The Latimer Trust asks Aled Seago
1. How did you become a Christian?
I was brought up going to church and Sunday school from a very young age, and so I always knew God was there. However, it was aged 17 through the School's Christian Union that I realised the truth behind the stories I knew so well. I, for the first time, realised my sin, and my need of forgiveness. It took a long time to sink in (and I often need reminding!)
2. Who is or has been an influential person in your Christian pilgrimage?
There’s been a fair few!
My mum first introduced me to Jesus through faithful praying, reading the Bible to me, and teaching me in Sunday school for over a decade.
The Ministers I worked alongside pre-ordination: Revd Mike Smith, Revd James Hughes, Revd George Crowder. Mike and James introduced me to Biblical Anglicanism, and George to Doctrine.
As you’ll read in my book, In Search of a Perfect Father, I owe a lot to the late Revd Dr Mike Ovey, my Principal and Doctrine lecturer at Oak Hill College.
My wife Jo, for all the time I have known her, has been a picture of the patience, kindness, and love of God.
Finally, I take much inspiration from faithful people in the past: Thomas Cranmer, JC Ryle, Augustine of Hippo.
3. What piece of advice would you give people going into fulltime ministry work today?
Consider doing anything else first, because ministry is much harder than anyone will be able to express.
Remember the promise of Isaiah 55, God’s word will not return empty, also it means people rejecting the word as well as receiving it.
Prioritise, work on, and continue to work on, your own personal devotional life. You will need to.
Do not just focus on languages (important as they are) - Systematic Theology and Doctrine are vital for a lifetime of ministry.
4. Which is the best book you have read in 2023?
Revd Dr Kirsten Birkett, whom I knew as a lecturer at Oak Hill, wrote a brilliant book called Living without Fear: Using the Psalms to end your Worry. It’s excellent, timely, and needed.
5. What are you working on at the moment?
I’ve just finished writing up my experiences of the Fellowship of Word and Spirit conference for Crossway. In terms of preaching I’m currently making my way through the latter chapters of John’s gospel, in the lead up to Easter. I’m also looking forward to preaching through Hebrews after Easter, which I have never done before!
_______