I carried the casket of my uncle LuVerne yesterday and watched it be lowered into the ground. The somber day transported me back into childhood as I remembered happy memories of Thanksgiving on the farm with all the aunts and uncles and cousins. … More Uncle LuVerne’s Accordion (Thanksgiving 2021)
My friend John Phelps shared a powerful sermonette in Israel that brought many to tears. Standing in the Garden of Gethsemane he said, “This is my first time standing in this place, and yet I’ve been here many times.” He shared wisdom on how to face our own suffering, and now he’s battling brain cancer and practicing what he preached. … More Facing Your Own Gethsemane
We think the kingdom comes by taking responsibility, putting in the blood, sweat and tears, grabbing life (and faith) by the horns. This is life, faith, and ministry under the heavy yoke. This is the pathway to burnout, bitterness, and disillusionment with God and religion. This is doing God’s work without God’s presence and power. … More I Am Nicodemus
A couple weekends ago, I grabbed my iPhone 8 (yep, a few models behind) and mini-tripod and drove north to Lake Superior with a singular goal of capturing some video for a little “Welcome Video” for the front page of my newly branded (still tweaking) Kingdom Harbor website. … More “Filming” On the North Shore
What message does a father preach at his firstborn’s baptism? Well, if his name is Peter, he loves adventurous sea stories, and desires to be a bold disciple, how about Matthew 14:22-33? … More Waters of Faith: A Baptism Sermon
What thoughts or feelings do you have when you pass a person on a street corner holding a cardboard sign, asking for help? Do you give them some cash and a smile as you roll by? Do you think, “Why don’t you just get a job?” Do you look the other way, avoid eye contact, and drive away feeling uneasy and conflicted? … More Entertaining Homeless Angels
Today, I walked onto the campus of North Central University with my fancy leather bag with books and lecture notes for my first day of teaching the required introduction to Christian Theology course. … More Professor Berg is on Campus!
“In those days there were giants in the land” (Gen. 6:4) and in the early 90s there were giant clay footed leaders spilling the wine of the kingdom all over Robbinsdale high school gymnasium. Last night I felt like Peter on the Mount of Transfiguration, hanging with Elijah, Moses and Jesus in a cloud of sacred storytelling. … More Hangin’ with Elijah, Moses, & Jesus
For the past 12 years I have called my blog Daily Illumination. I am expanding and broadening my online ministry platform, and today would like to introduce a new theme I am trying out. Introducing “Kingdom Harbor.” … More Welcome to Kingdom Harbor!
I kicked off the series with the first Bible verse that actively snuck into my daily life, and senior yearbook photo caption! While my good buddy pledged his undying love to his high school sweetheart that wouldn’t last, I gave a shout out to God and stumbled onto a verse that would have lasting impact! … More New Podcast Series: “LifeVerses”
From a piece for the local newspaper While the pandemic was bringing many churches to a screeching halt, MainStreet Covenant Church was on the move in 2020—to the lake! MainStreet has moved their ministry to the shores of Lake Minnetonka at St. Martins By the Lake Church in Minnetonka Beach after 7 years in their … More MainStreet: “Gone to the Lake”
Here’s what I’ve been reading, watching, listening to lately for anyone interested. What’s on your summer reading list? … More What I’ve Been Reading, Watching, Listening to Lately
My Father’s Day highlight was performing “Not All Heroes Wear Capes” by Owl City with my son and for my dad in the fourth row. :) … More Father’s Day Duet
What sets good dads apart from the rest is that, while flawed and always falling short, they keep showing up and giving their best. Even on the bad days, when they’re empty and feel like they have nothing left in the tank to give, they show up anyways. … More Not All Heroes Wear Capes (Father’s Day)
If people could open up my mind and peek into my thought-world, they’d find an amusement park full of wild ideas rising and falling like rollercoasters, a hyper-colored circus full of spiritual insights roaming like elephants a under the big tent, and outside the box ministry visions shooting across my mind like clowns out of a cannon. … More A Mustard Seed Future For the Church
This weekend I graduate from Northern Seminary as a Doctor of the Church specializing the historical context of the New Testament. This moment has been a long time in the making. Like 18 years! Here’s the story. … More Writing Your Dreams in Ink
A picture is worth a thousand words. I snapped this photo this weekend. It captures a classic “calm before the storm” moment, the sun setting as the storm sets in. … More The Sun vs. The Storm
There are moments in our Christian walk when we hear the rooster crow, and realize we have blown it in our attempts to follow Jesus’ Way in our interactions with others. Let me share a story of a day when I heard the rooster crow. I looked in the mirror and didn’t like what I saw. … More Grace in a Hot Tub
I can’t explain my appreciation for and fascination with Bob Dylan. Like a good IPA on a summer day, it was an acquired taste that came slowly and gradually. … More Happy 80th Birthday, Bob Dylan!
With my doctorate complete, I am turning my attention to getting my writings into print and available for purchase. I have just released The Father’s Song: The Divine Symphony of Scripture and you can purchase a copy today! … More Book Release: “The Father’s Song”
I often feel like I am treading water in a sea of strong and savvy senior pastors, watching them stand proudly at the helm of their mighty cruise ships, while I barely keep afloat while clinging desperately to a piece of driftwood—ancient driftwood that may contain the secret to our true pastoral calling. … More The Island of Misfit Pastors
My fancy bound dissertation came in the mail this week! In the coming days, I want to share several excerpts from the introduction and concluding sections of my thesis. … More The Good Pastor
As a dad of 3 curious children, these faith films offer great pathways into discussions about Easter and the story of Jesus. This past week we enjoyed two in particular that I thought I would recommend to others. … More Easter Movie Recommendations
I’m thrilled to share my past four years of doctoral studies has resulted in a thesis that has been approved. You can call me Dr. J if you want! :) I have been researching sages & students in the ancient world, and having the time of my life with renowned New Testament scholar Scot McKnight. … More I’m a Doctor!
I love words. I especially love when God stoops down and kisses us through another’s words. The Word becomes flesh again and makes His presence known through a thoughtful card from a friend, or an encouraging chat over coffee, or a personal letter from a pastor. … More The Impress of a Friend’s Hand Upon His Letter
Kingdom Harbor 