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The final days of the Seventh-day Adventist Church's 62nd General Conference (GC) Session in St. Louis, Missouri, are approaching as thousands of delegates and attendees gathered from around the world continue to worship, vote, and plan for the future of the global church.

A major highlight of the session was the election of Erton C. Köhler as the new General Conference President, succeeding Ted N.C. Wilson, after his 15-year tenure. Köhler previously served as the GC Executive Secretary and brings a dynamic leadership style and deep passion for mission.

Richard McEdward was elected as the new Executive Secretary, while Paul Douglas was re-elected to continue his service as GC Treasurer. These key leadership positions comprise the top administrative team for the worldwide church, which now numbers over 23 million members in more than 200 countries.

Additionally, division presidents were also elected at the session. G. Alexander Bryant was re-elected as the President of the North American Division (NAD), which affirmed his leadership and continued commitment to advancing the church's mission across Canada, the United States, Bermuda and Guam/Micronesia through the Pentecost 2025 initiative.

While there were many administrative changes both in personnel and policy, the GC Session also served as a spiritual reset, offering worship, prayer, and unity amid global challenges. As the church prepares to enter a new quinquennium, leaders emphasized revival, mission, and preparing people for Christ's soon return.

The session will conclude this Sabbath with the new GC president promising a sermon laying out the vision the Spirit has inspired him with for the worldwide church going forward.

The next GC Session is scheduled for 2030.

Pastor Shawn Ellis
Director, Communications and Media