Why Spirituality Matters? A conversation with Brenau’s Chaplain Andrea Corso Johnson 

In times where balancing the demands of academic life and personal well-being can feel challenging and overwhelming, Brenau University’s Chaplain Andrea is here to help students navigate their spiritual journeys, even if there is not one. With over eight years of experience in church ministry and a deep personal journey of faith, Chaplain Andrea shared with us her life story of purpose, while we also talked about faith, God, spirituality, and mental health. 

Chaplain Corso is a native Georgian born in Douglasville and has lived in Georgia her whole life. 

She graduated with a Bachelor in Music Education from the University of West Georgia. However, it was not until 2023 when she later earned her Master of Divinity from the McAfee School of Theology at Mercer University in Atlanta, Georgia. 

“There is a gap between my degrees because my ministry journey took a circuitous path. I first felt my call to ministry while studying at the University of West Georgia. I had an audible theophany—I heard God’s voice calling me to ministry. I was very reluctant, similar to Mary in the Bible, asking, “How can this be?” I had worked so hard to earn my music degree, which is a very demanding program, and I resisted. I told myself, “No, I am going to be a music teacher. This is my plan. After graduating, I began teaching and did so for three years. However, during that time, I became very depressed. Though I was a great teacher, the work drained me. I realized I was not where I was meant to be. I recalled my calling and began reconsidering ministry. (…) I am a considered second-career minister, as I entered ministry later in life.” she said.

Her first church ministry position was as Director of Christian Education in Carrollton. From there, she moved into several other ministry roles.  Now, she has eight years of experience in church ministry and church adjacent ministry, including advocacy work for public education with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. Altogether, with  three years of teaching, she has 12 years of work experience.

Questions and Answers:

BC: How did you get to Brenau?

AC: After years in church ministry, I began discerning whether I should remain in that space or explore ministry in other settings. I felt God leading me to consider different opportunities.

One day, while searching online, I came across a job opening at Brenau University. I thought, “I know where Brenau is!” As I read the job description, I doubted whether they would hire me since I had never been a chaplain. I had experience in ministry, Christian education, teaching, and advocacy—but not chaplaincy. Despite my doubts, I went through the application process. Now, here I am, and I am so happy and grateful for this opportunity. I have learned so much about ministry from everyone on campus, from the local community, and even about myself. This role allows me to focus deeply on spirituality, providing spiritual care, and prioritizing prayer—something that can sometimes get lost in the busyness of church ministry. Being here has truly been a gift, allowing me to witness and experience God moving in people’s lives.

BC: What is a Chaplain and what does it mean for Brenau students to have one?

AC: Being a chaplain is about sitting with someone as they explore their own faith journey, rather than prescribing beliefs or doctrine. Unlike a pastor, who often teaches or preaches a particular faith tradition, a chaplain accompanies people in their personal spiritual exploration.

Chaplains serve in many different settings—universities, hospitals, corporations, the military, and more. Some chaplains represent specific faith traditions, while others, like myself, are non-denominational and interfaith, supporting people from all backgrounds. The core of chaplaincy is providing compassionate presence and support, no matter where a person is in their faith journey.

The word “chaplain” comes from the story of Bishop Martin, who was known for his compassion. He wore a large cape and, when encountering someone in need, would share it with them. The cape, called a “chapelain,” became a relic, and the person who guarded it became known as a 

“chaplain.” This tradition of compassionate service continues in chaplaincy today.

I am here as a resource for all students, whether they need support in their faith journey, have questions, or simply want to connect. Some students arrive at college with a faith tradition, while others are still figuring out what they believe. I am here to walk alongside them in that journey.

Some of my offerings include:

• Midday Meditations on Instagram Live every Monday at noon, followed by a written newsletter.
• Prayer Groups for students and faculty/staff on a quarterly basis.
• Chaplain’s Corner every Thursday from 12-2 PM in the senior dining hall, where we discuss faith, prayer requests, and offer spiritual support.
• Confidential prayer requests and one-on-one spiritual care.

BC: What is Faith and what is the purpose of having or not having faith?

AC: Faith is something you believe, experience, and practice—both individually and in community. It informs how you move through life, your choices, relationships, and values. Faith is foundational. It can manifest as a belief system or even as a conscious decision not to believe. Ultimately, faith helps us make meaning out of life’s experiences. 

I think faith makes you feel whole. It’s one of the eight areas of wellness, and when you look at the broader definition of mental health and wellness, faith is part of that. I believe it’s essential—if you imagine a pie chart with a missing piece, it’s never a full circle. You can’t fully come into yourself without that piece. Whether it’s a belief system or the choice to have no belief system, whether you check a box for faith or intentionally leave that box blank as a statement of faith itself, you’re still completing that circle in some way. Faith helps bring balance—it ensures that no part of yourself is missing.

The purpose of having faith—or not having faith—is largely about making meaning in your life. The things that happen to you every day, the people you know, and the world around you all contribute to that meaning. Faith acts as a lens through which you interpret your experiences, understand yourself, and connect with others and creation. I believe faith helps you make sense of what has happened to you and how you relate to others. Whether you have faith or not, you’re still searching for meaning in your life. That process shapes the way you see and engage with everything.

Faith has been a fundamental part of human history, shaping cultures and communities for centuries. People across time have practiced faith in different ways, and various belief systems have evolved as humanity has grown. There are many different kinds of faith, just as there are many different people, traditions, and religious communities.

I think faith helps people focus on something beyond the present—it provides a horizon point, something to look toward. For many, faith gives meaning not only to life now but also to what comes after. Some believe in eternal life, as many Christians do, while others believe in reincarnation, as seen in many Asian faith traditions. There are countless ways to interpret what comes next, but at its core, faith helps people grapple with the big existential questions: What is life? What is life to come? What has life always been? Faith allows people to take a piece of those questions and say, Oh, now this makes sense. It helps ground something vast and uncertain into something meaningful and personal.

BC: What are your thoughts on the relationship between spirituality and mental health?

AC: The relationship between spirituality and mental health is a strong one—they complement, inform, and help shape each other. They’re like pieces of the same pie, but they are definitely not the same thing. For example, if you come to me and say, ‘I have these ideas about my faith, but I’m struggling with my spirituality,’ I would first focus on exploring your spirituality. However, if you mention feeling depressed, I would express my sympathy and ask what that feels like for you, and then explore that with you. But I wouldn’t be able to offer mental health care, as that goes beyond the scope of spiritual care.

I think it’s always important to follow guidance on spirituality if it’s something that matters to you. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide whether it’s important in your life. It’s not for me to tell you that you must follow a particular faith or spiritual practice; that’s not my place.

I think spirituality supports mental health by helping to fill you out and make you more well-rounded. It contributes to all the pieces of your mental health, which in turn supports you. However, I am not a mental health professional, so I wouldn’t offer mental health care. I’m an ordained clergy who provides spiritual care, and those are two distinct things.

That said, spirituality and mental health care can definitely inform each other. Therapy can be a great resource while you’re exploring your spirituality with me. Having both tools—spiritual care and therapy—gives you more resources to better understand yourself. The more you learn about yourself, the more you grow, just like gardening. If you have the right conditions—good soil, sunlight, and care—you’ll flourish, just like a healthy plant. That’s what we’re looking for.

BC: What is God?

AC: I think the answer to that question is different for everyone—it depends on how you see the world and how your life has unfolded. For me, I experience God through relationships: my relationship with my faith, with God, and my relationships with other people and the world around me. Because this world was created by God, we are all in relationship with God. We are all connected. To me, God is everything. God is in me. God is in you. God is in creation. God is in all my experiences, in nature, in the everyday moments—both in the joy and the struggles, in the celebrations and the hardships, and everywhere in between. I don’t believe that God creates suffering or war, but I do believe that when there is suffering and war, usually created by humans, God is still present. God doesn’t abandon people in pain—God is there in the midst of it all. That belief is reflected in the Bible, which is a significant holy scripture for me. Throughout history, even in humanity’s greatest struggles and disasters, God has remained in relationship with people.

BC: How can students find you?

AC: My office is located at Owens. You can contact me at ude.uanerb@nosnhojosroca or 770-297-5903. My Instagram handle is @brenau.chaplainandrea, which is probably one of the best ways to find me. In there I post updates on events, spiritual resources, and all of the things that are going on with Brenau’s spirituality. I am on campus Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. My office hours are posted on my door,  and I usually try to send them to BTW once a month. If you want to come see me by yourself, the best way to do that is by an appointment. All you need to do is email me.

Extra information by the interviewer: 

What is Spirituality? 

Spirituality focuses on seeking meaning, purpose, and connection with something greater than oneself, which may or may not involve religion. Some people find spirituality in nature, meditation, or philosophical reflection rather than in religious faith. Faith can be associated with the belief in a higher power, religious doctrines, and practices within an organized system (such as Christianity, Islam, or Hinduism). It often involves trust in a divine being and adherence to specific teachings. 

The 9 Areas of Wellness:

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines wellness as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” The key areas of wellness include: physical, mental, social, emotional, intellectual, environmental, financial, occupational, and spiritual. 

Here is a summary of their definitions: 

1. Physical Wellness: Maintaining a healthy weight, Engaging in regular exercise, Getting enough sleep, and Managing stress. 
2. Mental Health: Emotional stability, Coping with challenges, and Maintaining positive relationships. 
3. Social Wellness: Feeling connected to others, Contributing to the community, and Developing strong social support systems. 
4. Emotional Wellness: Self-awareness and acceptance, Managing emotions effectively, and Developing positive coping mechanisms. 
5. Intellectual Wellness: Engaging in lifelong learning, Expanding knowledge and skills, and Cultivating curiosity and creativity. 
6. Environmental Wellness: Protecting and preserving the natural environment, Making sustainable choices, and Reducing environmental impact. 
7. Financial Wellness: Managing finances responsibly, Planning for the future, and Avoiding debt and financial stress. 
8. Occupational Wellness: Finding purpose and satisfaction in work, Maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and Developing professional skills. 
9. Spiritual Wellness: Finding meaning and purpose in life, Connecting with personal values, and Developing a sense of inner peace. 

Note: having all of them at their highest should not be the goal but aim to have them present in the process of taking care of wellness.