GC President Urges Leaders to Stay Grounded in Scripture, Focused on Mission

Pastor Erton Köhler, president of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, delivers a devotional message to hundreds of leaders from across the Inter-American Division during the start of the quinquennial advisory meetings on March 30, 2026, in Miami, Florida, United States. [Photo: Libna Stevens/IAD]

March 30, 2026 | Miami, Florida, United States | Libna Stevens, Inter-American Division News

General Conference President Erton Köhler challenged church leaders from across the Inter-American Division (IAD) to remain united and mission-focused during his devotional message at the opening of the quinquennial advisory meetings, held March 30–April 1, 2026, in Miami, Florida, United States.

The event brought together hundreds of leaders from the Division’s 25 unions to review key initiatives and activities and collaborate on mission strategies for the next five years, aligned with the global I Will Go initiative and the IAD strategic plan for 2026–2030.

Delegates from the Cuba Union attend the opening of the IAD quinquennial advisory meetings in Miami, Florida, on March 30, 2026. [Photo: Libna Stevens/IAD]

“We are different, but we have the same God, the same message, the same mission, and the same hope,” he said, reminding attendees that the global church operates as one family despite cultural and geographic differences.

Köhler also highlighted integration as a key principle for effective ministry, noting that unity strengthens both the church’s witness and its ability to respond to challenges.

“When we are united, we are stronger, we go farther, and we move faster,” he said.

Grounded in Scripture, Focused on Mission

Throughout his message, Köhler reinforced the two central concepts guiding the global church: being grounded in Scripture and focused on mission.

“Mission is a miracle,” said Pastor Erton Köhler, General Conference president, reminding attendees of God’s power at work beyond human limitations during a devotional message in Miami, Florida, on March 30, 2026. [Photo: Libna Stevens/IAD]

“We are not advancing based on our opinions or influence,” he said. “We move forward because the Word of God leads us, and our mission calls us.”

Referencing Matthew 24, he explained that while wars, disasters, and global unrest are signs of a broken world, they do not determine the timing of Christ’s return.

“These are not signs of God—they are signs of a world without God,” he said.

Instead, Köhler pointed to the proclamation of the gospel as the defining mission of the church.

Mission as a Miracle

Köhler underscored that the advancement of the gospel is not limited by human barriers, describing mission as a divine work rather than a human effort.

Pastor Gabriel Moreno listens as General Conference President Erton Köhler addresses leaders during a devotional message in Miami, Florida. [Photo: Libna Stevens/IAD]

“Mission is a miracle,” he emphasized, explaining that it is not what the church does for God, but what God accomplishes through His people.

He shared how God continues to open doors, even in places considered difficult or restricted, reminding leaders that mission is driven by God’s power and not by human limitations.

“What seems impossible to us is not impossible for God,” he said.

A Global Mission with Urgency

Köhler reminded leaders that the Adventist Church has a unique role in preparing the world for the return of Jesus, emphasizing that the gospel must reach all nations.

“This gospel will be preached in all the world,” he said, pointing to Matthew 24:14 as a certainty rather than a possibility.

He urged leaders to remain focused and avoid distractions that could divert time, energy, and resources away from the mission.

Hundreds of leaders representing departments across the Inter-American Division’s 25 unions pose for a group photo during advisory meetings held March 30–April 1, 2026, in Miami, Florida, United States. [Photo: Libna Stevens/IAD]

“If we truly long for His return, then our response is to proclaim the gospel,” he said.

Köhler framed the second coming of Christ as the ultimate expression of God’s love, emphasizing that God delays His return to give every person an opportunity to hear and respond.

“Jesus is waiting because He wants everyone to have that opportunity,” he said.

He closed with a call for renewed commitment among leaders.

“Let us remain grounded in the Bible and focused on the mission,” Köhler said. “That is how we prepare the world for the return of Jesus.”