20 July 2026 | Bracknell, UK [David Neal]
When Dan Serb, Principal of Newbold College of Higher Education (NCHE), invited the President of the General Conference (GC), Pastor Erton Köhler to join the College’s 125th anniversary celebrations (25-28 June), he was delighted to accept. There was a personal reason: he is himself a Newbold alumnus.
In March 2006, shortly after his election as President of the South American Division, Köhler and his young family arrived at Newbold to study English. Returning almost twenty years later as GC President, he came not only to celebrate the College’s anniversary, but to revisit a place that had become part of his own story; a place that had helped shape his journey of ministry and leadership.
Ministry runs deep in the Köhler family. His father is a retired pastor; Erton Köhler followed in his footsteps, and today his son is continuing the family’s pastoral legacy.
During his visit to Newbold for its celebration weekend, Köhler gave an extended interview to tedNEWS Deep and Wide – a series of conversations designed to encourage pastors and the members they serve to grow deeper in Christ, and to inspire churches to grow wider in mission.
Rather than offering a general reflection on the state of the Church, our conversation explores why theological education and ministerial training remain indispensable in preparing pastors and church leaders for mission.
Köhler reflects on Newbold’s continuing role in bringing both together, equipping leaders to serve the Church across the Trans-European Division and beyond. He also offers a personal appeal to those sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, while encouraging those already serving as pastors.
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Featured image: tedNEWS
Filming, production, and editing by Attila Erdeg. Filmed and produced on the campus of Newbold College of Higher Education. The video was enhanced using AI.
