Gerhard Pfandl has provided enormous service to God’s church throughout his extremely active pastoral and academic church career. His dedication to the Word of God is legendary. He is one of God’s great champions for truth. His ability to do careful and extensive academic and Biblical research is extraordinary. He has allowed the Holy Spirit to use his talents in a special way. By God’s grace, those talents will still be used in a powerful way during his “retirement.” On behalf of the world church, let me wish God’s richest blessings on our wonderful friends, Gerhard and his wife, Maureen, as they continue to serve the Lord and His church in anticipation of Christ’s second coming.

Pastor Ted N.C. Wilson, President
General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

Gerhard is one of those few individuals who you meet and cannot forget. The reason, it seems to me, is because dedication, commitment, and attention to detail marked every activity which Gerhard engaged in. And whatever one thought of Gerhard, he spared you the trouble of guessing what he thought. My almost seven years’ experience with him at the BRI will definitely stay with me for a long time. — Kwabena Donkor, Associate Director of the Biblical Research Institute

I will always remember the warm welcome Gerhard gave me when I first joined BRI. There are many things that set him apart—his many and varied editorial contributions, his skill in the enhancement, expansion, and management of the BRI library, as well as his constant readiness to do still more even when inconvenient. His many fine articles for Reflections, providing clear and consistent support for Adventist theological positions when needed most, have also made a tremendous impact. This team spirit is exemplified too in his staying on to assist us in his retirement. Thank you, Gerhard, for setting a high bar for the rest of us Christian scholars. — Clinton Wahlen, Associate Director of the Biblical Research Institute

It has been a pleasure working with Gerhard Pfandl for almost 7 years. He has been very kind and helpful with Bible questions that have come in through the years. I was amazed at his knowledge and how he always had an answer to a question or knew of a good source to find answers. I have learned much and have gained a layman’s knowledge of theology. I also appreciate how he developed such a good research library in our office. If I wanted to know if we had a book on a certain topic he knew exactly where the book was on the shelf, and also knew right away if a book was missing. He was also a good salesman for our books during overseas trips, always taking a suitcase of books when he traveled. Thank you, Gerhard, for being more than a boss, but also a friend. I hope to see you in the office after you retire. — Brenda Flemmer, Administrative Assistant, Biblical Research Institute

It has been a blessing and privilege to have worked with Gerhard for the past 12 years. He is one of the hardest working individuals I have ever met. His knowledge of the Bible and willingness to help people has been remarkable. One of his significant contributions has been the improvement of the BRI library, which now houses thousands of books. Thank you, Gerhard, for all your support and kindness to me over the years. Your many gifts to me from your travels will be a constant reminder of your Christian generosity and friendship. May the Lord bless you as you embark on the slower pace of life. You will be truly missed. — Marlene Bacchus, Desktop Publishing Specialist/Webmaster, Biblical Research Institute

Shakespeare in his Henry VIII said of the King that “He was a scholar, and a ripe and good one; Exceeding wise, fair spoken and persuading…” (4.11.51). Gerhard is all of that and more… His scholarship embodies correctness and precision. He has refined and gentle manners, the result of fixed habits of thought and action, power and habits of reflection. He will be greatly missed. Notwithstanding, our consolation will be that his ministry of teaching and writing will continue, always shifting education from instruction to discovery. He will continue to “raise temples” where the church may come and partake of the purest of spiritual pleasures. — Rex D. Edwards, formerly Vice-President of Religious Studies at Griggs University and currently volunteer Research Assistant at the Biblical Research Institute

Gerhard, the invitation to send greetings, I presume, has to do with your planned retirement, or something along those lines. Somehow I sense that you will perhaps not ever fully retire from your work, certainly not from your calling! So let me add my greetings and best wishes along with my thanks for your persistently solid and careful work on behalf of BRI and all of us. Furthermore, I believe your doctorate is from Andrews, and that makes us proud (in the best sense of that word). I have often thought, Gerhard, as I have watched you sitting at the front table during BRICOM meetings, that you look and act a little like a patriarch in the BRI family. You would calm us down when we got too excited about some point of view and bring us back to the point at hand. Thank you. Best wishes and God bless. — Niels-Erik Andreasen, President, Andrews University

Thank you, Gerhard, for your consistent in-depth scholarly support of biblical truth which has greatly aided in keeping our church and its theology moving in God-honoring ways. — John T. Baldwin, Professor of Theology, Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, Andrews University

Friendship with Gerhard is the blessing and privilege of knowing a humble, knowledgeable, faith-filled soul whose influence is all the greater because he is unaware of the strength of his impact on other lives. My confidence in God’s leading of His remnant church is increased because I have been touched by Gerhard’s inspiring, Christian example. — Lael O. Caesar, Associate Editor of Adventist Review/Adventist World magazines

I first met Gerhard in Siberia. I was finishing a course for seminary students and he was to begin. It was so refreshing to have someone to speak to in English. Our friendship has grown since then as our paths have crossed and joined. I have the greatest respect for his scholarship and the clarity with which he expresses himself and his views. May God bless him and may his ministry continue through the spoken and written word. — Gordon Christo, Secretary, Southern Asia Division

Gerhard, we have appreciated your warm friendship, your unfailing commitment to the authority of Scripture, and, yes, your faithfulness in taking meticulous minutes and promptly circulating them for BRICOM! — Richard M. Davidson, J. N. Andrews Professor of Old Testament Interpretation, and Jo Ann M. Davidson Professor of Theology, Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, Andrews University

It was my pleasure to work with Gerhard on the Biblical Research Institute Committee during the last few years. I appreciated his dedication to scholarship and the pursuit of excellence in the work that he did. I wish him a happy retirement and many more years of contributions to the work of the church. — Denis Fortin, Dean of the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, Andrews University

Dr. Gerhard Pfandl, it was a great privilege to know you personally. Your writings and teachings will keep inspiring us to follow the way of truth, especially in Korea. Thank you very much. — Sung Ik Kim, College of Theology, Sahmyook University

I first met Gerhard in 1986 while studying at Bogenhofen Seminary in Austria. He was not only my main professor, but also a wonderful mentor and guide in an, at times, surprising journey of understanding Scripture. Over the past 25 years he has been a constant friend and supporter. His exemplary commitment to Scripture and the God who inspired Scripture has guided my own interaction with God’s word. His capacity to present complex issues in a clear, yet nuanced and careful, manner is something that I strive to emulate in my own research and writing. His encouragement has carried me at difficult moments of my ministry. He truly combines the traits of a Paul and a Barnabas in one package. May God’s shalom shine on him in (I imagine) a very productive retirement. — Gerald A. Klingbeil, Associate Editor of Adventist Review/Adventist World magazines; Research Professor of Old Testament and Ancient Near Eastern Studies, Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, Andrews University

Gerhard, this note comes to express our profound appreciation for the grace with which you have offered your scholarship as a gift to the church’s ministry. Please know that you have set a positive example of loyal dedication to the pursuit of truth. You and your work have been a source of edification to God’s people. May God bless you. — Leslie Pollard, President, Oakwood University

The depth of knowledge that Gerhard brings to the table in discussions of theology and history has been invaluable. He is nearly indispensable. — John Reeve, Assistant Professor of Church History, Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, Andrews University; Editor of Andrews University Seminary Studies

I am among those who are fortunate to know Gerhard Pfandl. He is not only a great Adventist biblical theologian, but also a truth defender. I admire his given ability of explaining difficult matters easily, simply, biblically, and logically. We need more scholars like him. — Richard Sabuin, Dean, Theological Seminary, Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies

I have known Gerhard for quite a few years working with BRI and BRICOM. I appreciate his dedicated service, his consistent cheerful attitude, and his obvious commitment to the Seventh-day Adventist Church and our gracious Lord. Thank you, Gerhard, for your many years of service to the Lord! — Tom Shepherd, Director of Ph.D. in Religion and Th.D. Programs and Professor of New Testament Interpretation, Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, Andrews University

I am indebted to Gerhard for making it possible for me to pursue doctoral studies. Thank you, Gerhard, for your vision and for investing in your junior colleagues. May your retirement bring you much satisfaction as you reflect on God’s leading both in the past and into the future. — David Tasker, Field Secretary, South Pacific Division

Gerhard has been our close friend for many years. I greatly appreciate his helpfulness, courtesy, and unwavering devotion to Jesus and to the teachings of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. His writing, speaking, and teaching leaves an enduring legacy that continues to bless the hearts and minds of many. — Cindy Tutsch, Associate Director of the White Estate

Dr. Gerhard Pfandl is a fascinating man. He can be seen as intimidating as he is firm and forthright when he addresses issues. However, when you come to know him, he is a loving, tender and warm person that will never compromise truth, but will always extend a hand. We will miss him. — Efraín Velázquez, Dean, Inter-American Adventist Theological Seminary

Gerhard, Thank you for your dedication and fidelity to the biblical message of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Your role in the Biblical Research Institute and support of the Adventist Theological Society has been significant, and much appreciated. — Ed Zinke, BRICOM member

“The very highest interests are to be given the first attention. The accumulated light of the past, which has made us what we are, — Seventhday Adventists, — is to shine forth through us to the world.” – Ellen G. White, Loma Linda Messages, p. 380.