“How Are Prophets Called?” Friend, Apr. 2016, 31
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.