Confident Christianity Conference

A Weekend With Solas

Do you find the thought of talking about Jesus to friends, neighbours, classmates 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. (“Aren’t Christians bigoted and homophobic?”; “Isn’t the Bible unreliable and full of errors?”; “Hasn’t science buried God?”; “Isn’t religion just a psychological crutch?” … and the list goes on).

Well, you’re not alone! In the fast-paced, skeptical and secular culture in which we live, most of us find evangelism a bit daunting.

We are so excited to be welcoming Solas back to Cowplain Church for a weekend full of events on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th April 2026. More information will be available soon, but tickets for the Confident Christianity Conference on Saturday 25th April are on sale now using the button below.

A Weekend Full Of Events

Block out 25th and 26th April in your diaries, you do not want to miss out!

25th April, 9.30am-3.30pm | Confident Christianity Conference
25th April, 9.30am-3.30pm | Confident Christianity Conference

Solas, led by Andy Bannister and his team, are coming to Cowplain Church along with Gavin Matthews and David Hutchings for a Confident Christianity Conference. Doors open at 9am for refreshments, the conference begins at 9.30am and runs until around 3.30pm. Details on what they are each speaking on will follow soon.

26th April, 9.15am & 11am| Sunday Discovery Service

Andy Bannister will also be joining us on Sunday 26th April 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, to either our 9.15am or 11am Discovery Service on Sunday 26th April.

Sunday 26th April | An Evening with Solas
Sunday 26th April | An Evening with Solas

Details coming soon!

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 talk about Jesus without looking like an idiot and Bringing it back to Jesus: naturally connecting conversations to Christ.

Gavin <font color="#3e7cb1">matthews</font>

Gavin matthews

Gavin is Solas’s Assistant Director (Scotland) and does a wide variety of work for the organisation. He speaks for Solas in churches and at conferences, co-ordinates the website, writes articles and other Solas communications and presents webinars and podcasts. He also loves networking for Solas and speaking with church leaders about our work. Gavin has been married to Elaine since 1996 and they have three adult children. He has been a member of Perth Baptist Church since 1999.

During the conference, Gavin will be speaking on A Biblical Basis for Apologetics  and  If God, why suffering?

David <span style="color:var(--primary-color-bg)">Hutchings</span>

David Hutchings

David's bio to follow.

David will be speaking on 5 good questions and The harvest is plentiful - but how do we bring it in?

Tickets On Sale Now!
Who Are <span style="color:var(--primary-color-bg)">Solas?</span>

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 Cowplain Church!

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). Doors open at 9am with the conference starting at 9.30am and finishing at around 3.30pm.

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.

Got Questions About The Weekend?

Please don't hesitate to contact us.