When I sneak off alone for getaways, the experience usually boils down to lots of reading, hiking, browsing used bookstores, playing some golf and finding the best pizza in town. On those fronts, this getaway in Two Harbor was a home run. I’ll keep my words short, and let you enjoy my watercolor photos from the trip. … More Retreat at Burlington Bay
I recently preached at a multiethnic worship service, emphasizing the Church’s role in fostering unity amid diversity. I referenced Pentecost as a model for celebrating ethnic identity as a gift rather than a barrier. My message highlighted interdependence among cultures within the Body of Christ, urging growth towards understanding and love. … More ‘The Most Excellent Way’: Multiethnic Church
Jeremy examines Daniel’s story in Babylon, highlighting themes of cultural resistance and integrity. Every day, we are presented with two competing menus. One is the “table of empire,” which offers the intoxicating but ultimately depleting fare of partisan vitriol, material acquisition, and the crushing weight of social conformity. The other is the table of Jesus, which offers a different kind of plenty—one that satisfies the soul without demanding the sacrifice of one’s integrity. … More Bread of Empire
The message emphasizes a shift from relying on material security, or “Monthly Bread,” to embracing daily dependence on divine providence, symbolized by “Daily Manna.” It contrasts the opportunistic crowds seeking miracles with true discipleship that requires surrender and trust in Jesus as the source of eternal life, not merely as a provider. … More Bread of Heaven
Passing along the newsletter I received this week from Matthew Soerens, the National Coordinator for the Evangelical Immigration Table. I’m grateful for Evangelical organizations such as the Evangelical Immigration Table and the National Association of Evangelicals, just to name a couple, who continue to speak up and call for true Jesus-honoring, Biblically grounded action on the behalf of the least of these. … More What Will Become of 50,000 Children?
The Anchor Podcast has been quiet for a long time, but today I dropped a special midsummer episode. I share a brief personal update on my ministry, book project, and new album of original songs I’m recording. After a fascinating “Deep Dive” on one of my spiritual heroes, E. A. Skogsbergh, I share a sneak peek of a new song from my album. You don’t want to miss that teaser! … More Podcast Special: A Spiritual Hero & An Original New Song Teaser
I took my oldest son to see The Odyssey this past weekend. I wasn’t prepared for the morality of the Law of the pagan god Zeus to sound so much like the Law of Moses (at least in this interpretation). The film had a very timely moral “Christian” message from the lips of a pagan that many would-be Christians need to hear in these days of amoral and immoral politics. … More The Odyssey: Christian Morality and the Law of Zeus
This sermon by Jeremy explores the biblical account of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, to provide spiritual guidance for those enduring hardship. Pastor Jeremy emphasizes that when individuals are overwhelmed by “the spirit of fear” or physical suffering, they should emulate Stephen by gazing toward heaven rather than turning to worldly distractions. A central theme is the imagery of Jesus standing at God’s right hand, suggesting that Christ is not a passive observer but an active, supportive presence during times of crisis. … More Acts 6-7: Standing with Stephen in Hardship
I recently presented my research and book on E.A. Skogsbergh, a pivotal Swedish-American preacher, at Fairview Covenant Church in Mound, MN, as part of their 125th Anniversary. Fairview was established in 1901 out of Skogsbergh’s gatherings on Lake Minnetonka at the turn of the century. I explain how Skogsbergh’s tireless efforts inspired my own journey to plant MainStreet Covenant Church, drawing a parallel between our current day church plant and Skogsbergh’s historical impact. … More My Presentation on E.A. Skogsbergh
I read history like a sweet-toothed child looking through the window of a candy shop. Mouth watering. Eyes bulging. Desiring to break through the glass of time in order to smell, touch and taste the goodies inside. Historians are time-travelers at heart, searching the archives for old photos and writings that can transport us back to another era. One of my favorite time-traveling destinations is Lake Minnetonka in the 1880s where the greatest preacher among the Swedes had his summer cottage. … More The Holy Insurrectionist: E.A. Skogsbergh
Jeremy’s fresh look at the biblical story of David and Goliath offers deeper insights than a simple moral lesson. By examining David’s role as a precursor to Christ and the symbolic nature of his actions, Jeremy discovers themes of nourishment, spiritual warfare, and the duality of the shepherd-warrior. … More Bread on the Battlefield
Springtime in the Upper Midwest is a resurrection of sorts, pulling forgotten lives from the icy clutches of winter onto sun-drenched driveways. We spread our histories across plastic folding tables, inadvertently inviting neighbors to browse the remnants of our years. This is not merely a matter of home organization; it is an audit of the soul conducted in the open air of suburbia. It forces a sobering question: What would a post-mortem estate sale reveal about the texture of your character? … More What Your Garage Sale Says About Your Soul
In Paul’s letter to Timothy, his young apprentice and “son in the faith,” Paul mentions 10 important things that Timothy “knows full well” about Paul’s life and faith journey. Sadly, many of us have never taken the time to get to know these things about our own parents/grandparents and mentors. This Father’s Day, check out my guide to Ten Spiritual Legacy Conversations. … More The Greatest Father’s Day Gift
Today is Juneteenth, a day to celebrate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, but also to lament that it took far too long for white enslavers and politicians to free them. Lincoln proclaimed freedom 1 January 1863 but Juneteenth in Texas was not declared until 19 June 1865. … More Juneteenth: Far Too Long
Young adults increasingly seek quiet, meaningful worship experiences in churches that emphasize warmth and community over spectacle. To engage them, churches should reclaim silence as a ritual and utilize sensory engagement, fostering deeper faith connections in today’s noisy world. … More Young People Crave Quieter Churches
Jeremy reflects on the unexpected visitors who show up at Abraham and Sarah’s table in Genesis 18, and invites us to be open to being surprised by God in our routine lives, and especially at the Lord’s Table. From his series, “Bread on the Water.” … More Table of Surprises
My musical talent comes from my mom’s side. Mom is rusty now, but was a fine piano player and would occasionally dazzle us with the accordion. But Dad had a guitar tucked away that we occasionally beg him to pull out. Whenever he brought it out, Dad had one go-to song he would, ahem, attempt to play: “Wildwood Flower.” … More “Wildwood Flower”
In a recent sermon at Brookdale Covenant Church, Jeremy highlighted the biblical calling for Christians to be “witnesses” rather than political combatants. He explores the actions of Peter and John in Acts 3-4, emphasizing the importance of authentic, Spirit-led faith, kindness, and dignity in addressing societal issues. … More Acts 3-4: Kindness in the Public Square
What can a 3,000 year-old proverb teach us about God‘s saving presence available to us in the middle of life‘s most chaotic circumstances? Jeremy offers a spiritual reading of Ecclesiastes 11:1: “Cast your bread upon the waters and receive it back after many days.” … More Bread on the Water
Want to know more about MainStreet Covenant Church, its beginnings, its DNA, impact and philosophy? Here’s what Google Gemini found. … More Deep Dive: MainStreet Covenant Church
Scot McKnight is utterly stunned by the sycophantic behaviors of our nation’s senators and representatives. And he’s just as stunned by the political loyalty of Christians who do not see what is actually going on. He urges pastors to take it on the chin and speak up. … More Pull the Plug on Bystanding
Continuing to get to know myself according to AI, today I asked Google Gemini: “Summarize Jeremy’s philosophy of youth ministry and his experience as a youth pastor.” I learned that my philosophy transitions away from traditional entertainment-based “church-as-usual” models toward a grassroots, relational, and “Jesus-shaped” spiritual revolution. Check it out! … More Deep Dive: My Youth Ministry Approach
Continuing this series of deep dives into my life and thought according to Google’s AI bot Gemini, today I asked about my key theological influences. … More Deep Dive: My Key Influences
Pastor Jeremy is preaching a sermon series on the Book of Acts, emphasizing its significance beyond mere history. He outlines five major insights: the Gospel’s continuation, the Ascension as Jesus’ enthronement, the shift from passive to active waiting, recognizing the Holy Spirit’s role, and the importance of dreaming big regardless of age. … More Introducing Acts: Five Big Ideas
I want to share an exciting ministry update on some new opportunities that are developing. … More Ministry Update: The Roaming Reverend
Kingdom Harbor 