Diana C. Gleaton (’23) earned her Master of Arts in Biblical Studies with a Bible Exposition concentration at LBC | Capital’s May 2023 graduation ceremony. Diana’s degree is the third in a varied educational career, which also includes an MBA in Finance from Rutgers University and a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Cornell University. Read on to see what Diana shared with her fellow graduates and graduation guests this spring:
Master of Arts in Biblical Studies graduate Diana C. Gleaton (’23) shared her testimony and the impact LBC | Capital made on her life at the May 2023 graduation ceremony.
“I praise God for his guidance in my time at LBC Capital.
For several years, I’ve led a women’s Bible study. I’m keenly aware that God judges teachers with greater strictness (James 3:1). That’s why attending seminary has been my dream. I wanted to study under Bible scholars who would challenge me. A master’s in Biblical Studies with a concentration in Exposition seemed like a good choice—and LBC | Capital seemed to be a good fit.
But that didn’t mean it was God’s plan—or God’s timing. And my husband wasn’t sure this was the right thing to do either. Yet, as one of the more “seasoned” students here, I admit I felt time was running a bit short. But ‘God’s plan’ isn’t God’s plan unless it’s also God’s timing. So I decided I wouldn’t apply to LBC | Capital unless God brought my husband, Eddie, into agreement. So you can imagine my shock when, on a campus tour, Eddie said, “You should apply—today.” God was confirming! I am thankful Eddie has been my biggest fan on this journey, but I also know he’s glad today has finally come!
It’s been a privilege to study under wise professors. They were patient and encouraging, yet they pushed us. I want to thank them for modeling Jesus SO well. Dr. (John) Soden changed how I read the Old Testament. He and Dr. (Douglas) Finkbeiner gave me a whole new appreciation for how the New Testament authors read and used the Old Testament. Drs. (Sam) Harbin and Finkbeiner taught me to communicate the big idea of the text clearly. Dr. (Albin) Huss drilled Greek paradigms into me. Dr. (Mark) Meyer helped me appreciate Hebrew. Dr. (Mark) Farnham showed me how to be an effective apologist. And so many others. Because of them, I’ve grown in my ability to disciple women. I know, because I hear how our Bible studies are impacting them. But ‘God’s plan’ isn’t God’s plan unless it’s also God’s path—each step of the way.
It’s not the degree, but the courses that make up that degree. As I considered my final electives, the course I wanted wasn’t an option. But God began nudging me, convincing me it would be a shame to graduate without a course in church history. This was definitely God—I am not a history person! When I looked at the course schedule, there it was: Historical Theology, with Dr. (Mark) Draper! It had been there; I just didn’t have eyes to see it. God was leading me into that course. I have to say, it was grueling—worse than Greek! But I found myself learning things I never expected that are already helping me disciple women from different church backgrounds so they can clearly hear the gospel and understand what the Bible says versus what they’ve been taught.
God has been SO good to me at LBC Capital. I admit it’s easy for me to get ahead of Him. But in following Him, God has led me to exactly what I need to serve Him well. So today is about graduation, but it’s also about God’s faithfulness!”