Student spotlight: The twisting path to seminary

  1. Student spotlight: A second chance at seminary
  2. Student spotlight: Pay attention to the “bread crumbs”
  3. Student spotlight: Relationship leads to Union
  4. Student spotlight: The twisting path to seminary
  5. Student spotlight: Longtime educator yearns to learn more
  6. Student Spotlight: Dana Purdom digs deep
  7. Alec Powell: The Unconventional Call
  8. Kate Meeks: Theology & Food Justice
  9. Nancy Myer: Lifelong learning
  10. Senator Scott: Finding community and connection
  11. Colleen Earp: Camping, conservation, and chickens
  12. In “Reference” to Paula Skreslet
  13. Paul Smith: From police officer to pastor
  14. Heather Woodworth Brannon advocates for housing justice in Richmond

BY JEFF STAPLETON

Growing up, Master of Divinity student Matt Argonauta knew his path would lead him to seminary. But, sometimes, that path isn’t always a straight or direct one.

“My parents are both retired ministers, Argonauta said. “So I grew up around ministry and have always felt drawn to theological thought but there were some issues I needed to work through.”

One issue was a bout with depression and addiction. He also started exploring other faiths. He didn’t want to be identified as Christian because he felt fundamentalists dominate the public imagination in the media.

“I was meeting with a gentleman at a Hindu temple, who was fundamentalist within his tradition, and I had this realization while talking to him that I had been letting other folks define my faith for me. I shouldn’t be doing that.” That pushed Argonauta to go all in with his decision to enroll at Union Presbyterian Seminary’s Charlotte campus.

Argonauta grew up Presbyterian but is not currently a member. He attends Wedgewood Church in Charlotte which is aligned with the United Church of Christ, American Baptist Churches USA, and the Alliance of Baptists. He was ordained last June within their Baptist heritage. He also spent some time in the Episcopal Church.

While his father and mother attended Union Theological Seminary and the Presbyterian School of Christian Education respectively, as well as many friends, the deciding factor was the option of attending classes on weekends, which allows him to keep his full-time job as a construction inspector for Charlotte’s water utility.

Argonauta was admitted to Union on a provisional basis as he does not have a bachelor’s degree.

“After high school, I went to Appalachian State University for a year and that was the beginning of when the bout with depression hit,” Argonauta said. “I went to community colleges off and on and finally, in July 2017, I received my Associate of Arts degree.”

He wants to pursue chaplaincy or perform social justice work with his degree. “I’m very passionate about social justice issues and I’ve had some experience in substance abuse counseling and that feeds into chaplaincy.”