One more is that he is even more honoring of other people’s agency. So let God prevail means he’s on call for the Lord 24 hours a day. Thank you for this adjustment.”. But, bottom-line, a new prophet is called by a logical, straightforward process: seniority. And thank you for that. All rights reserved. Summary: Based on the authority bestowed by God and historical precedence, the senior apostle becomes the next prophet and president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when the current prophet dies. She’ll be led to do it. We are blessed to be led by living prophets. What’s the next thing the Lord needs him to do? Sister Sheri Dew: OK, you will soon have been married to President Nelson for 15 years. Joseph was the founder and president of the Church from its formation (see the revelation from the Lord in D&C section 20). The authority exists to provide continuous priesthood keys on the earth, and an orderly pattern has been established. This means it goes automatically to the longest serving leader and that means Mitt Romney can’t be the next prophet. And he’s looking to the next thing. Sister Wendy Nelson: In a very practical way, let God prevail means for President Nelson that he is on call 24 hours a day for the Lord. Here he is the father of nine daughters, and a terrific daughter-in-law; and married to a wonderful woman, Dantzel, a marvelous woman; and upon her passing a second marvelous woman, but what do you see about his regard for women? And anything that would prepare the world for the Second Coming. Then it is a beautiful thing. Sister Wendy Nelson: What I’ve learned about hearing Him is this: That everything we do in our home is to increase his ability and my ability to hear the voice of the Lord, as brought to us by the Spirit. Because in times of high confusion, lots of things to deal with, it’s tough to figure out: What do I really believe in? Following the reorganization of the First Presidency, the apostle who has served the second longest is sustained as the president of the Quorum of the Twelve…. He has never done anything accidentally” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1970, 153; or Improvement Era, Dec. 1970, 127). It would have to be a moment when he is bringing the Savior’s love to somebody. To increase his ability to receive revelation for the Church; to increase my ability to receive personal revelation for my life. What is the next thing? And really, I can barely remember that time. we watched via satellite so i wasn’t physically there, but i could sense that this was a profound moment for the church. It was a privilege for me to be in their presence. Dallin H. Oaks, a former Utah Supreme Court justice and an LDS apostle for nearly 34 years, is next in line for the presidency after Nelson. There was no warming up. The Lord doesn’t do things by accident. “I had loved Joseph with a warmth of affection indescribable for about fourteen years. I’ve watched this a lot in the last three years. He will never go through a doorway first. Below you will find out how he is selected, what he does and who succeeds him when he dies. If I take a question to the scriptures, I can get it answered.” Stick with what you absolutely know to be true and do not look to the right or the left. And it’s pretty funny, but it works. If a motion to reorganize the First Presidency is passed, the Quorum of the Twelve unanimously selects the new president of the Church. Sister Sheri Dew: Everybody goes through major transitions. And, in fact, he will sometimes say, “I’m better today than I was yesterday.” So imagine, I sometimes say to him what someone else said, and that is, “What do you think we’ll be doing 1,000 years from now,” because I’ve shared a lot with these first 15. He’s even again, more what looks like courageous and bold, but is just his obedience, his intense, exquisite obedience to whatever the Lord needs him to do. Those are all the things I’ve seen. Below is a list of temples changing status. So this is early January, this is pre-COVID. Yet the Mormons are apparently in the process of selecting their next prophet. As as every single woman prays, and then takes note of what the Lord is telling her, this is how you can increase the light in your life, or the truth in your life. Sister Sheri Dew: What do you know today that you didn’t know three years ago? My prophecy of the next LDS prophets, using average lifespan of most recent apostles as a predictor. Parley P. Pratt, an original member of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles, spoke of this time in his autobiography. And he will say, “Well, we knew there would have to be an obstacle when something that’s good is going to, you know, affect the world and prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Savior. It’s been an adventure, in terms of absolutely how he is different. I live with a man who is totally, hopelessly, present in the present. This special FHE lesson teaches us how a new prophet is chosen when one passes away. Sister Wendy Nelson: He is so gracious. Everyone fully expects the new prophet to be Russell M. Nelson, the current president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. And he’s got these fabulous girls who are bright and smart and inspired and no nonsense girls, and there is no frills. All LDS are capable of being prophets, should they exercise faith in God and Jesus Christ, to receive revelation through the Holy Spirit. I can tell you that his prayers are more global. Something I’ve noticed: Two words that I’ve not heard him use before the last three years — reduce and simplify. Henry B. Eyring Second Counselor in the First Presidency Latter-day Saints do not believe that prophets and apostles are incapable of error, despite being called of God and receiving revelation Some people hold inerrantist beliefs about scriptures or prophets, and assume that the LDS have similar views. Even more than I knew three years ago, I know that there is a Prophet on the land. He had been a member of the Quorum of the Twelve for two decades, more than two decades. My prophecy of the next LDS prophets, using average lifespan of most recent apostles as a predictor. Sister Sheri Dew: President Nelson gave a talk called “Hear Him.” What have you learned about hearing Him, how to hear Him, from being married to President Nelson? I am a non-LDS who has a great deal of respect for Mormons as being some of the most astonishingly well read Christians that I have ever had the privilege to discuss theology with. Sister Wendy Nelson: He is so different from when I married him and I am so different, at least I hope we are, because our marriage is such a great joy for each of us. The current prophet, Thomas S. Monson, will serve as long as he lives. So to have that list and keep adding to it every day. But it’s actually just obedience. Make your list, check it twice, about what you absolutely know to be true. At 96, Russell M. Nelson is used to receiving birthday wishes, but he no doubt is getting many, many more since taking the church’s reins 32 months ago. A special episode of the Book of Mormon Videos series has been published to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the first appearance of God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ, to Joseph Smith, prophet and first president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. What have you learned about the Church? He’s so quick to adapt. And everything feels like it’s moving. Since the death of Joseph Smith in 1844, leadership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has transitioned to a new prophet. Now, when the prophet dies, the president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (the real president, not the acting one) becomes the new prophet. when i was a kid, i remember going to our stake center for the funeral of president howard w. hunter, who was then the president (aka prophet) of the church of jesus christ of latter-day saints. The most senior member of the quorum, Packer was expected to succeed Thomas S. Monson, current Mormon prophet and president of the Church of … While the world may not recognize him, the important requirement is that God speaks through him. The Lord Himself chooses who will be the president of His church. And then, there’s an obstacle. Keep immersed in all the light they can. He’s wild about God’s love — laws and love. President Russell M. Nelson and his counselors in the First Presidency participate in the 2020 Mission Leadership Seminar, transmitted worldwide via technology on June 26, 2020. And that is, if I just think of this one little illustration in my own life, which happens every single day. In January 2021, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints celebrates the third anniversary of President Russell M. Nelson serving as the leader of the Church. However, once we come up out of those waters, if we only sprinkle our lives — we weren’t sprinkled to be baptized, we were immersed to be baptized. I thought that was an impossible thing. He knows that the Lord has something for every country that will make it better for every family that will make them stronger, for every individual that will make them happier. He would like to bring the blessings to every single person himself. Russell M. Nelson President of the Church. Sister Wendy Nelson:  Well, I know that prayer works. Bottom line is we miss them. He doesn’t even want to use the word must in a talk. And I have never seen the grief that when he is aware that someone is not experiencing the blessings of what the Lord has for them because they’re breaking a commandments — that is what makes him sad. After a Mormon prophet's death, the process of choosing the next prophet is known as the Order of Succession. Brigham Young, as president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, held the keys of the priesthood and had the authority necessary to lead the Church. I think that’s happening. You traveled, of course, widely with him before then, for a number of years, but it’s different. Since the beginning of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, when a prophet dies, the most senior apostle steps up to fill the vacancy. When your husband becomes President of the Church, it is different traveling with the President the Church than it is with [traveling with] … a member of the Quorum of the Twelve. The Mormon church has adopted a fully automated seniority system for determining the selection of its living prophets. Well, that’s to me when you know that you’re on the Lord’s errand, because I can’t do that. What have you learned, particularly in this last three years, that has been somewhat distinctive from the earlier years, when you were traveling with your husband? Let God’s laws prevail. It's a formula--just like the conversion of dollars to euros to pesos at a specified exchange rate. In another revelation, the Lord affirmed that the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles holds the priesthood keys, the same as the Savior’s apostles of old, to direct the Church: “And also with Peter, and James, and John, whom I have sent unto you, by whom I have ordained you and confirmed you to be apostles, and especial witnesses of my name, and bear the keys of your ministry and of the same things which I revealed unto them; Unto whom I have committed the keys of my kingdom, and a dispensation of the gospel for the last times; and for the fulness of times, in the which I will gather together in one all things, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth” (D&C 27: 12-13). I know Jesus is the Christ. He does not like walls that separate or segregate. His prayers are different. He has not tried to replicate anything that’s been done before. But I’d give them some opportunities to have some experiences about how needed they are and how key they are. I would also say, so that they can experience how important they are and valued they are, to look for an opportunity to make a sacrifice of time or energy, and then find a way to give service with that time and energy, because sacrifice and service will absolutely let them feel part of something bigger. I did learn that when you’re on the Lord’s errand, meaning, when you are doing something that the Lord has said, “I need you to do this,” then God will provide the way. But I think that’s just shows how quick he is to adapt, which is really fascinating to watch. I’ve watched that for years. They know how to get things done. Next in line right now is President Oaks, who will be the next prophet after President Nelson. Talk to us about that transition. The Church News is an official publication of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Sidney Rigdon 's church dissolved a few years after its organization, but it was reorganized as The Church of Jesus Christ in 1862, which still exists . There is exactly 0% room for inspiration in this system. “In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting and constant influence of the Holy Ghost,” he said. And he just doesn’t want to bring the blessings to every nation, kindred, tongue and people. His name is Russell Marion Nelson. As his wife, what is your unique view of that? I just felt like I should take those off the calendar.” So there is a prophet in the land. And he does not call them to lead a church, he calls them to lead people to repentance. Let’s discuss it. He’s not hovering over them. What can you tell us about his desire to connect with peoples of diverse backgrounds, and, diverse points of view and his instant ability to express love to them? This is an important doctrinal question and one that many missionaries will likely face in the course of their daily missionary work. If the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were to die, how is the next prophet chosen? The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, … headed by the senior apostle, assumes Church leadership. List of Prophets of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. [January 16, 2018], a new prophet of the 16-million-member Mormon church was announced. Throughout the history of the Church. He loves those words. 1983, 4; or Ensign, May 1983, 6). I think we see that in the photographs, the footage that’s been shot of him around the world. For much more information on this subject, see the Foundations of the Restoration Teacher Manual, 2015, Chapter 23: Succession in the Presidency. How is he different today than when you married him? Its leaders of nations. Russell M. Nelson, 93, a heart-surgeon-turned-apostle, poised to become next Mormon prophet Local Religion Mormon church President Thomas S. Monson — … I never wanted to leave them because of this connection. I was better for that. You had been a very successful professor, you had a reputation around the world for some of the things that you had written in your field, you had been a professor of marriage and family therapy, as well as a therapist. And then he’s moving on. It would have to involve something about the gathering of Israel. Sister Sheri Dew: He’s a bridge builder. Sister Sheri Dew: If it were possible for you to have a heart to heart conversation with every woman in the Church …. And what has caught my attention is, he doesn’t just want to bring the gospel to every nation, kindred, tongue and people. He does not hold on to “This is how we’ve always done it.” He is not a slave to tradition. You’ve seen large, large audiences and very small ones, in some places, whereas he’s chosen to go to where the Church is young. The current prophet, Thomas S. Monson, will serve as long as he lives. Sister Sheri Dew: OK, your husband has now been President of the Church for three years. And I know how to follow instructions.” Such a moment that would define or represent his ministry would also show him harkening. Ninety-three-year-old Russell Nelson will now serve as the 17 th prophet and president of the LDS faith. That’s what he’s after. I can also say that without a doubt: What do I know? And sometimes you start with, “OK, God is my Heavenly Father. Required fields are marked *, Talks on Missionary Work by Prophets and Apostles. Fasting is real. And they form a quorum, equal in authority and power to the three presidents previously mentioned.” (See also D&C 112:14–15, regarding the keys of the Quorum of the Twelve.). And until I really started to study what the Savior taught the Nephites, and to say “contention is not of me.” And so, literally, if we would be watching a movie, and there would be contention, he needed to turn it off. So let God’s will prevail. it is well with my servants Joseph and Hyrum….Go and say unto my people in Nauvoo, that they shall continue to pursue their daily duties and take care of themselves, and make no movement in Church government to reorganize or alter anything until the return of the remainder of the Quorum of the Twelve. With the death of President Thomas S. Monson the top leadership structure of the church is transformed, temporarily. I believe this is how we decide who is PRESIDENT, but only the Lord can call his prophets. We’ve talked about how he doesn’t see color of people. 2017-2020, that is … Now, when the prophet dies, the president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (the real president, not the acting one) becomes the new prophet. Wilford Woodruff So, he was already quite senior in the Quorum. I’ll tell you what he sees. Here is the process, in more detail, as outlined in the Church Newsroom article called Succession in the Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: “When the president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints passes away, the following events take place: The Lord Is In Charge of Who Leads the Church as Prophet. Dallin H. Oaks First Counselor in the First Presidency. If you’ve cheerfully done everything you can do, then it’s time to stand still. He can’t restrain himself. Prayer is real. They’ll feel like they’re making a difference. I think about, here’s a man who for 34 years played the organ every Thursday for the Brethren in the temple. We believe that with the Lord in charge, He will not let the wrong person become our Church President. I’m different. The very toughest thing for him, he said this the other day, the very toughest thing for him is when he reviews the cases of those where the marriage is ravaged. I think it would be terrible. Sister Sheri Dew: OK, in this most recent general conference, President Nelson gave really a classic address, I think it will become a classic: “Let God Prevail.” I’ve heard it quoted a billion times in the last two months. There’s only “Oh, wasn’t that great?” He doesn’t even mention it. when the First Presidency has been reorganized. But exhort them that they continue to build the House of the Lord which I have commanded them to build in Nauvoo.”, The Lord Chose Brigham Young to Be Joseph Smith’s Successor. It is a process ordained by God and guided by Him. He does not like categories or labels, because he believes that also separates and segregates. He doesn’t tell him what the idea is. Then know that you are working with God and with God all things will be possible and you’ll have an amazing experience. What have you learned about people? A prophet, then, is the authorized representative of the Lord. If we are in the kitchen, we walked down the hall to go to the office, we walked down the hall together. Sister Wendy Nelson: Well, this is a man, President Nelson, it is deep in his soul, in his cells, I’m sure if we cut him, it would come out “I honor womanhood.” He was raised by a father who absolutely adored and cherished and respected and honored his mother, meaning Russell’s mother. Ninety-three-year-old Russell Nelson will now serve as the 17th prophet and president of the LDS faith. There had been gloom, and, in some hearts probably, doubt and uncertainty; but now it was plain to all that here was the man upon whom the Lord had bestowed the necessary authority to act in their midst in Joseph’s stead” (“Joseph Smith, the Prophet,” Juvenile Instructor, Oct. 29, 1870, 174–75). These data correlate closely with my research gathered from traveling to twenty nations. But in a meeting, he will have an idea or have words put into his mouth that absolutely changes the trajectory of where things were going. The two counselors in the First Presidency revert to their places of seniority in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Jesus Christ is my Savior. And so, of course, it’s easy for him to honor women because he has been with Dantzel who was smart and bright and inspired. Any counsel you would give to someone going through transition, whether it’s marriage, job, health, so many different things? She has authored the biographies of three Church presidents, including the book “Insights from a Prophet’s Life, President Russell M. Nelson.” Sister Wendy Nelson is a retired marriage and family therapist and professor and the wife of President Russell M. Nelson. They explore the life and ministry of the Prophet over the past three years. There is exactly 0% room for inspiration in this system. Sister Sheri Dew: I know you would love it. To hear Him, what I’ve learned is we absolutely remove anything that prevents the Spirit from being in our home in full abundance. Sister Wendy Nelson: Well, I can tell you that his daughters are spectacular, which is a true reflection of him as their father, and probably especially their spectacular mother, Dantzel White Nelson. A prophet is a man who has been called by God to speak for Him. He will absolutely show you how. I know Joseph was a Prophet. I know how to follow instructions.” So meaning, “the Lord told me to do this. Sister Wendy Nelson: I wouldn’t tell them that we need them and how important they are, because they’ve been told that. He has told me that in a meeting, he will get an idea. https://www.prophetpaintings.com/pages/list-of-latter-day-prophets Missionaries wait for President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints prior to a devotional in Nuku’alofa, Tonga, on May 23, 2019. I could feel this is of God, I mean, there’s no way you can do this. Sister Sheri Dew: So continuing on in this line of thought about how your husband feels about women, he’s the father of nine daughters. As I hinted at, instead of the traditional format for this Church News podcast, we are going to step back and listen to a conversation between these two amazing women. Sister Dew, also a former member of the Relief Society general presidency, will be conducting the interview today. This special Church News podcast examines President Nelson’s first three years from the perspective of his wife, Sister Wendy Watson Nelson. [PADA: Yep, this guy is writing a satire on the issue. We’re joined not only by Sister Nelson, but by Sister Sheri Dew, the executive vice president of Deseret Management Corporation. Because the Lord has such better ideas about what I should be doing or how he would handle a situation. To get to your point: What did I learn through that? Wendy, back off. So he does not do hover, you know; he does not do helicopter parenting. That look from your point of view that would prepare the world for the hand of Twelve. What he does not do hover, you ’ re joined not only by sister Nelson, it. The course of their daily Missionary work by prophets and Apostles today you... Conversion of dollars to euros to pesos at a specified exchange rate you have. Davis – the Cripplegate ) Yesterday, a formal motion is made and accepted by date! 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