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A Greater Glory: From Pitch to Pulpit
Premier league footballer turned pastor Gavin Peacock tells the story of his career and his faith in this fascinating, thought–provoking and personal read. ‘There is more to life than football, fame and fortune. There is a greater joy and a greater glory to be had.’ What makes a man walk away from his life as a professional footballer turned BBC pundit to become a church minister? They say it is every schoolboy’s dream to play in the F.A. Cup Final and it’s a dream that came true for Gavin Peacock. In his riveting autobiography follow Gavin’s journey from a child growing up in a footballing family to Chelsea captain; from a son following in his father’s footsteps to a husband and father supporting his own family; from pundit to preacher. Experience his highs and lows as he tells his story and explains the driving force behind it all – his love for football, his love for his family, and most importantly his love for God.
264 pages, Hardcover
Published May 7, 2021
9 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Gavin Peacock
11 books6 followersGavin is associate pastor at Calvary Grace Church of Calgary, and the Director of International Outreach for CBMW. He played football professionally for Chelsea and Newcastle Utd. Owen is Associate Professor of Christian Theology at MBTS in Kansas City, Missouri. He is the Director of the Center for Public Theology at MBTS and author of 'Reenchanting Humanity: A Theology of Mankind'.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 15, 2022
A Greater Glory: From Pitch to Pulpit was an enjoyable read from start to finish with Gavin Peacock’s fine writing style on full display. This book combines two of my greatest passions: Christ and football (soccer), and thus it will be at the top of my list of books in which I have been most engaged while reading.
Peacock was able to beautifully paint the narrative of his early childhood growing up around respectable men, being taught the importance of character and hard work by his father, and how he achieved what most young boys in England (and a handful in North America) dream of – becoming a professional footballer. Gavin has a way of writing about his match experiences that make the reader feel like they are on the pitch or in the stands themselves. For many of the matchday recounts I found myself picturing the stadium’s atmosphere and the flow of the game in vivid detail.
Aside from his wonderful storytelling with respect to his time as a player, I greatly appreciated hearing how Peacock came to know Christ and matured as a Christian while at the top of the game in England. Gavin is a genuine man of God, and this became apparent over the course of the book. He spoke very thoughtfully about his role as a Christian, both on the field and in the dressing room, his various roles as a husband and father and how that always took priority over football, and that the fame of being known throughout the nation as a player and a pundit was worth giving up, moving halfway across the world to pursue ministry. Commenting on his decision to leave one of the top roles at the BBC to begin seminary, Peacock writes this: “Football is a great game: the best in my opinion. But if you look to football or anything else for ultimate purpose, it won’t last, it won’t satisfy, and it won’t save you. Football is great. But Jesus is greater.” With this I most certainly agree.
In a fairly short book, Peacock was able to cover much ground, touching on topics such as life, death, sin, suffering, success, failure, marriage, family, friendship, teamwork, identity, belonging and hope. It was made quite clear how all of these words find their meaning in Jesus Christ, and that is one of my many learning from this book. I would recommend this book to both football fans and Christians alike (I trust it will be that much more impactful if these two categories happen to overlap for you). I had the immense privilege to hear Gavin preach and meet him a few years ago, which played a role in my coming to faith. This makes A Greater Glory that much more meaningful to me, and I hope others can be blessed by the testimony of the grace of God in the life of Gavin Peacock as well.
Peacock was able to beautifully paint the narrative of his early childhood growing up around respectable men, being taught the importance of character and hard work by his father, and how he achieved what most young boys in England (and a handful in North America) dream of – becoming a professional footballer. Gavin has a way of writing about his match experiences that make the reader feel like they are on the pitch or in the stands themselves. For many of the matchday recounts I found myself picturing the stadium’s atmosphere and the flow of the game in vivid detail.
Aside from his wonderful storytelling with respect to his time as a player, I greatly appreciated hearing how Peacock came to know Christ and matured as a Christian while at the top of the game in England. Gavin is a genuine man of God, and this became apparent over the course of the book. He spoke very thoughtfully about his role as a Christian, both on the field and in the dressing room, his various roles as a husband and father and how that always took priority over football, and that the fame of being known throughout the nation as a player and a pundit was worth giving up, moving halfway across the world to pursue ministry. Commenting on his decision to leave one of the top roles at the BBC to begin seminary, Peacock writes this: “Football is a great game: the best in my opinion. But if you look to football or anything else for ultimate purpose, it won’t last, it won’t satisfy, and it won’t save you. Football is great. But Jesus is greater.” With this I most certainly agree.
In a fairly short book, Peacock was able to cover much ground, touching on topics such as life, death, sin, suffering, success, failure, marriage, family, friendship, teamwork, identity, belonging and hope. It was made quite clear how all of these words find their meaning in Jesus Christ, and that is one of my many learning from this book. I would recommend this book to both football fans and Christians alike (I trust it will be that much more impactful if these two categories happen to overlap for you). I had the immense privilege to hear Gavin preach and meet him a few years ago, which played a role in my coming to faith. This makes A Greater Glory that much more meaningful to me, and I hope others can be blessed by the testimony of the grace of God in the life of Gavin Peacock as well.
January 20, 2023
Even as someone who loves football, I am really not into reading sporting biographies or autobiographies. Gavin Peacock's book is different because he considers his career as a footballer in light of the greater glory of the gospel, and he discusses many of the issues that arose during his career and in English football afterwards in view of biblical morality. Thus, he brings scripture's teaching to bear on manhood, child-rearing, work ethic, gender roles, and leadership.
What most struck me upon reading the book was that it was endorsed by a whole host of people in the wider footballing world, including Robbie Fowler, David Moyes, John Motson, and many others who will have been exposed to the gospel and the Bible's teaching on a whole range of subjects as a result of reading it. This book would be a good one for men to recommend to non-Christian friends; I have recommended it to some of my fellow Linfield supporters.
Even if they are reluctant to read a Christian book, they might want to read it because it is about a former professional footballer, and contains many interesting stories about his playing career for clubs such as Newcastle United and Chelsea. All the while, they will be constantly told that football will never satisfy their need for something greater and that its glories are fleeting.
What most struck me upon reading the book was that it was endorsed by a whole host of people in the wider footballing world, including Robbie Fowler, David Moyes, John Motson, and many others who will have been exposed to the gospel and the Bible's teaching on a whole range of subjects as a result of reading it. This book would be a good one for men to recommend to non-Christian friends; I have recommended it to some of my fellow Linfield supporters.
Even if they are reluctant to read a Christian book, they might want to read it because it is about a former professional footballer, and contains many interesting stories about his playing career for clubs such as Newcastle United and Chelsea. All the while, they will be constantly told that football will never satisfy their need for something greater and that its glories are fleeting.
May 11, 2021
I never thought I'd say this about an ex-QPR/Chelsea player, but Gavin Peacock is a legend.
This book is a fantastic autobiography which really captures the nostalgia we feel for the beautiful game with a great insight into what it's like for the players behind the spectacle.
Observations and parallels with Christianity and Gavin's work now as a pastor are interesting and the final few chapters detailing his move to full-time Christian ministry are fascinating.
This book is a fantastic autobiography which really captures the nostalgia we feel for the beautiful game with a great insight into what it's like for the players behind the spectacle.
Observations and parallels with Christianity and Gavin's work now as a pastor are interesting and the final few chapters detailing his move to full-time Christian ministry are fascinating.
May 11, 2022
I find the insight into what being a professional athlete is like to be fascinating. These players are gifted for sure, but the real thing that separates them from every other high school kid is the willingness to push beyond what the body normally is willing to do. That being said, there wasn't much of this throughout the book. Peacock tells of the way God wove his story and he came out the other side wanting to be a minister. The gospel messages throughout felt tacked on and preachy, kind of like tract level apologetics, but Peacock's sincerity covers over the multitude of literary sins for a readable biography.
March 7, 2022
I read this in preparation for interviewing Gavin and loved it. It was a nostalgic read for me because I remember my dad, when I was a child, reading a Christians in Sport booklet Gavin had written with me. The book is a well written sports autobiography, weaving together interesting anecdotes from his playing days with how his Christian faith impacted him along the way. Would recommend for anybody who followed football in the 90s.
July 24, 2021
If you like soccer and God this is an easy read. Nothing earth shattering but certainly interesting.
April 21, 2023
There was no way I was not going to enjoy this book, as it combines three of my favourite things... Christian faith, football and autobiographies. I remember Gavin well from his playing days but somehow had missed the part of his story after he retired from football.
For the sports fans there is plenty of football background offering a glimpse into the way the system works, as well as background on some of the many other great players that Gavin played with. As ever, there were a large number of people around him, players and managers, who helped shape his career, most notably his father.
Gavin offers an honesty about his faith which seemed to come about so naturally. He focuses on the positives and it is not a book that in any way “dishes the dirt”, which is wholly right. I am sure there were more difficulties and persecution than he is letting on, but he has the good manners and diplomacy to leave it be.
Gavin takes plenty of opportunity to offer his thoughts on how the world can be a better place, especially some of the values he sees as key to his upbringing, that may now be lacking more broadly across society, to its detriment. There are disciplines that create success in the elite sporting world, as well as the Christian faith, that can have such a life-changing impact.
I enjoyed reading about the many players the Gavin played with and against - there were some real characters around in that era. His observations on what made the players great holds a lot of truth - yes, talent, speed and strength are important, but to make a truly great player the physical skills need to be coupled with integrity, determination, resilience and respect.
These traits then carry through to all aspects of life, with lessons learnt on the field being equally valid off the field.
Gavin comes across as being well-balanced, as a footballer as well as an individual. He is humble and full of praise for other players, rarely mentioning his own great achievements or glory moments. He is clear that the glory was not for him, but to God.
Read more reviews of Christian books at https://www.robseabrook.com/category/...
For the sports fans there is plenty of football background offering a glimpse into the way the system works, as well as background on some of the many other great players that Gavin played with. As ever, there were a large number of people around him, players and managers, who helped shape his career, most notably his father.
Gavin offers an honesty about his faith which seemed to come about so naturally. He focuses on the positives and it is not a book that in any way “dishes the dirt”, which is wholly right. I am sure there were more difficulties and persecution than he is letting on, but he has the good manners and diplomacy to leave it be.
Gavin takes plenty of opportunity to offer his thoughts on how the world can be a better place, especially some of the values he sees as key to his upbringing, that may now be lacking more broadly across society, to its detriment. There are disciplines that create success in the elite sporting world, as well as the Christian faith, that can have such a life-changing impact.
I enjoyed reading about the many players the Gavin played with and against - there were some real characters around in that era. His observations on what made the players great holds a lot of truth - yes, talent, speed and strength are important, but to make a truly great player the physical skills need to be coupled with integrity, determination, resilience and respect.
These traits then carry through to all aspects of life, with lessons learnt on the field being equally valid off the field.
Gavin comes across as being well-balanced, as a footballer as well as an individual. He is humble and full of praise for other players, rarely mentioning his own great achievements or glory moments. He is clear that the glory was not for him, but to God.
Read more reviews of Christian books at https://www.robseabrook.com/category/...
January 7, 2022
My first book this year, a Christmas present from my wife. My son also bought it for me. I, in turn, also bought it for him, and my wife did too. Communication is a big thing in my family.
Unlike a previous reviewer, I'm not quite so sure this is well written, some of it felt a little bit clumsy. I think the main issue here is knowing how to address two aspects of his life. Is it a football book or is it a book about his life after football? Who is it aimed at?
On the one hand, most of the book addresses his football career. Unlike some sports books, he doesn't get bogged down in the minutiae of his games and his statistics, and the book is a much better read for it. Spells with different teams typically warrant a chapter and then he moves on. I liked this. What didn't quite sit right were the occasional explanations and footnotes that explained things that any football fan would know, such as what the Community Shield is. The impression is given that it is either explained for the benefit of Christians with no interest in football, or people in his adopted Canada who don't follow the game.
He deals with his later calling into full-time ministry at the end of the book and, apart from a little bit of Christian jargon, he does a decent job of explaining his faith. It doesn't account for as much of the book but he also sprinkles little bits here and there about his faith in his account of his playing career which shows how the two different aspects of his life integrate.
Gavin comes across as a genuine fella who you wouldn't mind sitting down for a pint with, watch a game with or maybe even open a bible with. His book is a bit vanilla for me, nothing wrong with vanilla, but ultimately it didn't excite me.
Unlike a previous reviewer, I'm not quite so sure this is well written, some of it felt a little bit clumsy. I think the main issue here is knowing how to address two aspects of his life. Is it a football book or is it a book about his life after football? Who is it aimed at?
On the one hand, most of the book addresses his football career. Unlike some sports books, he doesn't get bogged down in the minutiae of his games and his statistics, and the book is a much better read for it. Spells with different teams typically warrant a chapter and then he moves on. I liked this. What didn't quite sit right were the occasional explanations and footnotes that explained things that any football fan would know, such as what the Community Shield is. The impression is given that it is either explained for the benefit of Christians with no interest in football, or people in his adopted Canada who don't follow the game.
He deals with his later calling into full-time ministry at the end of the book and, apart from a little bit of Christian jargon, he does a decent job of explaining his faith. It doesn't account for as much of the book but he also sprinkles little bits here and there about his faith in his account of his playing career which shows how the two different aspects of his life integrate.
Gavin comes across as a genuine fella who you wouldn't mind sitting down for a pint with, watch a game with or maybe even open a bible with. His book is a bit vanilla for me, nothing wrong with vanilla, but ultimately it didn't excite me.
April 13, 2023
A rather different footballer biography – as the book traces not just the author’s playing career (which was played out interestingly with a number of famous managers – Venables, Mullery, Redknapp, Hoddle, Gullit, Jim Smith, Ardilles, Keegan, Houston/Rioch, Mick Harford, Gerry Francis, Holloway – on all of whom he gives his perspective), but his subsequent move to TV pundit (the detail of preparation involved in filming comments Match of the Day/MOTD2 was very interesting) and then to theological training and church eldership in Canada.
Throughout the book has the author’s Christian perspective – particularly on the ups and downs of his professional and personal lives – and it is this which really elevates the book.
The author does have some fairly traditional views, some biblically informed (headship in marriage, discipline of children) and some less so (the importance of retaining heading in football).
Overall a worthwhile read and for the Christian Football Fan and ideal birthday present (which I am and it was).
Throughout the book has the author’s Christian perspective – particularly on the ups and downs of his professional and personal lives – and it is this which really elevates the book.
The author does have some fairly traditional views, some biblically informed (headship in marriage, discipline of children) and some less so (the importance of retaining heading in football).
Overall a worthwhile read and for the Christian Football Fan and ideal birthday present (which I am and it was).
August 9, 2022
I very much enjoyed this autobiography on Gavin Peacock’s life, footballing career and Christian commitment. If you follow football you will enjoy this inside look at the everyday life of a professional. It is written in a warm friendly style to the extent that you feel that Gavin is sitting talking to you! Although Gavin talks about many of his struggles I would have appreciated to know more about his thoughts on playing football on a Sunday, for instance, the day when most Christians in the world meet to worship God, remember the Lord Jesus and encourage one another in their faith. There is no mention either of being a part of a sport where obscene amounts of money are involved to television rights, transfers and players’ salaries. That said I applaud the author for his Christian testimony and his desire to live for Jesus in a context that isn’t easy. Do read the book and please don’t skip the last chapter!
September 4, 2021
A fascinating portrait of a man with deep convictions who left his comfortable life to pursue something deeper. Gavin Peacock reveals his life and character in this touching page-turner, laying his emotions bare and sharing his heart. From days of kicking a football around bricks in the back garden to silverware with high-profile English football teams and now to a humble pastor in Canada, Peacock impresses beautifully upon his audience that everything that has ever happened to him, good and bad, has come by the grace of God.
Most heart-wrenching to me was the story of his son’s birth, where 48 hours of labour result in a son with only one complete arm. The emotion conveyed is so touching and real, the sweet relief changing to shock and fear and then to rest and trust that his son was made exactly as God intended him to be. I highly recommend this book to anyone.
Most heart-wrenching to me was the story of his son’s birth, where 48 hours of labour result in a son with only one complete arm. The emotion conveyed is so touching and real, the sweet relief changing to shock and fear and then to rest and trust that his son was made exactly as God intended him to be. I highly recommend this book to anyone.
July 15, 2021
Anyone reading this book should have a love for football (soccer) as the author gives detailed accounts of games and history surrounding English football. Mr. Peacock gives some excellent insights on living a Christian life while being immersed as a high profile player. My desire would have been for more concentration of his spiritual life since I am not a player nor do I follow the game. It would be a good book for young sportsman.
May 25, 2023
A decent enough read from Gavin! I like the man, and have met him once but the story didn't jump out the pages at me. Not once did I find myself swept away in the pages but the overall message is one I can really support. There is a greater glory than the world affords, Heavens at stake every Sunday.
February 4, 2022
Enjoyable autobiography of Gavin Peacock. A former premier league footballer who gave up a promising career in the media to go into the Christian ministry. Really easy to read. And how many books are recommended by Robbie Fowler and Alistair Begg?!
April 16, 2021
Really excellent. Superbly written.
June 20, 2021
A fabulous read from cover to cover by a with a message at its heart to inspire
December 20, 2022
A great read.
June 1, 2023
Two threads entwined throughout this book, faith and football
July 16, 2023
This was a very honest, down to earth book written by Gavin Peacock himself. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend this to anyone
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews