How Are Prophets Called?

When a prophet dies, Heavenly Father has a way to call a new prophet. He calls the new prophet from the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Here is the order President Monson and the Apostles were called in:

President Thomas S. Monson

President Russell M. Nelson

Elder Dallin H. Oaks

Elder M. Russell Ballard

Elder Robert D. Hales

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

President Henry B. Eyring

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Elder David A. Bednar

Elder Quentin L. Cook

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

Elder Neil L. Andersen

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

Elder Dale G. Renlund

The man who has served as an Apostle the longest, besides the Prophet, is the President of the Quorum of the Twelve. When a prophet dies, the President of the Quorum of the Twelve becomes the next prophet. He prays and calls two new counselors.

In general conference, we raise our hand to sustain the new prophet. This means that we promise to do our best to follow what he teaches.