Confident Faith Conference 2024
Clarity in the Chaos

Something new arrived when Jesus of Nazareth was born. Something happened when he began teaching in the first century. Something sparked a movement when Jesus was crucified and, according to his followers, rose from the dead! This talk explores how that ‘something’ – the gospel – is a comprehensive offer of a new way of living in relationship with God. We are invited to consider how the gospel is at once an offer of comfort and challenge, of transformation and trial, of healing and hope.

Economics and financial trends continue to be the most influential forces that shape modern life. The cost of living is rising. Uncertainty is growing. Unemployment rates are fragile. And artificial intelligence and technological breakthroughs continue to create excitement and anxiety. All of this, while governments, businesses and families scramble for stability amid the shifting sands of a changing world. Is there a way we can rise above the chaos, alleviate the suffering of others, speak truth in love and work towards better lives, without losing faith, meaning and purpose?

It seems that the human race has never been more concerned about the natural environment and there seem to be good reasons for that concern. But how should those who believe in a creator view the natural world? In a world that seems to either ignore those worries or panic about any human impact, what might be a distinctive Christian response?

In contemplating the impact of AI on humanity, we are delving into a realm that touches the very essence of what it means to be human. AI has the potential to revolutionize not only our societies but also our understanding of consciousness, free will, and morality.  Furthermore, the integration of AI into daily life raises questions about autonomy and the human experience. Will AI augment our capabilities, or will it lead to a loss of human agency? As we navigate this unprecedented era, it’s imperative to reflect on these philosophical ideas and ensure that our advancements in AI align with our values and aspirations as a species.

Alanzo addresses the profound question, “Is there meaning in my pain?” by examining how various belief systems interpret personal suffering. This lecture will highlight the unique Christian perspective, focusing on the  life and suffering of Jesus Christ. Through Christ’s experiences and resurrection, Alanzo will demonstrate how the Christian worldview offers a luminous response for finding meaning in the darkest times of life.

From minor misdemeanours, to the existence of pure evil, things in the world are not as they should be. We need only look at our own lives to realise that we don’t always behave in the way we’d like. The Christian faith has a word for this state of malaise: sin. In this session we’ll take closer look at why we get things wrong, whether individually or corporately, and discover that in Jesus, God has provided the ultimate solution.

There are so many remarkable things about Jesus. In this session we take a deep dive into his amazing ability to teach different groups simultaneous, looking at the stories Jesus told in Luke 15. We will see that not only do the stories of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and of the two sons complement each other to form a larger whole, but also the story of the two sons (often known as the Parable of the Prodigal Son) has multiple levels at which it can be heard and is full of references to the Old Testament. It is arguably the most remarkable short story that has ever been told.

All the promises of God are answered in Jesus. Our day will end with a look to Jesus as the author and perfecter of our faith.

When the church gets it wrong (Panel Discussion) Clare Williams, Charlie Styles & Emma Ineson

In recent years it seems that the church has made the headlines, not for good works and social action, but for failures in leadership and accountability. Surveys reveal that the church is far from the first place people go with their spiritual questions. How has the church become such a barrier to evangelism? How can we respond? And how might Jesus give us a model for our own approach?

Did God make the world in 7 days? John Lennox

What did the writer of Genesis mean by “the first day?” Are the seven days in Genesis 1 a literal week or a series of time periods? In this seminar, learn how to interpret Genesis while heeding modern scientific knowledge and staying true to the biblical narrative.

Can I trust the Old Testament? Peter J. Williams

This seminar explores the historical reliability of the Old Testament. Emphasizing the meticulous transmission of texts and the impressive accuracy of ancient records over centuries, learn how archaeological findings corroborate biblical accounts.

Why does Christianity give queer people such a tough time? Ben Thomas & Sam Allberry

This session addresses increasing claims that the traditional Christian sexual ethic suppresses humanity, especially for those who identify as LGBT+ or nonheterosexual. Sam and Ben will outline traditional views, followed by group discussions on compassionate, truthful responses to these concerns.

How do I know the Gospel is true? Sara Stevenson & Simon Edwards

This lecture examines why the Gospels are considered high-quality sources for believing in Jesus as the Son of God and Savior of the world. It will also explore the spiritual insights and relationship security found in personally knowing Jesus.

How can I share the truth in a world of migration and multiculturalism?  Rahil Patel & Max Jeganathan

In a world increasingly polarised and uncertain, citizens of free democracies face the reality of navigating sensitive and controversial issues as part of communities that are more diverse than ever. How can authentic Christian discipleship faithfully represent Jesus and empower his followers to meaningfully engage with those of different cultures and ethnicities?

Open Q&A Panel John Lennox & Ben Thomas (hosted by Charlie Styles)

We recognise that there are a variety of difficult questions people may be wrestling with about God, faith, and Christianity. This session provides the opportunity to ask pressing questions that may not have been directly addressed at other seminars.

How much do ancient historians think we can know about Jesus? Max Baker-Hytch

Despite public skepticism, ancient historians widely affirm Jesus of Nazareth’s historical existence. This seminar explores the historical methods that establish key events and themes of his life, demonstrating why these aspects are considered firmly established by scholarly consensus.

Where is the Prince of Peace in a world of conflict? Max Jeganathan & Sara Stevenson

In a post-truth world driven by feelings and underpinned by uncertainty, people are more angry and polarised than ever before. Our local and global social fabric seems to be deteriorating, and more and more of us are angry and confused. In a world that seems to be spiraling increasingly out of control, how can we navigate conflict, cure outrage and be a agents of redemption and restoration in a world crying out for peace?

How can we connect with people through culture and creativity? Tom Price & Sophie Styles

The poet Malcolm Guite describes how poetry can, ‘jostle the soil of the imagination’ of human beings. Our culture is posing excellent questions through the arts and culture: what we see on Netflix, the music and podcasts we listen to, or what we read. People who are seeking God may not be asking the questions we expect or in the form we anticipated, and as christians our engagement can become “stuck” around certain models or styles, missing the creativity and nuance which connects on deeper levels. This seminar will set out a creative and culturally engaged approach that can reach out to the head and the heart. As Paul did in Acts 17, we will start with listening and exploration before thinking about how we engage questions, through a fresh, culturally, and imaginatively engaged approach to the proclamation of the unchanging gospel. A way of making the connection between life and culture.

How can you say Jesus is the only way? Alanzo Paul & Rahil Patel

Join Alanzo and Rahil for a thought-provoking seminar on the question, “How can you say Jesus is the only way?” Drawing from their personal experience with diverse, multi-faith family and backgrounds, they will explore the importance of respecting others’ beliefs while addressing the logical implications of religious exclusivity. Alanzo and Rahil will explain why claiming that “all religions are equally true” is self-defeating and argue that Jesus’ exclusive claims are about truth rather than intolerance. This seminar promises to challenge your understanding and offer respectful insights into the heart of Christian faith.

Is Christianity a White Man’s Religion? Clare Williams & Sam Allberry

In this seminar, we explore where this question arises from in culture and consider historical and present-day factors which contribute to this objection.  We will see how this is not just a fringe issue with Christianity, but one that is part of the perceived harms of the faith in current debates.  We will conclude by thinking about how the gospel responds to this deeply felt question.