new ministry horizons, conversations, training seminars, prayers and visioning work. Much of it I have not been able to share publicly — until now. What ministry is God calling us to next? Read and find out the journey the … More PERSONAL UPDATE 6/13
“Why do so many seekers report that they are attracted to Jesus but not to the church? Perhaps the problem is that the church has done a splendid job of concealing the powerful life-giving Jesus. We domesticate him; we make him our servant; we assume that people have more knowledge about him than they do. … More QUOTABLES: David T. Olson on Domesticating Jesus
I’ve been pulling DI classics out of the old archives this summer. The following is one of the more random posts I’ve written — hence, the title! Honestly, I wonder what exactly I was trying to say. But I feel today that same anticipatory spirit I was feeling back then in ’06. God is preparing … More Out of the Silent Fog to the Tuna Juggling Spectacular
Drivers Ed Car Confessions “Turn left up here. Now, let’s pull over and try an uphill park. Don’t forget to S.M.O.G. Do you remember what S.M.O.G. means? Yes, Signal, check your Mirrors, look Over your shoulder, and if it’s clear you can Go ahead.” Now, imagine carrying on like that for 4 hours straight, 5 … More Divine Summons 12
From Doug Fields and Matt McGill on growing and utilizing student leaders: Summer is a great time for you to develop student leaders and get them more involved in the youth ministry and feeling like they are making a difference. In order for this to happen, the youth ministry leadership team will need to “raise … More Expect More From Student Leaders
The political climate in America this week is boiling hot on the heals of Sunday night’s signing of the Obamacare proposal. There is an apocalyptic like mood on the conservative right, with talk show hosts prognosticating on the eventual collapse of America as we know it. Today, I walked to the gas station for a … More Which Government Do You Serve?
3 A Vision in the Night Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow … More Divine Summons 11
Here’s a great evangelism resource from James Choung. Can you articulate the full story of the gospel and what God’s doing in the world in Christ through the church? Here’s a great start.
I received this story by email. A good challenge. A few years ago a group of salesmen went to a regional sales conventionin Chicago . They had assured their wives that they would be home inplenty of time for Friday night’s dinner. In their rush, with ticketsand briefcases, one of these salesmen inadvertently kicked over … More “Excuse me. Are you Jesus?”
I’m reading a great book by David T. Olson, a church planting guru for the Evangelical Covenant Church, called “The American Church In Crisis.” Here’s an excerpt providing some perspective the older generation needs to wrestle with as we explore how the church can effectively engage 21st century America and reach the emerging generation with the … More Younger Christians’ Perspective
In the “Divine Summons” series, I am sharing an exciting season of obedience and Revolution ministry in Mound from 2005-2007. All Things to All People The Apostle Paul was willing to wear a lot of hats and learn to navigate many worlds in order to be a more effective servant of the gospel. As he … More Divine Summons 10
Let’s bring religion, sex, and politics to the dinner table! Jesus and the Bible have a lot to say about them. Tread carefully and expect disagreements. FAITH & POLITICS ARCHIVE SEX & GOD ARCHIVE
I woke up this week…well…bearing the label many would call UNEMPLOYED. Yet, I’m in denial. I reject the label. I met for a my weekly prayer walk with Peter today, and he was adamant to drive home the point: “Jeremy, you’re not unemployed. Unemployed people don’t have a job. You know the job the Lord … More Unemployed or Unpaid?
Stay tuned. There’s a story of great significance behind this rock located in downtown Mound….
My crazy in-laws up north this past weekend. Nice hair, Brento!
“He had hardly finished speaking the words when the ground suddenly split open beneath them. The earth opened its mouth and swallowed the men, along with their households and all their followers who were standing with them, and everything they owned. So they went down alive into the grave, along with all their belongings” (Num 16:31-33). I … More Pray for Guatemala
Nothing to Write Home About I have always imagined the apostle Paul spending every waking hour of his life teaching in a synagogue or preaching on a street corner somewhere. I doubt I’m the only one who has drawn this inaccurate assumption. I mean, this is the impression the writings give us — especially the … More Divine Summons 9
“I decided long ago that the only dreams worth dreaming are “God-sized dreams.” They’re the only dreams that take you to the end of yourself and to the beginnings of real, radical faith.” – Me (can I quote myself?)
We’re enjoying a nice, relaxing time at Towering Pines Resort near Crosslake, Minnesota. The entire Oslin clan is up here — our 1, 3 and 4 year-old niece and nephews providing most of the entertainment. 85 degrees and sunny. Lawn chairs, beach towels, a couple books and soda. Does it get any better? Oh, and … More Memorial Day Weekend at Towering Pines
“Life must be lived forward, but understood backwards.” – Soren Kierkegaard
A great conversation is happening at the Internet Monk this week around Skye Jethani’s blog post on the transient nature of Moses’ mountain top encounters with God and our churches’ dependence on external experience in worship. Moses met with God on the mountaintop and the encounter made his face shine. Coming down the mountain, Moses … More “The Fading Glow of External Experience” (iMonk)
One of the moments that marks one’s journey are the “cleaning out the office” experiences on the last day at a job. I’m 30 and this is the first real office I’ve cleaned out. Some are less fortunate and have cleaned out the office (or cubicle) dozens of times, each time leaving a person more … More The “Clean Out Your Office” Experience
The Danger of the Day to Day Paul had direct orders to bring the gospel to the Gentile world. Aside from a short period of preparation in Arabia, Paul didn’t waste time in getting at it. I, on the other hand, had absolutely no direction for my future. Sure, I was investing years of study … More Divine Summons 8
A devotional passed on to me by a friend from Pastor Dan: This is what the prophet Joel announced would happen: “In the Last Days,” God says, “I will pour out my Spirit on every kind of people: Your sons will prophesy, also your daughters; Your young men will see visions, your old men dream … More Fan the Flames and not Douse them with Dogma
Kingdom Harbor 