Wrestling with Faith: How St. Peter’s Church is Body Slamming the Traditional Worship Service
In a bold and entertaining new twist on church outreach, St. Peter’s Church has teamed up with Kingdom Wrestling—a Christian professional wrestling charity that combines faith, fierce athleticism, and good old-fashioned entertainment. The church now hosts electrifying wrestling events where prayer, worship, and personal testimonies are just as essential as body slams and suplexes.
Founded by Gareth ‘Angel’ Thompson in 2021 at Fountains Church in Bradford, Kingdom Wrestling has grown from a local initiative to a national phenomenon, with over 30 baptisms and a growing, devoted following. Thompson, who also runs a wrestling training school, has blended his passion for the sport with his faith, offering a unique platform for both entertainment and evangelism.
Speaking with Premier Christian News, Thompson explained the compelling vision behind the events: “We’ve got all the production that you’d expect from a WWE-style show, and that’s peppered with live worship and prayer. It’s an incredible and engaging way for people to come into contact with the church and to hear about Jesus.” And it’s not just a show—each event starts with a prayer, setting the stage for both athletic competition and spiritual engagement.
The Kingdom Wrestling events feature a mix of male and female athletes battling it out in the ring, but it’s not all about the action. The organization offers a full spectrum of community outreach initiatives, including school programs, training classes, women’s self-defense courses, and even a men’s mental health group. It’s a winning combination of wrestling, wellness, and worship—proving that faith can take many forms.
Kingdom Wrestling’s appeal goes beyond just the spectacle. For 26-year-old Kiara, a Cambridge graduate with a background in natural sciences, the program has helped her reconnect with her Catholic faith. Having been part of the organization for two years, Kiara shares that although not all the wrestlers are religious, they all take time to pray together before each match, creating a bond that extends beyond the ring.
With Kingdom Wrestling’s growing success, Thompson is now in talks with other churches across England and Wales about replicating the model, taking the combination of high-energy wrestling and meaningful outreach to new locations. Whether you’re a wrestling fan, a seeker of faith, or someone looking for a new way to get involved with your local church, St. Peter’s Church’s Kingdom Wrestling events offer something for everyone—just make sure you’re ready for the holy smackdown!
