About Seidel
The Revd Dr Seidel Abel Boanerges
BA (Hons), MTh, DMin, FHEA, FRAS, FRSA
Seidel is an Indian-born, British Baptist Minister, Practical Theologian, Educator and Speaker. He was born and raised in Hyderabad, India. He grew up in a Christian family and got baptised in his teens. He is the grandson of the famous Telugu Baptist Minister, lyricist and preacher, Rev Dr Abel Boanerges Masilamani (aka Acharya AB Masilamani). Masilamani’s songs are still sung today. Seidel worked for GE Consumer Finance as an Assistant Manager (Business Analyst) before embarking his theological education and ministerial training in the UK.
Seidel is the Dean of Ministerial Formation at Spurgeon’s College, London. As a member of the College’s senior executive, he has responsibility for overseeing the ministerial formation process for three distinct categories of ministers at Spurgeon’s College: Ministers in Training (MiTs in the Baptist Union of Great Britain and wider Christian church), Newly Accredited Ministers (NAMs), and Recognised Local Ministers (RLMs). The scope of Seidel’s role encompasses the strategic supervision and management of ministerial formation activities across multiple locations. RLM training initiatives are conducted at three campuses: London, Birmingham, and Cambridge (Histon).
These educational and ministerial endeavours are undertaken in partnership with four Baptist Associations (LB, EBA, SEBA and HEBA). In addition, Seidel is also Tutor in Practical Theology, where he teaches subjects such as professional ministerial practice, mission, evangelism, apologetics, preaching and world religions. In the past, he worked as the Director of Outreach and Lecturer at Capernwray Bible School; Development Officer at Moorlands College; and a Minister at Rosebery Park Baptist Church.
Seidel holds a few esteemed external positions that further solidify his reputation as an academic and leader. As the Moderator of the national Baptist Union Council, Seidel assumes a pivotal role in guiding and facilitating the strategic direction of the union. He also serves as an External Examiner for Durham and Middlesex universities. His commitment to the broader theological community is further evidenced by his involvement as a Trustee of the IVP Publishing Board and Global Action UK, and a regular guest preacher and lecturer at local churches, colleges and organisations. He was chosen as the International Baptist Scholar in 2020-2021 by the Baptist Scholars International Roundtable (BSIR) organised by Baylor University, Texas. He is chosen as the 2025 Whitley Lecturer by the Whitley Trust Committee.
Seidel is married to Linda, and they have two daughters.
Academic and Professional Qualifications
- Doctor of Ministry (DMin) in Practical Theology (University of Chester)
- Master of Theology (MTh) in Preaching with Distinction (University of Wales)
- BA (Hons) in Applied Theology with First Class Honours (University of Gloucestershire)
- Higher Education Teaching Certificate, Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning, Harvard University (HarvardX)
- Accredited Baptist Minister, Baptist Union of Great Britain
Fellowships and Memberships
- Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts
- Fellow of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland
- Fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy (AdvanceHE)
- Member of the British and Irish Association for Practical Theology
- Member of the Fellowship of European Evangelical Theologians
- Member of the International Society of Christian Apologetics
- Member of the Baptist Historical Society
- Member of the Core Leadership Team, Baptist Union of Great Britain
