Pastor Andy Nelson was interviewed about his journey to joining Morningside University as a Chaplain. 

Nelson was born in Redwing Minnesota. Both of his parents were teachers. 

Nelson Came to Morningside to join his wife, who is a professor here.

Pastor Nelson stated that his job here at Morningside is to “tend to the spiritual life of Morningside Students.” 

He helps connect students to different groups around the community and helps students “connect to something bigger than themselves.” 

Pastor Nelson helps guide spiritual groups on campus. He also helps talk with students who are struggling with their faith. Nelson offers 100% confidentiality when students come in to talk.

Nelson holds a variety of events on campus such as Student Faith Stories and Midweek Mindfulness.

Nelson would love to see the community be more involved in these events. Although he doesn’t want any of the events to be required, he wants to see everyone come together and take the time to talk with each other about their journeys through faith.

Nelson always had a strong presence in the church. He would often lead in readings and was an active participant. After Nelson had some people in his church say that he would make a good Pastor, his interest was sparked and Nelson began pursuing his journey.

Nelson was involved in campus ministry as a college student but always “went back and forth growing up” on whether being a pastor was his true calling. 

He recalled a time during his Freshman year in college when he called his parents and said “I want to be a Pastor.” 

Due to the 9/11 attacks and other events going on during his Junior year, Nelson began battling whether being a Pastor was the best path for him. Finally, during his Senior year of college, Nelson decided that becoming a pastor was what Nelson truly wanted to do.

When asked what Pastor Nelson would tell his college self, he stated that he should have taken a gap year to “Take advantage of that time to step away and get that experience.” 

Nelson regrets not taking a gap year because he felt burnt out. He felt like a break would have allowed him to “disengage from student life” and have a fresh start.

Nelson hopes to help plant seeds in students to help them grow here on campus.