Erton Köhler
Erton Carlos Köhler | |
|---|---|
Köhler in 2017 | |
| 21st President of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists | |
| Assumed office 4 July 2025 | |
| Preceded by | Ted N. C. Wilson |
| Executive Secretary of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists | |
| In office 14 April 2021 – 4 July 2025 | |
| President of the South American Division of Seventh-day Adventists | |
| In office 2007–2021 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 26, 1969 Brazil |
| Spouse | Adriene Marques Köhler |
| Children | 2 |
| Alma mater | Adventist University Center of São Paulo, Andrews University |
| Profession | Pastor |
| Part of a series on |
| Seventh-day Adventist Church |
|---|
| Adventism |
Erton Carlos Köhler (born June 26, 1969)[1][2] is a Brazilian Seventh-day Adventist pastor, theologian, and administrator serving as the President of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, the denomination’s highest office, since 4 July 2025.[3] He previously served as the General Conference’s Executive Secretary (2021–2025)[4][5] and as President of the South American Division (2007–2021). Köhler is the first South American to lead the global Adventist Church.[6][7]
Early life and education
Köhler was born in Caxias do Sul, Brazil in 1969 into a family with a strong Adventist heritage.[1][8] His father served as a church worker, which exposed him to ministry from an early age. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Theology from Adventist University Center of São Paulo in 1989 and a Master’s degree in Pastoral Theology in 2008.[4] Köhler later enrolled in the Doctor of Ministry program at Andrews University in the United States.[9]
Church ministry and leadership
From 1990 to 1994, Köhler served as a district pastor in São Paulo, Brazil.[4][10] In 1995, he served as the Youth Ministries Director for the Rio Grande do Sul Conference and later as the Youth Ministries Director for the Northeast Brazilian Union in 1998.[4] In 2002, he became Executive secretary of the Rio Grande dol Sul Conference.[4] From 2003 to 2007, he was Youth Ministries Director for the South American Division.[4][11]
In 2007, at the age of 38, Köhler was elected President of the South American Division, making him one of the youngest leaders to hold the position.[12][13] During his tenure, he oversaw significant growth in membership and launched major evangelistic initiatives across eight countries.[14]
In April 2021, Köhler became the Executive Secretary of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, coordinating global mission strategies and overseeing membership statistics.[15]
General Conference presidency
On 4 July 2025, Köhler was elected the 21st President of the General Conference during the 62nd GC Session in St. Louis, Missouri.[3][7] He succeeded Ted N. C. Wilson after a decisive vote by global delegates. In his inaugural address, Köhler emphasized unity and mission, stating: "Our mission will be accomplished when we are together, on our knees, following Christ’s call to reach the world."[16]
Personal life
Köhler is married to Adriene Marques Köhler, a professional nurse. The couple have a daughter Mariana and a son Matheus.[4][11] He is of German descent and speaks fluent Portuguese, Spanish, and English.[10][17]
See also
- Ted N. C. Wilson
- South American Division of Seventh-day Adventists
- General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
References
- ^ a b Ministries, Calvary (5 July 2025). "Erton C. Köhler Elected President of the Seventh-day Adventist Church". The Calvary Ministries. Retrieved 6 July 2025.
- ^ Bruinsma, Reinder (1 May 2025). "GC Presidential Candidates Part 2: Erton Köhler". Spectrum Magazine. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
- ^ a b Namakumbi, Josephine (5 July 2025). "Brazilian Pastor Erton Köhler Elected Global President of Seventh-day Adventist Church". Nilepost News. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g Paseggi, Marcos (15 April 2021). "Adventist Church Leaders Elect Erton Köhler as New Secretary". Adventist Review. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
- ^ Rapheal (11 February 2025). "How Adventist Church uses education to give people". The Sun. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
- ^ "Pastor Erton C. Köhler é o novo presidente mundial da Igreja Adventista" (in Brazilian Portuguese). 4 July 2025. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
- ^ a b Henao, Luis (8 July 2025). "Newly-elected Seventh-day Adventist Church leader reflects on challenges and faith's healthy living". Associated Press. Retrieved 8 July 2025.
- ^ Italia, Hopemedia (4 July 2025). "Erton C. Köhler è il nuovo presidente della Chiesa Avventista del Settimo Giorno". HopeMedia Italia (in Italian). Retrieved 5 July 2025.
- ^ "Leadership: Executive Secretary". General Conference Secretariat. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
- ^ a b Abdul, Rahim (6 July 2025). "Seventh-Day Adventist Church elects new President". 247Malawi. Retrieved 8 July 2025.
- ^ a b "Brasileiro é eleito presidente mundial da Aventista do 7 Dia". A Provincia do Pará (in Brazilian Portuguese). 5 July 2025. Retrieved 8 July 2025.
- ^ Jr, Elias Batista (29 January 2022). "The Vintage Views of Erton Köhler". Spectrum Magazine. Retrieved 6 July 2025.
- ^ "Erton Köhler elected president of SDA world church". St. Vincent Times. 5 July 2025. Retrieved 6 July 2025.
- ^ "Live Day 2 Updates from GC Session 2025 in St. Louis". Adventist Today. 3 July 2025. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
- ^ "GC Secretary Offers Encouragement During Africa Visit". Adventist Review. 17 May 2024. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
- ^ "Erton C. Köhler Elected General Conference President". NAD News. 4 July 2025. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
- ^ Matatambandzo, Chris (6 July 2025). "Erton Köhler Makes History After Being Elected New Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) President". iHarare. Retrieved 9 July 2025.