05 July 2025 | St Louis, USA [David Neal]
Within 20 hours of his election as President of the General Conference (GC) of Seventh-day Adventists, Pastor Erton Köhler delivered the sermon titled Boldness in Mission on 5 July, as scheduled in his previous role as GC Executive Secretary.
In a message delivered to delegates and guests, Köhler called on church members to embrace a renewed sense of mission, urgency, and boldness. Emphasising that the Seventh-day Adventist Church is more than a denomination— it is a family — Köhler acknowledged the diversity of the Adventist world community. “Despite our differences,” he said, “we are still one family, united by our faith and our mission.”
Köhler was quick to explain to those present in the America’s Center Convention Complex (and those viewing via livestream) that, in his new role as GC President, he will deliver a second sermon next Sabbath, 11 July. In this message, he will outline a biblical vision for the Church over the next five years — a vision grounded in Scripture and focused on its prophetic calling. He reminded listeners that the foundation of Adventist identity — the Sabbath and the Second Coming — is clearly presented in the first pages of Genesis and the final chapter of Revelation. “Our focus must remain fixed,” he emphasised, “on preaching, teaching, and living the Word.”
Evangelism Now and Then – A Lesson from the Early Church
Turning to the book of Acts, Köhler drew parallels between the early Church and the Church today. He described the early believers as a small but Spirit-filled group marked by unity, prayer, and courage in the face of persecution. Referencing Acts 4, he highlighted the boldness that became the hallmark of the apostolic Church, citing how they lifted their voices in one accord, asking God for courage to speak His Word. “We need that same spirit of boldness today,” he said.
Quoting 2 Corinthians 3:12, Köhler underlined the need for “great boldness of speech.” He reminded the Church that the early rain of the Holy Spirit was only the beginning, and that God’s people today must prepare for the latter rain with their feet firmly grounded and their eyes fixed on heaven.¹
Throughout his message, Köhler shared compelling testimonies of contemporary boldness in mission—from a Middle East volunteer ministering to 175 non-Christians weekly, to missionaries in Southeast Asia, Ukraine, Poland, Mongolia, and Senegal. He highlighted a converted bus serving as a travelling church in Argentina, and a literature evangelist in Russia reaching the social elite. These, he said, are living examples of what happens when God’s people move forward in faith.
Three Appeals
Köhler issued three appeals to the Church: to renew its commitment to mission, to trust in God’s miraculous leading, and to embrace an eschatological urgency. He warned against being distracted by bureaucracy or institutional concerns and stressed that “money should follow the mission, not the other way around.”
Citing Ellen White, Köhler affirmed that now is the time for the Church to act with holy consecration, declaring with confidence that Jesus is coming again. “Our hope is becoming reality,” he concluded. “Today is the day to say: I believe in His coming, and I will go.”
The sermon concluded with a call to renewed dedication as the Church sang, “We Have This Hope” — declaring with solid conviction that Jesus is indeed coming again.
Before Köhler delivered his sermon, outgoing president Ted N C Wilson warmly introduced and welcomed him to his new role. The following video includes both the introduction and Köhler’s full message.
¹ Seventh-day Adventists frequently refer to the term ‘Latter Rain” – a time when the work of the Holy Spirit is expected to be revealed or manifested in ways similar to those in the Acts of the Apostles. Worth a read – from the archives of Ministry Magazine, “The Holy Spirit – So What?”, a study on the work of the Holy Spirit in the church today by former General Conference president, Jan Paulsen. (Ed)
On the second and final sabbath of the GC Session, Erton Köhler delivered a second sermon outlining his vision for the church as it moves forward over the next five years.
Featured Image: Seth Shaffer, Adventist Media Exchange CC BY 4.0. [Photos: Seth Shaffer and Elsie Tjeransen Adventist Media Exchange CC BY 4.0]
