{"id":24021,"date":"2025-07-06T16:49:53","date_gmt":"2025-07-06T16:49:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ted.adventist.org\/news\/?p=24021"},"modified":"2025-07-20T20:32:46","modified_gmt":"2025-07-20T20:32:46","slug":"be-bold-says-kohler","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ted.adventist.org\/news\/be-bold-says-kohler\/","title":{"rendered":"‘Be Bold’ Says K\u00f6hler"},"content":{"rendered":"

05 July 2025 | St Louis, USA [David Neal]<\/p>\n

Within 20 hours of his election as President of the General Conference (GC) of Seventh-day Adventists, Pastor Erton K\u00f6hler delivered the sermon titled Boldness in Mission on 5 July, as scheduled in his previous role as GC Executive Secretary.<\/p>\n

In a message delivered to delegates and guests, K\u00f6hler 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\u2014 it is a family \u2014 K\u00f6hler acknowledged the diversity of the Adventist world community. \u201cDespite our differences,\u201d he said, \u201cwe are still one family, united by our faith and our mission.\u201d<\/p>\n

K\u00f6hler was quick to explain to those present in the America\u2019s 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 \u2014 a vision grounded in Scripture and focused on its prophetic calling. He reminded listeners that the foundation of Adventist identity \u2014 the Sabbath and the Second Coming \u2014 is clearly presented in the first pages of Genesis and the final chapter of Revelation. \u201cOur focus must remain fixed,\u201d he emphasised, \u201con preaching, teaching, and living the Word.\u201d<\/p>\n

Evangelism Now and Then – A Lesson from the Early Church<\/strong><\/p>\n

Turning to the book of Acts, K\u00f6hler 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. \u201cWe need that same spirit of boldness today,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Quoting 2 Corinthians 3:12, K\u00f6hler underlined the need for \u201cgreat boldness of speech.\u201d He reminded the Church that the early rain of the Holy Spirit was only the beginning, and that God\u2019s people today must prepare for the latter rain with their feet firmly grounded and their eyes fixed on heaven.\u00b9<\/p>\n

Throughout his message, K\u00f6hler shared compelling testimonies of contemporary boldness in mission\u2014from 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\u2019s people move forward in faith.<\/p>\n

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\u201cWe need that same spirit of boldness today,\u201d said Erton K\u00f6hler, referencing the experience of the Early Church believers.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Three Appeals<\/strong><\/p>\n

K\u00f6hler issued three appeals to the Church: to renew its commitment to mission, to trust in God\u2019s miraculous leading, and to embrace an eschatological urgency. He warned against being distracted by bureaucracy or institutional concerns and stressed that \u201cmoney should follow the mission, not the other way around.\u201d<\/p>\n

Citing Ellen White, K\u00f6hler affirmed that now is the time for the Church to act with holy consecration, declaring with confidence that Jesus is coming again. \u201cOur hope is becoming reality,\u201d he concluded. \u201cToday is the day to say: I believe in His coming, and I will go.\u201d<\/p>\n

The sermon\u00a0concluded with a call to renewed dedication as the Church sang,\u00a0“We Have This Hope” <\/em>\u2014 declaring with solid conviction that <\/span>Jesus is indeed coming again.<\/p>\n

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Williams Costa Jr, GC Communication and Media Director, conducts the Session orchestra during Sabbath worship. As worship concluded, they played a medley of “We Have This Hope”<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Before K\u00f6hler 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 K\u00f6hler\u2019s full message.<\/p>\n