Gavin‘s uplifting tale about his switch from pitch to pulpit
A Greater Glory: From Pitch To Pulpit, by Gavin Peacock (Sportsbookofthemonth.com price £8.99, saving £5 on rrp)
GAVIN Peacock’s A Greater Glory opens with one of the most vivid descriptions of the buildup to and actually playing in an FA Cup final, the 1994 duel between Peacock’s Chelsea and all-conquering Manchester United.
Chelsea had defeated United twice in the league that season (both matches ended 1-0) but this pair of victories had not fostered any illusions among the squad or management; they recognised that their opponents, crowned champions, were the better team.
Midway through the first half, Peacock narrowly beat Paul Ince to the ball and got his shot away. The ball sailed over Peter Schmeichel towards the goal; in his mind’s eye, Peacock could already hear the match commentary declaring him scorer of the opening goal, only for the ball to cruelly smack against the crossbar and away to safety. United were a different team after the break and eventually ran out 4-0 winners.
A few years’ later, Peacock would retire following a playing career with Newcastle, Chelsea and QPR to become a respected BBC pundit, but unlike others who have followed a similarly well-worn path, he walked away from the media and the game to follow his Christian calling.
He had been a regular reader of the Bible for years but gradually recognised a deep, burning compulsion to teach its message. Initially, this resulted in a series of religious studies at Cambridge designed to gauge the level of his enthusiasm for ministry. In 2008, after embarking on a theology degree, Peacock, his wife and
children left for the sleepy town of Canmore, in Canada, as he undertook to dedicate his life to spreading God’s word.
Enrolling at Calgary’s Ambrose Seminary, Peacock completed a masters degree in divinity before starting his full-time ministry at Calvary Grace Church in 2012.
While Peacock initially missed his involvement with football, there’s little doubt he has chosen to pursue a much greater ambition: preaching to his congregation and honouring God.
As a pastor, he deals with people who are at opposite ends of the emotional spectrum. They could be experiencing great happiness or are at their lowest possible point, but however they feel, Peacock declares meeting these folks a great privilege.
He recognises that playing football was a privilege, too, but he now benefits from having something considerably more valuable in his life as this uplifting book confirms.
❝ He had been a regular reader of the Bible for years but gradually recognised a deep, burning compulsion to teach its message