The global Seventh-day Adventist Church has elected Pastor Erton Köhler as its new General Conference President, marking a new chapter in the denomination’s leadership.
Adventists in Uganda, including congregants at Kampala Central SDA Church, joined millions worldwide in welcoming the 55-year-old Brazilian pastor to the Church’s top office.
Köhler was officially voted in to serve the 2025–2030 term during the denomination’s mid-year Executive Committee meeting, ahead of the 62nd General Conference Session, set to take place in St Louis, Missouri, in 2025.
Born in southern Brazil, Köhler brings with him decades of experience in ministry and church administration.
He previously served as President of the Church’s South American Division, before his most recent role as Executive Secretary of the General Conference.
Known for his deep commitment to mission, youth ministry, and spiritual revival, Köhler has earned global respect for his leadership style rooted in humility and strategic focus.
His election comes at a pivotal time as the Church intensifies its global outreach through the “I Will Go” initiative—a strategic mission plan encouraging every member to engage in evangelism and service.
Köhler’s vision aligns with this mission, emphasizing spiritual renewal, community engagement, and organizational accountability.
In Uganda, where the Seventh-day Adventist Church boasts over 370,000 members across hundreds of congregations, Köhler’s appointment has been met with enthusiasm and hope.
Local church leaders say they look forward to his guidance and are optimistic about how his leadership will energize the Church’s mission in East and Central Africa.
Köhler succeeds Pastor Ted N.C. Wilson, who has served as General Conference President since 2010.
Wilson announced his decision not to seek another term, opening the way for new leadership to shape the Church’s direction over the next five years.
With more than 23 million baptized members in over 200 countries and territories, the Seventh-day Adventist Church is one of the fastest-growing Protestant denominations in the world.
Under Köhler’s leadership, the Church is expected to deepen its focus on Christ-centered living, social responsibility, and preparing believers for Christ’s second coming.
“God is leading His Church,” Köhler said shortly after his appointment.
“We are a movement with a mission. Let us go forward together—with faith, with unity, and with our eyes fixed on Jesus.”
As Ugandan Adventists join in prayers for their new leader, hopes are high that this new era will bring spiritual revival, institutional growth, and renewed urgency for the Church’s global mission.