Erton C. Köhler was elected General Conference president on July 4, 2025, during the 62nd GC Session in St. Louis, Missouri.
Köhler’s election marks the beginning of his first term as the spiritual and administrative leader of a worldwide movement that spans more than 200 countries and includes more than 23 million members.
"Before any other word, I'd like to tell you that I move forward renewed in my confidence in the Lord and in the church," Köhler said.
The nomination came to the floor after prayerful deliberation by Nominating Committee, composed of delegates from each of the church’s global divisions and attached fields. The committee’s recommendation was then presented to the delegates in attendance, who voted to confirm Köhler’s nomination during the business session at the Dome in America’s Center.
Erton Carlos Köhler, GC president-elect, and his wife walk on stage at the 62nd GC Session.
Mobilizing the Church for the Unreached
Since his election to the position of GC secretary during the 2021 Spring Meeting held at the church headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, Köhler has championed a bold and prophetic call for the global church to refocus its mission. Under his leadership, the church launched the Mission Refocus initiative.
“Mission Refocus is a project … an initiative, a movement,” Köhler said. “But more than everything, Mission Refocus is a call for integration.”
Through Mission Refocus, Köhler has led the Adventist Church in identifying and adopting 30 high-priority mission areas, including 10 countries, 10 major urban centers and 10 unreached people groups from the 10/40 Window, urban regions and secular territories. In his vision, every church entity, regardless of size or location, is invited to participate in a global culture of collaboration, service and mission accountability.
With his new role as GC president, Köhler is expected to continue advancing this mission-driven framework, mobilizing members to become disciple-makers, aligning church operations with frontline ministry and strengthening the church’s prophetic voice in a rapidly changing world.
Erton Köhler, GC president, speaks at the 62nd GC Session.
A Life Anchored in Ministry
Born in southern Brazil, Köhler grew up with a desire to follow in the footsteps of his father, who served as an Adventist pastor. He completed a bachelor’s degree in theology at Adventist Teaching Institute — now Brazilian Adventist University — in 1989 and graduated from the same school in 2008 with a master’s degree in pastoral theology. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree from Andrews University.
From 1990 to 1994, Köhler served as a local church pastor in São Paulo. He was then elected Rio Grande do Sul Conference youth ministries director in 1995, and in 1998 became Northeast Brazil Union youth ministries director. In July 2002, Köhler returned to Rio Grande do Sul Conference to serve as conference secretary. The following year, he was elected South American Division youth ministries director. After serving for four years as youth director, he became SAD president in 2007.
In April 2021, Köhler was elected as GC secretary, one of the three executive officers of the church. In this role, he advised Office of Adventist Mission; Office of Archives, Statistics and Research; and Institute of World Mission. His office was responsible for preparing agenda items for major business meetings and committees, recording meeting minutes, and coordinating the development and review of church working policy and the Church Manual.
Köhler is married to Adriene Marques, a nurse, and the couple has a daughter, a son and a daughter-in-law. Together, they have been actively involved in ministry, supporting and serving alongside each other as they visit members around the world.
Erton Köhler, GC president, and his family are introduced at GC Session.
The Role of the GC President
As GC president, Köhler serves as the administrative leader of the Adventist Church, helping to shape strategic vision and unify diverse regions around shared mission. He chairs GC Executive Committee and several boards, and collaborates closely with regional leadership, representing the church at major international events.
The president also plays a key role in encouraging global mission initiatives, ensuring the consistency of Adventist teaching and strengthening the church’s education, health and media institutions.
He will be assisted by a ministry team including Richard E. McEdward, GC secretary, Paul H. Douglas, GC treasurer, along with a team of vice presidents and ministry directors. In all, GC Session delegates elected nearly 120 leaders, processed 30 updates to the Church Manual and six updates to the Constitution and Bylaws. A full 62nd GC Session report will be published in the November/December 2025 Gleaner issue.
Rochelle Douglas; Paul H. Douglas, GC treasurer; Adriene Marques; Erton Köhler, GC president; Marcia McEdward; and Richard E. McEdward, GC executive secretary, pray at the close of the divine service on Saturday, July 12.
Honoring the Past, Leading Forward
Köhler acknowledged the leadership of Ted N.C. Wilson, outgoing GC president, and his wife, Nancy, honoring their unwavering commitment to the global mission. The Wilsons were presented with gifts of Bibles, where the inside covers contained signatures of colleagues.
As he stepped into this new role, Köhler invited the church to pray for all leaders entrusted with the spiritual stewardship of God’s people.
“This is a sacred responsibility — grounded in the Bible and focused on mission,” he said. “We want a church that loves, believes and seeks guidance through all available means for the mission.”
Erton Köhler, GC president, gives Ted N. C. Wilson, former GC president, a Bible signed by coworkers.
A Church for All Generations
Köhler emphasized that this call to mission is for everyone during both of his Sabbath sermons.
“We will rise for mission only if we are deeply committed to the Bible and pray earnestly for the Holy Spirit.”
He challenged leaders to prioritize revival over attendance numbers, disciple-making over buildings and commitment over cash. “We are called to be distinct but not distant,” he reminded the church.
As the sun set on the 10-day session, the light of purpose grew stronger. With the world groaning under the weight of brokenness, the Adventist Church emerged from Missouri not only organized, but also energized — rising with hope, compassion and urgency.
“Our message is not about fear,” Köhler concluded. “It is about Jesus. He is coming again — and we are the people of that hope.”
Erton Köhler, GC president, prays backstage.
