today I began my campaign of flooding the Facebook zone, not partisan talking points or angry rants, but the words of Jesus with a bit of commentary. We’ll see what becomes of these gospel pearls as they land on the wet, mucky ground of the Facebook pigpen. Here’s my first post. … More Casting Pearls
Mike Glenn discusses the ongoing debate within the Southern Baptist Convention regarding the role of women as pastors, criticizing the fixation on church titles. He argues that such disputes detract from the church’s real mission: engaging with the community as missionaries. In contemporary society, he emphasizes the importance of being proactive in spreading faith rather than worrying about titles. … More What’s in a Name?
I’m still struggling to explain my pastoral life to others these days, and still feel insecure or guilty some days that I’m not slaving away 50 or 60 hours inside a church building all week, running programs and leading teams, etc. I’m more of a freewheelin’ pastor bringing the music of the Freewheelin’ Dylan to seniors these days. But I sneak in a sermon or two in the process. … More The Freewheelin’ Pastor
This summer marks my 20th year in full time ministry, graduating from Bethel Seminary on this day in 2005. I will probably be marking 20 years with some fresh reflections this summer on 20 years in ministry, and most of those 20 years of ministry in my hometown. For today, I wanted to share what … More 20 Years Out of Seminary
This reflection compares the Gardens of Eden and Gethsemane, emphasizing the spiritual lessons found in both. It highlights the importance of sabbath rest, where believers can trust in God’s partnership, and the necessity for vigilance, as seen in the disciples’ failure to stay awake during Jesus’ testing. Faithful stewardship is vital for the church. … More Asleep in the Garden
The discipleship journey, explored here in Jeremy’s exposition of Luke 24:13-35, emphasizes companionship, compassionate listening, and the cruciform life. Jesus walks alongside disciples, fostering spiritual maturity through shared experiences and conversations. Ultimately, true discipleship leads to recognizing Christ’s presence, partaking in communion, and joyfully sharing the transformative gospel with others. … More Discipleship on the Emmaus Road
My rooster often crows loudest on a Monday. I don’t mean to imply I deny Jesus on a weekly basis. The rooster I speak of is the inner critic, the ever-present whisper of self-doubt I try so hard to keep silent all week as I go about my pastoral work. The rooster can leave me questioning my call, my giftedness and my effectiveness as a pastor. We are wise to know what to do when the rooster comes crowing. … More Monday Morning Rooster
Our friends Sarah and Doug are back with another deep dive discussion of a meditation I am preparing for an upcoming pastor’s conference. Looking at John 21, we explore God’s grace in the midst of our worst failures, and the invitation to throw ourselves overboard into the ocean of God’s love and forgiveness. What is Jesus’ main qualification for his servants? Listen and find out. … More Podcast #198 – Job Interview With Jesus
Many people today attend church without joining, citing reasons like family heritage or a transient lifestyle. Despite the lack of biblical emphasis on formal membership, belonging to a church community, or “tribe,” provides essential support during life’s challenges and fosters mutual care and responsibility. … More The Meaning of Membership
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”
I recently discovered a new trail system for my morning walks. Having lived in the same place now for 45 years, this is no small feat. As a turned the corner in the deep woods, up ahead running toward me at a brisk pace was my old high school cross country and basketball coach. “Good … More Pep Talk on the Trail
Sitting at my 9-year old daughter’s softball tournament recently, I was bookended by two other dad’s talking about life, family, and business. I often feel out of place with “successful” business men talking about their big boat, lake home, and country club lifestyle. I was caught off guard when the conversation suddenly turned toward my work and the question one of them asked me. … More The Hungry Preacher
We just wrapped up our “Imago Vita” series on the role of imagination in spiritual transformation. In this post I share my “imago vita” and spiritual journey and yearning to become a more joyful and carefree sower of God’s Word. I have found inspiration in an AI-generated Van Gogh-style portrait of a happy sower, which symbolizes my desire to be a more joyful worker in God’s field. … More The Happy Sower
My teacher riffs on one of my favorite Bonhoeffer books – a book that has helped keep me grounded in the fellowship of “cracked eikons” I’m blessed to serve and at the eucharistic table I’m privileged to attend. The third quotation near the bottom is emblazoned on my pastoral soul, my ecclesiological north star. … More Loving the Church That Is (S. McKnight)
This lectionary reflection on 2 Kings 2:1-15 emphasizes our need for spiritual mentors and role models, like Elijah and Elisha. The text illustrates three key lessons: disciples keeping their eyes fixed on their mentors, mentors leading mentees to important lessons and places, and mentors empowering mentees to overcome obstacles and stay on the Narrow Way. … More Spiritual Orphans and the Gift of a Mentor
In this week’s lectionary text, 1 Corinthians 9, the Apostle Paul emphasizes his holy obligation and divine calling to proclaim the gospel, representing a countercultural surrender to a higher purpose. I share some of my own experience and challenges of my call to full-time ministry, and conclude by highlighting the current crisis of clergy burnout and offering a call to love and support those who have surrendered their life to full time Christian service. … More The Company of the Summoned
Jesus’ powerful and authoritative encounter with a man possessed by an unclean spirit highlights the contrast between genuine spiritual engagement and complacency. This week’s Gospel text challenges Christians to question their commitment to Jesus and be open to his disruptive influence, aiming to stir them from spiritual apathy to vibrant faith. … More An Unclean Spirit and the Un-Spirited Clean
“With all the hostility coming toward Christians from secularism and progressive ideology,” he asked, “why not punch Left instead of Right?” Evangelicals “attacking our own side” on such matters will only cause unbelievers to hate us more and Christians to trust their leaders less. … More “Why Not Punch Left?” (Russell Moore)
I came across a letter today that I sent to our congregation in January 2020. This was just weeks before our world would be dramatically changed (as well as the church) with the outbreak of Covid-19. We were casting a fresh vision, moving buildings, and turning a new leaf in our journey together. … More Sweet and Sour Church
A younger Pastor Jeremy desired a church that was organizationally sustainable. An older and wiser Pastor Jeremy is content with a small fellowship that brings people into a healing orbit of grace and love for as long as they are among us. … More Orbiting Grace at MainStreet
“I read your letters over and over, to help remind me that I am not alone,” said one parishioner during the early months of the pandemic. Another said, “While I love a Sunday sermon, I felt these letters so much more deeply in my heart.” … More Wise Letters for Weary Souls
God’s angels congregate in the “empty places” bringing comfort to people with empty emotional tanks and empty hopes. But they also redirect our attention away from what’s empty to focus instead on what’s now being filled! … More Angels in Empty Places (Easter ’22)
They say the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. By this definition, many pastors and church leaders may just be insane. … More Casting Nets: A Challenge to Pastors
Let’s imagine ourselves into the story and join this strange cast of characters sitting around Jesus’ table. Which of these characters do you relate to most? … More A Table for Misfits and Ragamuffins
A recent article on church attendance and personal well-being cites some recent studies that show the power and blessing active participation in a local church provides. … More You Can’t Afford to NOT go to Church
Jeremy L. Berg 