Who is Campus Pastor Matt Styles?

By: Samantha Hidalgo

Pastor Matt Styles’ life has been full of Isaiah 6:8 moments. When God asks, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Isaiah responds, “Here am I; send me!”. This verse is often seen as a powerful example of a willing and obedient response to God’s calling and a commitment to serve. Pastor Styles didn’t always know what he wanted to do but over time and God placing the right people in his life, he was able to discern his calling. Matt Styles was born and raised in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He grew up attending the United Methodist Church with his family, his mother occasionally leading Sunday school. He grew up in an environment where going to church was a part of the social climate. He also loved playing basketball and spending time with friends. A pivotal time for Styles in his faith was in High School. “I had a conversation with some people, where questions like” “what does it mean to be a Christian were asked” and someone asked me, “Are you a Christian?” and I was like “Oh yeah, I go to church like all the time” and then someone said, “that doesn’t make you a Christian.” So, I started to think deep er about my faith and ask the question, “so what does make someone a Christian?” said Styles. He said he began to swear less and read his bible more, although admittedly at the time didn’t know what was going on in Leviticus. Styles had a friend surrender their life to God and witnessed his friend’s faith grow. This encouraged him to dig in even deeper, leading him to grow in his prayer life and with his community through church, witnessing important growth in himself. Pastor Matt Styles was once a student here at The University of Sioux Falls. He began his college education at The University of South Dakota in Vermillion, SD. He wasn’t sure what direction to go in higher education, but he liked making funny videos. Styles began with taking only general courses, Majoring in Mass Communications and participating in CREW (or Campus Crusade for Christ). While he was attending USD, he began dating a girl, who would later become his wife; she transferred to USF, and Styles followed. He was already driving up to Sioux Falls every weekend. Considering the Majors at USF and Styles’ love of making silly videos he began Majoring in Media Studies with a Minor in Theology & Philosophy (which is now Theology and Biblical Studies). Once experiencing his first few theology courses Styles was enamored, “It was incredible, the depth of which Christians throughout history have thought about their faith some of the questions and conversations, the depth, I was drawn to it, so then I did a double major Media Studies & Theology/Philosophy.” Styles then went on to Seminary at the suggestion of Dr. John Hiigel. “I never anticipated seminary as my next move,” he said. After considering a couple of different programs, he chose to attend Seminary at Sioux Falls Seminary, in part to be close to his then girlfriend. After receiving his master’s in divinity, he began to Pastor at Komstad Covenant Church in Beresford, SD where he stayed for 7 1⁄2 years. After a chance encounter with a seminary professor, Styles was encouraged to explore his options. “Then my professor said to me,” “Hey I know you’re at the country church, have you looked into anywhere else?” “I said no, I’m comfortable where I’m at.” “Well, there’s a position opening up at Trinity Baptist Church, I think you should put your name in for it.” said Styles. Styles didn’t consider the position at first, he loved the people in his congregation and was happy. Later, he encountered his professor again and was told that the hiring committee was keeping an eye out for Styles’ name among the applicants. Styles thought, “What’s the harm in ap plying?” “And then all the doors started opening up,” he said, and that’s how he landed the position at Trinity Baptist Church where he worked for 7 years. Styles came into the position of Campus Pastor in much the same way. He met up with Dr.Hiigel at a restaurant. Hiigel told him, “Dennis Thum is retiring” and Styles was encouraged to apply. “He is a fan of this school, but he is sensitive, experienced and has an incredible sense of humor. He also has the capability to preach about complex things!” said Dr. Hiigel. Styles said he was excited for the opportunity! “That’d be cool because this was a place that was really transformative for me throughout the years and a place where I really grew a ton,” said Styles. He didn’t have to think for long before turning in his application to become our Campus Pastor and getting to be a part of leading the growth and transformation that he cherished so much as a student at the University of Sioux Falls.