Author: Jeremy Berg

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.

Elizabeth’s Inner Tenants

December 23, 2024

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

Mary’s Inner Sanctuary

December 9, 2024

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

Come Hear Zechariah’s Story

November 29, 2024

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

Giving Thanks!

November 27, 2024

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!

Tony Campolo: Red Letter Evangelical Dies

November 20, 2024

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

Bonhoeffer Film Cast Offer Statement

November 18, 2024

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

A Contemplative Christmas

November 15, 2024

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

Open Letter: Evangelical Views on Immigration

November 12, 2024

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

Foggy Morning After

November 6, 2024

A lady has been walking down our road every day for nearly a decade. I usually pass her in my car, try to make eye contact and wave good morning. She never waves back. Always stern-faced. Never a hint of a smile. Today, I was at the bus stop with Abby when she appeared out of the fog like a character in Scooby Doo. To my shock, the woman was beaming with a smile and she spoke! … More Foggy Morning After

Blind Obedience

October 30, 2024

A shocking, even offensive detail, jumped out as I read the account of Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, this time. Why would Jesus ask a blind man to come to him? Wouldn’t it be easier and more considerate for the able-bodied man to go over to the disabled man? Perhaps there’s a deeper spiritual lesson here to ponder. Let’s dig in. … More Blind Obedience

Jesus is Our Counter Narrative

October 29, 2024

Scot McKnight reviews Drew Strait’s book advocating for a Christocentric hermeneutic to counter Christian nationalism in the U.S. Strait argues that many Christians misinterpret the Bible for ideological support, advocating instead for a Jesus-centered lens that emphasizes love and peace. This approach resists the spirals of violence pervasive in current narratives. … More Jesus is Our Counter Narrative

What a Week!

October 28, 2024

Last week was exhilarating, meaningful and exhausting reaching some 350 people with Kingdom hope! Here’s some highlights from an uplifting week filled with 3 performances, heading back into the classroom, and spreading Kingdom hope as a Happy Sower! … More What a Week!

Podcast #176 – Let’s Get Ready to Rumble (Deep Dive)

October 23, 2024

It’s the anniversary we never wanted, nor will ever forget. One year ago we rushed Isaak (11) to the ER with abdominal pain, and ended up in the ICU at Children’s for 31 agonizing days. To mark the anniversary, I’m instead sharing a podcast episode celebrating his baptism this summer and the sermon I gave on that occasion. Listen as Sarah and Doug do a Deep Dive into my message. … More Podcast #176 – Let’s Get Ready to Rumble (Deep Dive)

Fear Not, Christian!

October 22, 2024

As someone who struggles with anxiety, I understand the crippling power fear can exercise in our lives. As a pastor and disciple of Jesus, however, I live in a story where faith overcomes fear, and where Christ’s “perfect love drives out all fear” — including in our political engagement. What can the “Got Milk?” ad campaign teach us? Skye Jethani explains in this video. … More Fear Not, Christian!

Bonhoeffer’s Family Confronts Eric Metaxas

October 21, 2024

Dietrich Bonhoeffer is a hero of mine, on my Mt. Rushmore of Christian influences. His legacy is being hijacked and twisted for political purposes. The Bonhoeffer family has recently spoken up and sent a letter signed by 86 family members to Eric Metaxas saying: “We are horrified to see how the legacy of Dietrich Bonhoeffer is…being distorted and misused…” … More Bonhoeffer’s Family Confronts Eric Metaxas