Men in places of power and leadership have too often silenced stories of abuse like Tamar’s. So I felt very convicted that I was about to skip over her story in our David series, sweep it under the rug, move quickly to a more uplifting and less disturbing text for our Sunday gathering. I was about to become one more man in spiritual leadership failing to let Tamar’s story be told. … More Tell Tamar’s Story!
A friend seeks advice on how to navigate a relationship with someone whose politics deeply alarm them. His answer warns against falling into two different (opposite) “ditches” – the ditch of fusion with erroneous political ideas and the ditch of “cutting off” relationship with people you have deep disagreements with. … More Response to a Friend’s Political Question
The Life of David series concludes soon, coinciding with the premiere of the new Amazon Prime series HOUSE OF DAVID on March 2. This series depicts David’s rise to kingship amidst King Saul’s decline, with assurances of biblical fidelity and quality from creators familiar with faith-based projects, including Dallas Jenkins. … More NEW! House of David TV Series
King David is called “a man after God’s own heart” because in his best moments he prefigures the ultimate King of Israel and most famous Son of David to come — Jesus the Christ. One of those great moments is the story of David and Mephibosheth. Briefly appearing in 2 Samuel 9, Mephibosheth is the … More David, Mephibosheth, and Elon Musk’s DOGE
I look to the collective wisdom and perspective of my larger Covenant family and leadership when trying to make sense of the chaos of our world and thinking through complex issues. Far too many people with power and a platform lack accountability. People rant on social media from their gut, with loose words and little thought of why they speak or who they speak for. … More Rooted and Accountable in an Age of Individual Expression and Outrage
SAVE THE DATE! It’s really happening! Our break-out show is on the books, and we want all our friends and family to come pack the place! Our concert will feature two different sets: (1) a 75-minute set performing the music of Bob Dylan and (2) popular cover songs spanning the decades and genres the second half of the night. … More LIVE in Concert!
The story of Uzzah in 2 Samuel 6 illustrates the grave responsibility of carrying God’s presence. Although Uzzah acted with good intent, he disregarded divine instructions, resulting in his death. This serves as a warning for Christians today to treat God’s name with reverence, avoiding unholy alliances that damage His reputation. … More Holy Priests or Unstable Jackass?
I belong to a multiethnic body of believers called the Church of Jesus Christ. I was baptized into this new family, and I don’t get to choose and select who my siblings in Christ are. The waters of baptism are more binding than the blood running through my veins and any artificial national borders. “When one part of the body hurts, we (should) all hurt” (1 Cor. 12:26-27). … More A Word On Immigration
Beth Felker Jones discusses the challenge Christians face in the U.S. amidst current political turmoil. It paraphrases the Barmen Declaration to emphasize the need for the church to uphold its identity in Christ against nationalism and false doctrines. It calls for unity, faithful leadership, and a rejection of ideologies that compromise the gospel. … More Jesus, Not Nationalism
This week’s “David” series examines David’s refuge in the cave of Adullam while fleeing King Saul. Despite hardships, this experience fosters community and leadership, shaping David for future kingship. The cave symbolizes refuge, divine deliverance, and the importance of gathering in adversity, echoing the biblical theme of hope in difficult times. … More In the Cave with Dave
I’m debuting my Bob Dylan Tribute show later this week, and hoping to bring a simple twist of faith to my performance. I even bought a special shirt for the gig (see photo). This has me revisiting a piece I wrote a while back. Enjoy some wisdom from the now 83-year old Bob that he shared on his 50th birthday. … More Bob Dylan, Yuppies, and the Most Important Thing
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”
If I have socially withdrawing tendencies, it’s because I’m trying to survive life married to an incurable socialite who’s constantly dragging me into public. When we’re not out on the town, she’s welcoming the town into our home. Just this morning I asked what are evening plans are, and she said, “Not much…except Peter is inviting his entire basketball team to sleep over.” We have very different definitions of “not much.” Scot McKnight riffs today on Derek Thompson’s essay, “The Anti-Social Century.” … More Eating Alone
It’s the time of year I send out our annual ministry report and pray God will continue to move in hearts to support us financially for another year. A full report will be coming out shortly, but I wanted to share this word from a student today. … More Student Impact
David’s life is a compelling study of contrasts—victor and sinner, poet and warrior. The upcoming series at MainStreet Covenant will explore some key episodes from David’s life which reflect humanity’s struggles and divine connection. Participants are encouraged to read and choose a Psalm that represents the season they are living in as we begin a new year together. … More David and the Psalms
A first crack at a favorite Dylan song. I’m discovering quickly that covering Dylan songs isn’t so much musically challenging, as lyrically challenging. That is, figuring out where to fit all the syllables from his spiraling and sprawling lyrics. … More #SaturdaySong – “I Want You”
I recently saw “A Complete Unknwown,” a film about Bob Dylan in theaters. The film starring talented Timothee Chalamet has inspired a fun new project in the works to kick of the new year. Let me share what I have in the works, and a few thoughts on this film. … More A Simple Twist of Faith
You might have expected public celebrations of the birth by crowds of enthusiastic well-wishers; messages of goodwill from kings, queens and emperors, movers and shakers; religious leaders, political power-brokers, and wealthy benefactors. What you got was a child-killing death squad sent at the command of a vicious despot, and refugee status in a foreign land. Why this way? … More Why this Way?
May you be filled with the wonder of Mary, the obedience of Joseph, the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the determination of the magi, and the peace of the Christ child. Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit bless you now and forever. … More A Christmas Benediction
A pastor friend of mine sends me a personal prayer each Monday. They are rooted in Scripture, deeply personal, beautifully written — inspired. Sunday my kids and I performed a concert of carols. All month I’ve been doing concerts at senior homes and churches, hoping to bring some JOY to hearts through my songs. Let me share my friends’ prayer on this Christmas Eve, and I pray the same over you. … More Spirit and Songs of Joy
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
Okay, here’s the deal. You may need a break from the mad rush of the season. My son Peter (13) and I will be performing an acoustic Christmas concert of sorts in the beautiful lakeside chapel at St. Martin’s this SUNDAY, DEC. 22 @ 5PM. We invite you to come and enjoy an hour of serenity, music and storytelling. … More Evening of Music & Storytelling
The Third Sunday of Advent Here’s my 1st-person imaginative monologue of Joseph and his blue-collar faith. I’m not sure why you have included me in this series on contemplative spirituality. Contemplatives are typically thought to be monks and nuns found in monasteries, men and women who have left ordinary life to pursue a life of … More Joseph: Blue-Collar Contemplative
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
“The obviously well kept secret of the “ordinary” is that it is made to be a receptacle of the divine, a place where the life of God flows.” These words from Dallas Willard get to the heart of my meditation this coming Sunday as I get into the character of Mary in our “Contemplative Christmas” series. I am delighted … More Receptacles of the Divine
Jeremy L. Berg 