church planting – Jeremy L. Berg

Dry Bones TV Network

May 16, 2024

Today I compare God’s transforming power to a home renovation project, emphasizing the importance of visualization and imagination. Did you know Ezekiel’s vision of the valley of dry bones played a pivotal role in the launch of MainStreet? I share how and explore the need for God’s transformative breath to revive and transform souls, and the need for a vivid, colorful vision of God’s desired future for us to enliven dead faith. … More Dry Bones TV Network

Mission Begins with a Broken Heart

November 10, 2019

Twenty-first century America is rampant with every conceivable form of idolatry and ripe for a kingdom harvest. But ‘motive’ is monumental for every missional endeavor. Paul shows us that all ministry should begin with a broken heart.

… More Mission Begins with a Broken Heart

MainStreet Beginnings, Intro

January 17, 2019

Here’s the introduction to “MainStreet Beginnings” book as we mark our 7th anniversary. Read more about the project here. Contact me if you’re interested in getting a copy. INTRODUCTION: A Hometown Apostle I was an unlikely choice—but then that sort of makes me a more likely choice in God’s eyes. He loves surprises and unlikely heroes. … More MainStreet Beginnings, Intro

Through the Fog (2011)

January 16, 2019

MainStreet was a long, slow launch. We were one of the last “pioneer” plants to get the green light. That is, we didn’t have a parent or partner church when we were approved by the Northwest Conference to begin gathering a Launch Team. Thank God, Excelsior Covenant soon came alongside us to give us a … More Through the Fog (2011)

NEW! MainStreet Beginnings Book

January 16, 2019

Today marks the 7th anniversary of MainStreet Covenant Church’s first weekly worship service. I thought this an appropriate occasion to announce the completion of a commemorative book I’ve produced that details the journey. As you probably know, I love history, and therefore I love probing origins. Any appreciator of the past quickly becomes an appreciator … More NEW! MainStreet Beginnings Book

LIFE VERSES 9: Acts 17:17

February 4, 2018

In this series I’m sharing some of the Scriptures that have most radically influenced my own life and faith. Read full series here. I love the moment in The Lord of the Rings when Samwise turns to Frodo and asks, “I wonder what kind of a tale we’ve fallen into?” The two hobbits perceptively realized that their … More LIFE VERSES 9: Acts 17:17

Feeling the Love at MainStreet!

October 18, 2016

Here’s a sweet and thoughtful video our church put together for Keri and I for Pastor Appreciation Month. All I can say in return is “Thanks for being such a fun, grace-filled, caring and committed church family to lead.” I hear other pastors complain about the shenanigans they have to put up with — petty … More Feeling the Love at MainStreet!

Nocturnal Summer 2 – Night Watchman

June 22, 2015

I’m reposting a fun summer series from 2010 from when I had a paper route while trying to get MainStreet started. Enjoy some late night ramblings! I’ve long been a ‘night owl.’ At first, I thought it was a college phase that would eventually fade. I thought ‘real adults’ become early birds like my dad when … More Nocturnal Summer 2 – Night Watchman

God’s Economy: Give Him What You Have (Mk 6:35-44)

June 27, 2014

I recently was invited to attend another church’s leadership council meeting to present the needs of MainStreet as we move into the next phase of launching this new church. These dear “mission friends” have embraced our little MainStreet team with a big bear hug, reaching into their pockets to support us, letting us use their … More God’s Economy: Give Him What You Have (Mk 6:35-44)

Fishing Opener Is Here!

June 15, 2014

This post was written on the fishing opener on May 15, 2010. “As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” (Mark 1:16-17) I came home … More Fishing Opener Is Here!

QUOTABLES: Building a Ship

November 8, 2012

“If you want to build a ship, don’t summon people to buy wood, prepare tools, distribute jobs, and organize the work, rather teach people the yearning for the wide, boundless ocean.” -Antoine de Saint-Exupery “Church planting is like trying to build a ship while you’re already at sea.” -Unknown

QUOTABLES: E.A. Skogsbergh on Small Beginnings

March 21, 2012

“When the wanderer stands by the little hidden spring in the woods and observes how the newborn brook searches its way between moss and heather, it is difficult to understand that this is the beginning of a mighty river that a few hundred miles farther on plunges down into deep gorges and finally flings itself … More QUOTABLES: E.A. Skogsbergh on Small Beginnings

NEHEMIAH 2: They Came From Abroad

October 10, 2011

We’re studying the life and mission of Nehemiah at MainStreet this fall. I’m amazed at Nehemiah’s sacrifice, prayerfulness, leadership abilities and perseverance. I have used Nehemiah as a role model as Keri and I have set out with our own burden to rebuild in Mound — not physical walls but a new church community to … More NEHEMIAH 2: They Came From Abroad

Church Planting in Post-Christian America (D. Fitch)

July 6, 2011

A must read by David Fitch on the future of church planting in a post-Christian America: This is an idea whose time has come. It is easy, simple, saves money, and I think it seeds the mission of God in N America for generations to come: STOP FUNDING TRADITIONAL CHURCH PLANTS and instead fund missionaries … More Church Planting in Post-Christian America (D. Fitch)

Church Planting Wisdom (by Tim Morey)

January 5, 2011

A friend who is planting a new church emailed the other day and asked me about some of the best things I did as Life Covenant Church was starting. I started to write down the first few things that came to mind, and what came out are some small practices that looking back have had … More Church Planting Wisdom (by Tim Morey)

Naked Church 1: What’s it Really About?

November 10, 2010

What is the essence of ‘church’ when you strip it down to it’s naked core? When you get below all the cultural trappings and stylistic garb we dress her in, what is the church really? We tend to focus on the external forms and activities of the church – buildings, programs, services, worship styles, liturgy, … More Naked Church 1: What’s it Really About?

VIDEO: Church Planting Humor

October 20, 2010

WARNING: Heavy Sarcasm. If you’ve never been around a church plant, you may miss this humor. Enjoy.

Top 10 Reasons to Start New Churches

June 23, 2010

1. New churches are needed because the large majority of Americans do not attend a local church. About 17% of Americans attend a local church on any given Sunday. Many of those attend a church where they do not clearly hear the message of salvation in Jesus. 2. New churches are more effective than established … More Top 10 Reasons to Start New Churches

Adventures in Mark 3 (1:35-39)

April 23, 2010

“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!” Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby … More Adventures in Mark 3 (1:35-39)

Jeremy L. Berg

Pastor. Professor. Author. Musician.

Tag: church planting