Pastor Andy Nelson, a Lutheran pastor, is the chaplain and Director of Campus Ministry and Community Service at Morningside College. Pastor Nelson decided to become a pastor after college while thinking about the remaining questions of his life and faith. Pastor Nelson first came to Sioux City when his wife, Doctor Pleuss, was offered a 10-year position at Morningside College in 2012.

Nelson was then commuting to the University of South Dakota, doing campus ministry at the college. The campus ministry position at Morningside College became available and Nelson was encouraged to apply for the position.

Nelson is a fan of students coming into his office to talk about anything whether it be about faith, life in general, grades, or anything in between. Nelson said that one of the things he enjoys most is “students putting their faith into action in the world.” Nelson is also there for students that want to figure out where they are going in life, what God is calling them to do, and how their actions are going to serve God.

Nelson enjoys being on campus, actually being involved in official events and recognized by the college. Morningside College is associated with the Methodist church, he says that his experience here has helped him learn more about the way Methodists run their church. Learning about other religions as well has also been a part of his experience at Morningside.

Pastor Nelson talked about how he wishes Morningside had a dedicated sacred space on campus. Also, that he wouldn’t mind if the college rebooted mandatory congregation. Nelson hopes that one day students won’t just gather and talk about their faith, but gather and act within their faith. Pastor Nelson also wants every student to know that if you come to talk to him, you will be heard and that you are cared about.