Angelica Sanchez – St. Louis, Missouri … On July 4, 2025, the first full day of the 62nd General Conference (GC) Session brought significant developments, including the election of a new GC president, updates on global mission progress, and a comprehensive financial report on the church’s operations over the past five years.

Erton Köhler Elected as New GC President

GC secretary Erton C. Köhler was elected president of the GC during the afternoon business session on July 4. Köhler’s election marks the beginning of his first term as leader of a global movement that spans more than 200 countries and includes more than 23 million members.

Why it matters: The GC president plays a vital role in shaping the church’s strategic vision, encouraging global mission, and uniting church regions around shared goals.

Driving the news: Köhler’s nomination came through prayerful deliberation by the Nominating Committee and was confirmed by delegates during the session at the Dome in America’s Center.

Of note: Köhler previously served as GC secretary, where he led the launch of the Mission Refocus initiative, an effort to prioritize frontline mission efforts in hard-to-reach areas through global collaboration and accountability. He is expected to continue advancing this mission-driven approach in his new role.

Go deeper: Read about Köhler’s election here.

Secretary’s Report Highlights Growth and Mission Challenges

Earlier in the day, Köhler, still acting as GC secretary, presented the Secretary’s Report to delegates.

Why it matters: The report offers insight into church growth, retention, and global mission trends, critical for shaping future evangelism strategy.

Driving the news: According to data from David Trim, director of GC Archives, Statistics, and Research, global membership rose from 16.92 million in 2015 to 23.68 million by the end of 2024—a 40-percent increase. However, membership losses remain high, with a net-loss rate of 43.17 percent since 1965.

The report also emphasized church planting, with more than 10,000 new churches established since the last GC Session, at a record pace of one new church every 2.8 hours.

Additionally: Köhler introduced the mission focus areas, emphasizing outreach in the 10/40 Window, the Post-Christian West, and major urban centers.

“In every corner of the world, we are integrated by one purpose: to bring hope, healing, and a message of love to all nations,” Köhler said.

Go deeper: Read the full Secretary’s Report here.

GC Treasurer’s Report Stresses Mission-centered Stewardship

Paul Douglas, GC treasurer, delivered the Treasurer’s Report with the message: financial stewardship must serve mission.

Why it matters: The report provides an overview of tithe, offerings, and allocation of resources, underscoring accountability and transparency.

Driving the news: Over the past five years, tithe totaled $14 billion, a 16-percent increase, while offerings rose 17 percent.

Of note: The Mission Impact Fund, a global initiative that provides funding to local churches for projects aligned with the Adventist Church’s I Will Go Strategic Plan, has helped reach 12,000 people since its launch and has inspired one million baptisms through evangelism projects.

Go deeper: Watch the full Treasurer’s Report here.

Immunization Statement Clarified

Former GC president Ted N. C. Wilson issued a corrective statement on the morning of July 4, clarifying remarks made the day before regarding the church’s 2015 immunization statement.

Why it matters: The clarification addressed a discrepancy between the official posted version of the statement and the one actually voted by the GC Administrative Committee (ADCOM) in 2015.

Driving the news: Wilson informed delegates that the correct version of the statement had been inaccurately represented on the Adventist church website for nearly a decade. The proper version was read and has since been updated.

Of note: A motion to reconsider discussion of the statement was brought to the floor but voted down by a large margin.

Go deeper: Watch Wilson’s statement here, beginning at 1:39:34.

For more coverage of the 2025 General Conference Session, including live updates, interviews, and delegate stories, visit adventist.news and follow ANN on social media.

—Angelica Sanchez writes for Adventist News Network (ANN). Republished with permission from ANN GC Session July 5, 2025, article. Photo by Nikolay Stoykov.