A Conversation with Erton C. Köhler
At the 2025 ASI Convention in Orlando, ASI had the privilege of hosting Elder Erton Köhler, the first organization to do so following his election as president of the worldwide Seventh-day Adventist Church at the General Conference Session. In a special interview with newly elected ASI president Danny Houghton, Elder Köhler shared his personal story, his heart for mission, and his vision for strengthening lay leadership across the global church.
Born in Brazil to a pastor’s family, Köhler recalls that mission and evangelism were present from the very beginning of his life. “I’m a PK—a pastor’s kid. Mission is in my blood,” he said. From childhood, he dreamed of following in his father’s footsteps and entered pastoral ministry in São Paulo before moving into leadership roles in South America and later at the General Conference.
Köhler describes himself simply: “I am a pastor with a focus on mission.” That guiding priority has shaped decades of ministry, from his years as a youth director inspiring young people to embrace their calling to his nearly 15 years as president of the South American Division.
Reflecting on his recent election as world church president, Köhler admitted he initially felt unprepared for the role. Yet two Bible passages gave him courage: God’s call to Moses in Exodus, and Isaiah 41:10: “I will be with you. Go. Be brave.” Trusting those promises, he accepted the call with his wife, Adriene, by his side.
Throughout the conversation, Köhler emphasized urgency. “We cannot wait until we have the perfect resources or the perfect moment,” he said. “The time is today. The time is now.” His vision is for a church that is bold, innovative, and willing to move faster in carrying the gospel to every corner of the world.
Technology, communication, and prayer are central to this vision. “We need to be stronger in the use of technology and the means of communication we have,” he explained. Köhler also stressed his daily dependence on God through prayer.
Köhler expressed admiration for ASI’s members in their commitment to the mission and partnership with the organized church. “I’m very impressed with the number of people gathered here who are so focused on mission,” he said. “We are doing great things together, but we can do much more. Count on us to move forward in the mission of the church.”
This conversation between Houghton and Köhler provides an introduction to Köhler’s leadership, the mission that drives him, and how he envisions the church and lay members working in tandem.
Watch the Interview on YouTube.
