What happens in a Lightwave group?
Lightwave groups exist for people who "dont do church". Many members also go to a local church but our heart is to enable people who dont normally go on a Sunday to experience God's love. We believe that Jesus calls all people to follow him and is concerned with our everyday lives. Groups often meet in homes, pubs, offices, schools as well as churches.
Our groups try to live by 5 practices which we call the ABC of Lightwave - All Involved, Becoming Disciples, Creating Community, Doing Evangelism and Encountering God.
In this way, Lightwave groups do the essential things of a church - but different ways, suited to the needs of members in a small group who get to know each other well. So there are no sermons - but we study the Bible and try to put it into practice in our lives. We eat together, have fun, support each other and try to put faith to work in practical care for friends and neighbours and the most needy in our society. We share the special meal which Jesus gave to his followers called "eucharist" or "communion". We are part of the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich and always seek to collaborate with and support more traditional churches too.
You can find a Lightwave group near you by going to our map or contact Sally Gaze or one of our Hub Leaders for help on how to start a group.
If you want to start a Lightwave group, get a few people together to pray and discern what God is calling you to. You might start by looking at the ABC missional practices OR by using the Planning for Growth Resource which helps you to discern what your group's mission focus might be.
Examples of a missional focus might be - reaching out to people in new housing, working with messy church families or a top up shop and place of welcome. If you want help to start a group or to register your group, contact Sally Gaze or a local hub leader a lightwave.community@cofesuffolk.org
