Changing of the Guard: Köhler Follows Wilson’s Farewell With a Call for Boldness
by Björn Karlman | 4 July 2025 |
Yesterday, Pastor Erton Köhler was named the new General Conference (GC) president. In his initial remarks, Köhler thanked and praised outgoing president Ted Wilson, who was not present. “Pastor Wilson is not here now. Later he will come,” Köhler said.
At yesterday evening’s press conference, a delay in Köhler’s arrival gave me the chance to ask when we could expect to hear from Wilson. GC associate director of communications Sam Neves replied, “I am not sure.”
The formal handoff had to wait until Sabbath morning. Before Köhler’s sermon, Wilson offered a farewell, thanking the global church for the “privilege” of service and praising his wife, Nancy. He urged the congregation to focus on Christ, righteousness, and the three angels’ messages, calling for participation in the “great final advent movement.” Wilson then spoke about Köhler, detailing his career and emphasizing his “mission focus” before introducing him as the new GC president and giving Köhler a hug.
Köhler Steps Up: Respect for the Past, Eyes on the Future
Köhler’s response struck a balance of humility and resolve, acknowledging Wilson’s tenure while signaling his own direction:
“Thank you, Pastor Wilson, for this kind and generous introduction. I need to say to you that Pastor Wilson was and is an inspiring leader and you know that, and that’s the reason why you applaud him recognizing his commitment and his inspiring leadership…. May God bless you, Pastor Wilson, Nancy, and the entire family in this new joyful and blessed phase of your life.”
He then shifted focus to the global church, describing Adventism as “more than a denomination, we are a family…. We have the same message, the same hope, and the same mission. We are a family and like all other families, we have differences. We have problems among ourselves, but we are still a family.”
Köhler’s First Sermon: “Boldness” or Bust
Köhler’s first sermon as president was less a policy outline and more a call to action, centered on “boldness” in mission announcing the Second Coming.
Key Ideas and Quotes
On Boldness in the Early Church:
“The primitive church asked the Lord…, ‘Now, Lord, look on their threats and grant to your servants that with all boldness they may speak your word.’ They didn’t ask for peace. They didn’t ask for money. They didn’t ask for wisdom. They didn’t ask for buildings. They didn’t ask for power or positions. They asked for boldness in mission. This is the kind of request that the Lord likes to grant.”
On Urgency:
“The last call to this world demands bold action without hesitation, without fear, and without distraction. It is a call not only to speak loudly but also to speak faithfully. It’s not a time to merely share public statements but especially to show personal commitment to the mission.”
On the Church’s Identity:
“This is the reason why we can be considered the people, the people of the book. And you know why? Because we preach the book, we teach the book, and by God’s grace, we live according to this book.”
On Practical Examples:
Köhler cited examples of “ordinary people accomplished extraordinary things,” from missionaries in closed countries to a social media influencer in Angola distributing thousands of The Great Controversy (yep, he’s into the book distribution too). The message: “ordinary people always become extraordinary when they embrace a purpose greater than themselves.”
Köhler’s Style and the Road Ahead
Köhler’s delivery was energetic and focused, consistently returning to the “boldness” mantra. His first sermon as GC president served more as a motivational rally than a detailed doctrinal exposition or series of warnings. While the call to “move forward together” was clear, concrete specifics for this new direction were sparse. The practical implications of this shift and what mission “boldness” will look like in action remain to be seen in the months and years ahead.
Björn Karlman is the executive director of Adventist Today.
PS. We’re trying something new – an experimental WhatsApp channel to bring you direct updates, insights, and highlights from the General Conference Session. Curious?
