On July 4, 2025 the World Church was introduced to Erton C. Köhler the new president of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists during the denomination’s 62nd constituency session held in St. Louis. Köhler received 1,721 delegate votes in favor, with 188 against.
As the 21st president in the church’s history, Köhler will now guide more than 23 million Seventh-day Adventists around the globe—working closely with division, union, conference, and local church leaders. He follows outgoing president Ted N.C. Wilson, who held the position from 2010 to 2025.
At a press conference following his election, Köhler expressed deep gratitude and a clear vision. “I move forward renewed in my confidence in the Lord and in the church,” he said. “My two priorities are unity and mission.”
A leader with global experience
Köhler brings decades of church leadership to the role. Originally from Brazil, he began his ministry as a local church pastor in São Paulo. Over the years he served as youth ministries director in Brazil and later as president of the South American Division—the youngest person ever to hold that office. “Young people take note, and older ones as well, this is an exciting thing,” Wilson said while outlining Köhler’s long service in youth ministries.
Since 2021, Köhler has served as executive secretary of the General Conference, where he helped organize global mission strategy and coordinated efforts across divisions.
A vision for unity and action
Köhler’s leadership style blends strong administrative skills with a passion for spiritual purpose. At his first address as president, he emphasized that true success in mission depends on working together. “If we have unity, we will be stronger in mission, and the Holy Spirit will come and live among us,” he said.
He also challenged the church not to become a place of storage, but a “distribution center” for hope, love and truth. His vision points to a church that is outward-focused and mission-driven, not distracted by internal conflicts or programs that do not support soul winning.
North American Division president G. Alexander Bryant shared his support for Elder Köhler stating, “Elder Köhler is taking up the leadership at a very challenging time in earth’s history. However, God never calls a person without equipping him. Elder Köhler is an accomplished and experienced leader. He believes deeply in the mission of the church. He will faithfully lead the church as we move forward. His focus on integrated mission fits perfectly with the North American Division’s emphasis of ‘Together in Mission.’ Let’s pray for him and his family as they take up this awesome responsibility.”
Personal life and education
Erton Köhler was born on June 26, 1969, in Brazil. He earned both his bachelor’s degree in theology (1989) and a master’s degree in pastoral theology (2008) from the Adventist University Center of São Paulo. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree at Andrews University.
Köhler is married to Adriene Marques, a nurse, and together they have two children—Matheus and Marianna.
