Erton Köhler

A Mission of Simplicity and Purpose

At twelve years old, hiding his trembling hands behind a pulpit-less stage, Erton Köhler delivered his first sermon in just three and a half minutes. The shy pastor’s son who once vowed “never to preach again” would eventually lead the South American Division for fifteen years and now serves as the General Conference Executive Secretary, bringing his “simple, bold, and relevant” philosophy to the church’s global mission.

“Mission is to prepare people for the second coming of Jesus,” Köhler explains with characteristic clarity. “Taking care of our members is part of our mission because if they are not faithful to the Lord, they will not be able to reach others.”

This concise yet comprehensive vision of purpose has guided Köhler’s approach to leadership from his early days as a pastor to his current global role.

Growing in the Shadow of Mission

Köhler’s story begins in southern Brazil, where his father served as an evangelist and church administrator. As a child, Erton spent his afternoons not playing with friends, but in the conference office, helping with administrative tasks while observing how the church operated.

“I spent all my childhood in the offices supporting people there,” Köhler recalls. “I was always curious to understand what the president did in a local conference.” His curiosity led him to creative methods of observation—hiding under his father’s desk during meetings or concealing himself in a closet—just to hear how decisions were made.

From his parents, particularly his father, Köhler learned two essential values: a deep love for the church’s mission and the importance of stewardship.

“I remember many times we asked, ‘Why are you not traveling by plane? Why are you not sleeping in that kind of hotel?’ And he said, ‘Because we need to save the money of the church. We need to protect the church.'”

This early lesson shaped Köhler’s lifelong perspective: “The church is in the first place; we are in the second place—always doing our best for the cause. The cause is bigger than us, and behind that cause, we have our Lord.”

Finding Voice Through Challenges

Despite his passion for ministry, Köhler describes himself as having been extremely shy as a child. His first preaching experience at age 12 illustrates both his commitment and his initial struggles. Invited to speak at a Pathfinder camporee with 2,200 attendees, young Erton memorized the nine-page sermon his father prepared for him.

When he arrived to find no pulpit, just a microphone, he began trembling so severely he had to hide his notes. In the process, he forgot his sermon and delivered the entire message in just three and a half minutes.

These early challenges helped Köhler develop a deep dependence on God. “I believe God was merciful with me and gave me opportunity to learn that I need to depend on Him, because by myself, it would be tragedy after tragedy.”

Building a Partnership in Ministry

While studying theology, Köhler met Adriene Marques, a nursing student who would become his ministry partner. Though they began dating during his second year of theology, they waited nearly five years to marry, respecting her father’s wish for her to complete her education first.

Two qualities attracted Köhler to Adriene. First, her committed spiritual life: “You can’t see the beginning of any day without seeing her reading her Bible, praying for our children, praying for me.” Second, her willingness to partner in ministry: “Every appointment that I had, she was available to be with me.”

“Like I was called, she was called too, and she accepted that call,” Köhler reflects, recognizing the value of shared commitment to their ministry journey.

Leading with Simplicity and Purpose

During his nearly 15 years as division president, Köhler championed what became his leadership philosophy: creating initiatives that were “simple, bold, and relevant.” Under his leadership, the division distributed over 300 million books, expanded media ministries, and invested in education and health, always focused on reaching people for Christ.

“People today are exhausted by social media and the responsibilities of life,” he explains. “If as a church, we would like to invite them to be part of something complex, they are not available. But when you show them something very simple that will impact the community, everybody would like to be part of it.”

Looking to the church’s future, Köhler envisions a community “that can be distinct but not distant”—one that maintains its biblical identity while actively engaging with the surrounding culture.

“If we are focused on our message and our mission, unity will not be a problem for us,” he asserts. “When we work with both together, many other problems will be resolved. The church will be relevant in the community, and we will prepare many people for the second coming of Jesus.”