Next LDS Church President: Succession Explained

Who will be the next president of the LDS Church? That's a question on the minds of many Latter-day Saints as time marches on and leadership transitions are a natural part of any organization, even one as divinely led as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. When the current prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, eventually passes away, the Church will sustain a new president. This isn't a matter of election or appointment in the traditional sense; it's a deeply spiritual process rooted in the Church's foundational principles. For those unfamiliar, the succession plan is quite straightforward, yet profoundly significant. The new president is always the most senior Apostle, meaning the one who has been an Apostle for the longest time. This Apostle then becomes the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It's a system designed for continuity, ensuring that the established doctrines and policies remain consistent, guided by what members believe to be the Lord's will. This method ensures that the Church is led by men who have dedicated decades of their lives to serving in top leadership positions, gaining immense experience and spiritual insight. Guys, it's really about following the pattern established by the Savior himself when he chose his original apostles. They weren't picked based on popularity or political savvy, but on their faith, dedication, and willingness to follow Him. This succession process mirrors that divine selection, offering a sense of stability and unwavering direction to the global membership.

Understanding the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

The process of selecting the next president of the LDS Church is intrinsically linked to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. This quorum is a fundamental governing body within the Church, consisting of twelve men called as special witnesses of Jesus Christ. When a vacancy occurs in the Quorum of the Twelve – typically due to the passing of an existing Apostle – the remaining Apostles prayerfully consider who the Lord would have fill that position. It's not a democratic vote, but rather a spiritual calling. Once a new Apostle is ordained and sustained, they become part of this elite group. The seniority within this quorum is what dictates the presidential succession. The Apostle who has served the longest becomes the President of the Quorum of the Twelve. When the current President of the Church passes away, the most senior Apostle in the entire Church (who is typically also the President of the Quorum of the Twelve) automatically becomes the new President of the Church. Think of it like a well-established line of succession, ensuring that there's always someone prepared and authorized to lead. This system has been in place since the early days of the Church, providing a consistent and predictable path forward. The members of the Quorum of the Twelve are sustained by the Church membership as prophets, seers, and revelators, meaning they are believed to receive divine guidance for the Church. Their long tenure in these senior leadership roles means they are intimately familiar with the challenges and needs of the Church worldwide. This familiarity, combined with their spiritual preparation, equips them to lead the Church into the future. It’s a profound testament to the Church’s belief in ongoing revelation and divine organization. So, when we talk about who the next president will be, we're really talking about the spiritual maturation and proven dedication of individuals who have already been called to the highest levels of leadership. — KXAN Weather: Stay Updated On Twitter

The Role of Revelation in Succession

It's absolutely crucial to understand that revelation plays a pivotal role in the succession of the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This isn't just an administrative or organizational decision; it's believed to be guided by the will of the Lord. When President Spencer W. Kimball passed away, for instance, President Ezra Taft Benson became the next president. Before that, President Harold B. Lee was succeeded by President Spencer W. Kimball. The pattern is consistent: the most senior Apostle is set apart as the new President. However, this isn't just a matter of seniority in a secular sense. The Church teaches that the selection of Apostles and, consequently, the presidential succession, is orchestrated by divine inspiration. The living Apostles, who are sustained as prophets, seers, and revelators, feel the promptings of the Holy Ghost in identifying and ordaining new members to the Quorum of the Twelve. Likewise, when it comes time for a new President to be called, the senior Apostle is set apart to that sacred office under the direction of the Holy Ghost. This ensures that the leadership of the Church is always in alignment with God's will for His Church. For members of the Church, this belief brings immense comfort and certainty. They trust that the Lord is actively involved in guiding the Church's leadership, just as He was in ancient times. It means that the transition of leadership, while a significant event, is not a cause for anxiety or uncertainty about the direction of the Church. Instead, it's viewed as a testament to the Lord's continuing love and care for His children. The process is filled with prayer, fasting, and deep spiritual contemplation by the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve. The outcome is not predetermined by human ambition or political maneuvering, but by divine appointment. This understanding is fundamental to the faith of Latter-day Saints and underscores the unique nature of the Church's governance. It's a profound demonstration of faith in a living God who continues to communicate His will to His people through chosen servants. The entire process is designed to maintain spiritual continuity and prophetic guidance, ensuring the Church moves forward under divine direction, just as it has throughout history. — Big Lots Login: Access Your Account & Manage Payments

Who is the Current President and Who's Next?

Currently, the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is President Russell M. Nelson. He assumed this sacred role in January 2018, following the passing of President Thomas S. Monson. President Nelson, a renowned heart surgeon before his call to full-time ministry, has brought a wealth of experience, wisdom, and spiritual leadership to his calling. His tenure has been marked by significant initiatives, including a major restructuring of the Church's organization and an emphasis on the importance of the Book of Mormon and personal revelation. He often speaks about the ongoing Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Now, regarding who will be the next president, as we've discussed, it follows a clear line of succession. The next president will be the most senior Apostle currently serving in the Quorum of the Twelve. As of my last update, that position is held by President Dallin H. Oaks. President Oaks has served as an Apostle since 1984 and as First Counselor in the First Presidency under President Nelson since 2018. Should President Nelson's tenure conclude, President Oaks, being the most senior Apostle, would then be set apart as the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This principle of seniority ensures a smooth and divinely guided transition, reflecting decades of dedicated service and spiritual preparation. It’s important for people to understand that this isn’t about campaigning or jockeying for position; it’s about a sacred calling and a deeply spiritual process. The anticipation among Church members isn't one of speculation about who might gain power, but rather one of faith and trust in the Lord's appointed leaders. We know that God is in the details of His work, and that includes the leadership of His Church. So, while we cherish the ministry of President Nelson, we also look forward with faith to the future leadership that the Lord will provide, guided by the established principles of succession. It’s a remarkable system that offers stability and confidence to millions around the globe, knowing that the Church will always be led by those called and prepared by the Lord himself. The continued focus remains on following Jesus Christ and His teachings, regardless of who stands at the helm. — NFL Week 13: ESPN Expert Picks & Predictions