From the Barbershop to Bible Study—Diana's Story

Standing in the breezeway during her freshman year at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith (UAFS), Diana looked out into the sea of organizations and clubs tabling. She was curious to know what her campus had to offer. Of all the organizations and clubs vying for Diana’s attention that day, one poster advertising a Bible study caught her eye. The poster said “InterVarsity.” 

Curious, Diana made her way over to the table and met Lucas, the InterVarsity staff. Bible study was what initially drew Diana in, but it was the personal connection that made her feel understood. That first conversation with Lucas would eventually lead Diana to become the strong leader she is today. 

Barbershop Discipleship 

While her first interaction with InterVarsity was positive, Diana struggled to get out of her comfort zone. When she first met Lucas, she told him she was a barber and invited him to come by anytime he needed a haircut. So, Lucas took her up on her offer. For nearly two years of haircuts, he used these times as discipleship opportunities, asking Diana about her spiritual life and where she stood with God. 

Diana was taken aback that someone who didn’t know her well genuinely cared about her that way. As Lucas built trust with her, she started thinking more deeply about her walk with God. Every time they met, she shared more of her life, and he shared more about InterVarsity’s vision and why Diana should give it a chance. “It was like sowing seeds into the ground,” Lucas said. 

Stepping Into Obedience 

Finally, during her junior year, Diana decided to step outside her comfort zone. “I decided to be more obedient towards the calling God had put in me,” she said. 

She attended her first InterVarsity Bible study and was surprised at how deep it was. Diana believed in God and had always gone to church, but inductive Bible study wasn’t something she had done before. “I would never actually do Bible studies with my church or even take the time out of my day to study the Bible on my own because I really didn’t understand anything,” she reflected. 

However, as Lucas took time to explain Scripture to her in a way she could understand, Diana saw how she could apply it to her everyday life.   

Looking for the Lost Sheep 

One of the stories from Scripture that impacted Diana the most was the parable of the good shepherd found in the gospels. “We’re called to look for the one, look for the lost sheep,” she said. 

As her faith continued to grow through Bible studies, she began wanting to be more obedient to God and share his love with others. She shared her faith with friends, clients, and even on social media. In response, friends who previously weren't interested in faith went with her to Bible study, and others asked her questions about Jesus. “She’s had so many spiritual conversations with people over the last couple of years … God has been using these conversations to inspire Diana to take her faith to others and her community,” Lucas said. 

Overflowing Purpose

Now, as an InterVarsity leader, Diana reflects on how God has been working through her decision to say yes to him— and how others have noticed the growth in her, even though it took time to get there. “I didn’t feel comfortable. I didn’t feel confident, [but] Lucas would always say that I would be a great leader. He saw the potential that I didn’t see in myself.” 

Wanting others to experience all the ways she grew through Bible study, Diana was even able to bring the inductive Bible study method into her church, helping others off campus develop stronger relationships with Jesus. She continues to learn how to be obedient to God in every part of her life and to reach out to those around her. 

“I've learned that God loves me either way. Even if it takes me a little bit longer, he always has a good purpose for me,” she said. 

College is a time of academic investment, discovering purpose, and building community. It can also be the place where students like Diana learn to follow God and be obedient to him with their whole lives, for the rest of their lives. Click here to find an InterVarsity ministry on a campus near you. 

Hear more about Diana’s story by watching the video below.