Warren Furman, also known as Ace from the hit 90s TV show Gladiators, joined the congregations of St Michael’s, Pirbright and St Mark’s, Wyke to share the inspiration of his remarkable journey from TV celebrity to an ordained priest.
Warren Furman who was ordained last year at St Paul’s Cathedral joined the monthly Church on the Green service on Pirbright Village Green- an initiative to bring the church out into the community, create a relaxed, family-friendly environment, and engage people with no church backgrounds.
(Pic caption: Trying on Gladiator armour)
In a Q&A with the parish vicar Revd George Watkinson, the former Gladiator explained that today he is a Gladiator for the Lord and gets his strength from wearing God’s armour and taking up his shield of faith.
He spoke of his incredible rags to riches journey, from being unemployed and living in a hostel, to becoming a household name overnight. Despite the fame and money, he said celebrity culture left him feeling empty. He struggled with the transition to normal life once the show was cancelled, and his “identity came crashing down”. He tried to fill that void by exploring a range of ideologies, Eastern religions, cults, atheism- everything apart from Christianity.
(Pic caption: Ace during the 90s TV show)
In his early fourties, Warren was invited to attend an Alpha course (a Christianity exploration course) and there he finally started to get answers and evidence for some of life’s big questions. It was following that course he began praying and became a committed Christian.
He said: “All my life I had been chasing power and trying to build my own empire and finally I accepted that God has a plan for my life”. That plan led him into ordained ministry 10 years later.
He currently preaches at Holy Trinity Brompton as well as visiting schools and showing them that a ‘Christian life is full of fun and joy’.
The former Gladiator and his message proved a big draw for the community of Pirbright, who packed out Lord Pirbright’s Hall to hear him speak. The young children were even able to participate in an authentic Gladiator experience, taking part in a fun duel using inflatable pugil sticks.
The vicar of Pirbright and Wyke, Revd George Watkinson said: “It was fantastic to have Warren with us and to hear his story of transformation, and it was a pleasure to have so many families come along to listen.”
Church on the Green is every 4th Sunday at Lord Pirbright’s Hall on Pirbright Green.