A Historic Seminary Graduation at Andrews University

On August 2, 2026, the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University held its summer graduation ceremony for doctoral candidates. Among the graduates was General Conference President Pastor Erton Köhler, who earned his Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degree with research on Mission Refocus, a theme he described as central to his ongoing ministry.

Pastor Köhler reflected on Andrews University’s legacy as the first higher education institution of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, established in 1874. He thanked the faculty and staff for their dedication to training and “preparing leaders who are grounded in the Bible, focused on the mission.”

In a post on his Facebook page, Pastor Köhler wrote, “Sharing this graduation with students from 43 nationalities, representing every world division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, made the occasion even more meaningful.” With gratitude and joy, he added, “Above all, I thank God. Every step of this journey has been possible because of His grace.”

Among the doctoral graduates receiving the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree was Pastor Damson Oppong of the Ontario Conference, who currently serves as lead pastor of the Toronto West Adventist Church.

In July, Pastor Oppong successfully defended his dissertation, “Associating Emotional Intelligence, Cultural Intelligence, and Inclusive Leadership: A Correlational Study of Seventh-day Adventist Pastors and Church Leaders in Canada.” His research found that emotional intelligence mediates the relationship between cultural intelligence and inclusive leadership among church leaders in Canada, based on empirical self-reports.

Pastor Frankie Lazarus, Ministerial Secretary of the Ontario Conference, emphasised the significance of Oppong’s research. He stated, “Damson’s study can contribute to leadership development among local church leaders and church administrators, as well as suggesting a potential structure for the associations among emotional intelligence, cultural intelligence, and inclusive leadership more generally.”

Pastor Orlando Pule, former Ontario Conference Family and Men’s Ministries Director and current pastor of College Heights Church at Burman University in Alberta, also received a Doctor of Ministry degree with a concentration in Leadership. His dissertation, titled “Restorative Justice as the Biblical Foundation for Community Engagement and Advocacy Work at the College Heights Seventh-day Adventist Church in Lacombe, Alberta,” explores the application of biblical principles of restorative justice to community engagement and advocacy.

Pastor Armando Miranda Jr., Associate Youth Director of the North American Division, also earned a Doctor of Ministry degree. His research, “Youth Ministry Leadership Development for Conference Transitions in the North American Division,” explores ways to strengthen youth ministry leadership development and prepare leaders for transitions within the North American Division.

This graduation is historic for bringing together leaders from the highest levels of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and pastors serving local congregations worldwide. The presence of the General Conference president, a North American Division youth director, conference and local church pastors, and graduates from diverse regions and cultures highlights the global reach of the Adventist Church and the Seminary’s essential role in preparing leaders for its worldwide mission.

The August 2 graduation was more than a recognition of academic achievement. It celebrated God’s calling, excellence in ministry, and the ongoing mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. This event serves as a reminder that the Church’s future relies on leaders who are grounded in Scripture, well-prepared for service, attuned to their communities, and fully committed to changing the world for Christ.