A Weekend With Solas
Do you find the thought of talking about Jesus to friends, neighbours, or colleagues daunting? Do you sometimes find yourself thinking, what if I say something that makes God look bad? Or wondering what happens if they raise a challenging question or objection to which you’re unable to respond.
We are so excited to be welcoming Solas back to CEC for a weekend full of events between Friday 14th and Sunday 16th. More information will be available soon for the Friday and Sunday, but tickets for the Confident Christianity Conference on Saturday 15th July are on sale now using the button below.
Confident Christianity at Cowplain Evangelical Church
Hear Andy Bannister, Sharon Dirckx and Justin Brierley expand on what they will be speaking on.
A Weekend Full Of Events
Block out 14th-16th July in your diaries, you do not want to miss out!
14th July, 7.30pm | Plagues, Pandemics & Putin
The evening includes a short talk where our guest speaker, Andy Bannister, will answer the question. There will be a break for refreshments and cake followed by a Q&A session where you can anonymously ask any question you like: either something related to the talk, or about something else entirely.
15th July, 9.30am-4pm | Confident Christianity Conference
Solas, led by Andy Bannister and his team, are coming to Cowplain Church along with Sharon Dirckx and Justin Brierley for a Confident Christianity Conference. Doors open at 9am for refreshments and the conference begins at 9.30am and runs until 4pm. See below for what they will be speaking on.
16th July, 10am | Sunday Discovery Service
Andy Bannister will also be joining us on Sunday 16th July for a morning talk, where we will also have our usual worship, children’s groups and refreshments. It’s going to be a brilliant morning to hear Andy Bannister share more. We invite you to come along to Cowplain Church, for free, from 10am on Sunday 16th July.
16th July, 5pm | Joint FIEC Service
We are proud to be affiliated with the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches, and we are so excited to host a joint FIEC service. The service will be led by Pastor Phill, and taught by Andy Bannister. We invite you, if you are part of the FIEC or not, for a great evening together.
The Speakers
Dr. Andy Bannister, PhD
Dr. Andy Bannister is the Director of Solas and an Adjunct Lecturer at Wycliffe College, University of Toronto. Andy holds a PhD in Islamic studies and is an Adjunct Research Fellow at the Centre for the Study of Islam and Other Faiths at Melbourne School of Theology. Andy is the author of an academic book, An Oral-Formulaic Study of the Qur’an, and two popular-level books: The Atheist Who Didn’t Exist (or: The Terrible Consequences of Really Bad Arguments), and his latest: Do Muslims and Christians Worship the Same God?.
When not travelling, speaking, or writing, Andy is a keen hiker, mountain climber, and photographer. He is married to Astrid; they have two children, Caitriona and Christopher.
During the conference, Andy will be speaking on How to share your faith with those who are disinterested: evangelism to the apathetic and Connect but alone: why are we so lonely despite all our technology?
Justin Brierley
You may know of Justin Brierley if you listen to Premier Christian Radio, where he presents the station’s flagship apologetics and theology debate programme Unbelievable? every Saturday at 6pm. Justin is also an international speaker and author of the book Unbelievable? Why, after ten years of talking with atheists, I’m still a Christian.
Justin will be speaking on Why, after 15 years of talking with atheists, I’m still a Christian and also The surprising rebirth of belief in God: why new atheism grew old and new thinkers are reconsidering Christian faith.
Dr. Sharon Dirckx, PhD
Sharon Dirckx is an independent speaker and author, as well as a lecturer at the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics. She has a PhD in brain imaging from the University of Cambridge and has held research positions in the UK and USA. Sharon has written books including Broken Planet: If there’s a God, then why are there natural disasters and diseases? and Why?: Looking at God, Evil and Personal Suffering.
Sharon will be speaking on Is there anything special about being human? and Am I just my brain?
£10 Tickets On Sale Now!
Who Are Solas?
Solas
Solas’ mission is to communicate the Christian faith in a way that is engaging, relevant, and persuasive to contemporary culture. The organisation seeks to equip Christians to be effective ambassadors for Christ in their communities and to talk with non-Christians in a way that is respectful and loving.
Andy Bannister Returns to CEC!
Andy Bannister has delivered great, informative talks at Cowplain Church before. Why not take a look?
Book Your Tickets Today
We encourage you to book your tickets soon to avoid missing out!
Tickets include conference material and refreshments throughout the day (lunch not included). Discounted books will also be available to purchase during the day.
Doors open at 9am with the conference starting at 9.30am and finishing at 4pm.
FAQs About Confident Christianity Conference
Got More Questions? Contact Us Today.
This conference is for everyone, Christians and Non Christians. This is a chance to learn more about God, and a great opportunity to ask your questions. No question is a stupid question, so come prepared with your questions!
We encourage all to come to the Confident Christianity Conference, as this will be an exceptional conference, one not to be missed.
Absolutely you can, in fact, this is perfect for them. A time to pass on those questions you don’t know the answer to, to our brilliant speakers!
They won’t feel uncomfortable, there will be many people who have similar questions, and it’s good to ask them in a place where people are likely to give a good answer, point to the answer or help them in the best way.
Book your tickets here.
We want everyone to hear the Word of God and what the three speakers are here to teach, so we will have the hearing loop on for you.
If you have further difficulties, please speak to our Church Administrator so we can accommodate further help.
There are a few ways to get to us!
If you’re taking the bus, there is a bus stop just 2 minute walk from the church, called ‘Cowplain Shops’. The First number 8 bus stops there every 10 minutes. You can find the timetable here.
If you’re taking the train, there is a train station in Havant, about 4.5 miles from the church. There is a bus that runs from Havant to Cowplain Shops, which is then a 2 minute walk to the church.
We recommend checking bus and train timetables before coming.
If you’re cycling, we have a few bike racks outside the church for you to use at your need.
When you visit Cowplain Church, you can park in the council-owned car park behind the church that is FREE all day Sundays and bank holidays, you are more than welcome to park there.
Charges do apply 8am-6pm on Monday to Saturday, please see the website for more information. For the conference, you will need to pay for parking for the day, but the Sunday service will have free parking.
Book in your calendar!
Plagues, Pandemics & Putin
14th July, 7pm. Doors open at 6:30pm.
Confident Christianity
15th July, 10am-4pm. Doors open at 9:30am
10am Discovery Service
16th July, 10am. Doors open from 9:30am.
Joint FIEC Service
16th July at 5pm. Doors open from 4:30pm.
Got Questions About The Weekend?
Please don't hesitate to contact us. You can speak to the church administrator or Pastor Phill by ringing during office hours, who will be pleased to speak to you.