Published on: 10/04/2026
Tell us a bit about yourself
I’m a South Yorkshire newbie! Having moved here from Manchester in March, it’s great to be near the Peaks and starting somewhere fresh. A friend of mine asked me if I was daunted by the thought of starting up in a new place where I didn’t know anyone, but I love learning and a blank slate is a wonderful circumstance to put that learning into practice. Before my current role, I worked for a museum, so any history discussion is a fun one for me. While I studied history for my degree, I’m working on a Masters in Theology. I’m also a lifelong Manchester City fan who is trying to figure out whether I’ll be cheering on the Owls or the Blades in local games, so any guidance on that important decision is much appreciated!
What drew you to this new role?
Lights for Christ is all about discipleship, which is a real passion of mine because it involves the whole people of God pursuing the whole mission of God. The opportunity to help churches to meaningfully and effectively support their members who want to follow God every day between one Sunday and the next is a really exciting one.
What are you hoping to learn more about?
I’m definitely expecting a steep learning curve when it comes to all things Church of England as I’ve never held a diocesan role before, so please be gracious while I learn all the language! More positively, though, I’m really looking forward to working across the Diocese, learning the contexts in which our churches and disciples are ministering, and seeing the range of solutions and innovations that leaders have put into place. My prayer is that my understanding of God’s love, and the diverse ways that He ministers to the world, will deepen and grow as I get to witness the work of the Church in many different places and communities.
How can we encourage each other to be Lights for Christ?
Firstly, be open about what following Jesus looks like for you. As Christians, we share mission, ministry, and the discipleship journey, not just with Jesus, but with one another. The highs and lows, questions and victories of this discipleship journey can feel very personal, but we’re blessed to have brothers and sisters with whom we can build trusting and trustworthy relationships which have Christ at the centre. These relationships are so valuable in being a Light for Christ.
Secondly, keep Lights for Christ on the agenda. Often when we talk about following Jesus, we talk about the first step, a life-changing encounter with God or our baptism. But being Lights for Christ is about every step of following Jesus after we, like Matthew, step out of the tax-collection booth. Being a Light for Christ is about choosing to follow Jesus daily, and letting ourselves be formed by him for the rest of our lives. Keep reflecting and re-reflecting on the shape of our life, and how your habits and practices release you for discipleship.