About Lightwave

A Bishop's Mission Order shaped not by boundaries but by mission, shining the light of Christ in the everyday places of rural and semi-rural Suffolk.

A people, not a program

Lightwave is a people, people who listen, who welcome, who create safe spaces, who take risks for the sake of the Gospel, and who trust that God is already at work in every village and every heart. As a CIO, we steward our responsibilities with care, accountability, and prayerful discernment.

A flexible, Spirit-led way of being church that fits the rhythms and realities of rural life.

Belong, grow, make a difference

We bring people together in small, relational groups that nurture faith, build community resilience, and respond to local needs with compassion, working in partnership with parishes, schools, councils and community organisations, from Gateways to discipleship groups and worship gatherings.

The best possible start in faith and life

Each week we engage hundreds of children through toddler groups, school partnerships, creative clubs, youth gatherings and discipleship groups — often reaching those with little or no church background. We invest intentionally in leadership development, empowering young people to serve, volunteer and grow in faith.

Meet the team

The people behind Lightwave — serving communities across rural Suffolk.

TEAM CENTRAL

Kirk Matthews

Operations Lead for the Lightwave Community - Suffolk wide
Hazel Bray

Lightwave Community Finance Manager/Book-keeper
Diane Grano

Acting Leader for the Lightwave Community and lead minister for the Forest Heath Rural Hub
Administrator

We’re looking for a volunteer Administrator. If you love supporting others, this could be you
Alison Earl

Lightwave Community Children & Youth and events Leader

LIGHTWAVE COMMUNITIES

Ben Wale

Emerge Lightwave Rural Hub Leader
Alison Earl

Licensed Pioneer and Assistant Leader for the Red Lodge Hub
Kathy Wilson

Lightwave Curate Leader of the Ministry at The Place by the Water and NS Curate in the Wilford Peninsula Benefice
Becky West

Bridge Communities Leader
Revd. Graham Naylon

Rector of the Bungay Benefice and Oversight Minister of the Bungay and Beyond Lightwave Hub

PARISH CHURCH MISSION PARTNERS

Gail Southgate

Pioneer Evangelist and co-leader of Pilgrims Together
Nicky Lawson

Lay Licensed Pioneer and Leader of the "4 o'clock Community" in Chadbrook Benefice
Chrissie Smart

Priest in Charge Four Rivers Benefice and Leader of "Bridge"