Who chooses the Mormon prophet?

Andrew Godard answered…

After the prophet dies, the Apostles meet together in the temple to pray about who should be the next prophet from among the Apostles. They receive revelation from Heavenly Father on who it should be. It is usually the senior Apostle, although revelation can chose otherwise.

Emily answered…

The same person that chose Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Elijah, Daniel, Isaiah, and all the other Old Testament prophets, and the same person who chose Peter to lead the ancient church. The Mormon prophet today is the Lord's spokesperson here on the earth. He speaks the mind and will of the Lord. It only makes sense that the only person qualified to know the mind and will of God is someone God himself chooses.
Each leader in the Church is called of God through revelation. The Lord has set the authority structure of the Church, and through it He chooses His leaders here on earth.

Shane answered…

Just as in the Bible Jesus Christ chooses who leads his Church.

Cliff answered…

Jesus Christ chooses the man that he wants to lead the church here on earth. 

Cece answered…

God does! :) God inspires the current Apostles about who should be called to be a new Apostle when one of them dies. When the Prophet of the Church dies, whoever was made an Apostle next after him is chosen to be the new Prophet. All of the Apostles pray to make sure that that's what God wants, and then they ordain him the new Prophet with God's authority :)

Giselle answered…

Jesus Christ

Russ Madsen answered…

When Christ organized his church in Jerusalem he called 12 specially chosen men and ordained them apostles, Peter being the chief apostle. These apostles were to lead the church under the direct revelation of Jesus Christ himself. Jesus Christ continues to guide his disciples through direct revelation to apostles and prophets today. The senior apostle, Thomas S. Monson, was called and ordained to be president of the church by the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles after the death of President Gordon B. Hinckley, who was also called in like manner. This is the pattern the Lord himself established and it has been followed in our day.

Craig Stevenson answered…

Before Jesus Christ came to the earth, He called prophets to share His gospel with the world. These prophets were chosen to testify of Jesus Christ and help everyone to develop a personal relationship with Him. Those who followed the prophet were blessed.
When Jesus Christ came to the earth, He was an example for us in everything that He did (including how he established His church). Jesus Christ was the "chief cornerstone" of His church. He called 12 apostles as well to edify and strengthen the church and to bring everyone to a unity of the faith and confound false doctrine (Ephesians 2:19-20; 4:11-14).
Today, Jesus Christ's church is lead by the First Presidency (the prophet and 2 counselors) and the 12 apostles. Just as in times past, the modern prophet, Thomas S. Monson, has been called of God to lead us closer to Jesus Christ and help us with the challenges that we face today! I have been blessed in my life as I have followed the prophets counsel.

Domingo answered…

God.Revealing his choice through revelation to the living senior leadership of the the Church after much prayer and fasting . The members then will sustain him to be the president of the Church as well.

Eric Greene answered…

The Church leadership for the Mormon Church includes the Prophet, his two councilors, and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The Prophet is called to be the leader of the Church until he passes away. When he does, The oldest member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in seniority for how long he has been in the Quorum, not on his age becomes the new Prophet.

Terrence answered…

The Lord chooses the men who will lead and guide Heavenly Father's children back to him. This is done through revelation. There are 15 chosen men who are called Apostles or "Special Witnesses of Christ" who guide and direct the work of the Lord. The Senior Apostle (or the one who was called before the others) is the Prophet of God. When the Prophet dies, the next Senior Apostle is the Prophet. With him are two other Apostles which are his counselors and three of them make up the First Presidency of the Church.

Sherri! answered…

Our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are the ones who call and direct our prophet today and yesterday. The Church is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints because it is His Church He is the one to call and ordain the leaders of our Church today.

Jon answered…

Thomas s Monson is our Prophet today He is our Prophet because he listen to us obey the commandment

Dylan Bushaw answered…

Jesus Christ chooses the prophets of this church. It is His church so he chooses who will lead the people of it. The prophet right now is Thomas S. Monson who was chosen by Jesus Christ because he was a worthy and capable man for the calling.

Wayne answered…

The Lord - through a system established early in the Church's history, where the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is sustained. First by his brethren, and then by the Church. This removes confusion, or politiking.

Rachel answered…

Some people have the wrong idea of what a prophet is or does. The prophet himself does not make the decisions, rather, he is a messenger, the person on earth selected by the Lord to share with His people what they should do and how to live their life.

Patrick answered…

God chooses the prophet, just like he has chosen all prophets. When the living prophet passes away, God choose the next prophet through the Apostles. In most cases the most senior Apostle is chosen as the next prophet.

Jonathan answered…

I bear witness that this church is lead By Jesus Christ. That Christ called a prophet to help him lead the church today, even Thomas S Monson.

Nash answered…

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is directed and guided by Jesus Christ himslef. He is the one that calls prophets as He did in antiguity. in these days the way He has prepared for the prophets to be chosen is that the senior apostle or the apostle that has the most time as an apostle is called to be the prophet. the apostle as wel have been chosen by Jesus Christ. this is how prophets are called in The Churh of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Sara answered…

Heavenly father and Jeusus crist chose the prophet

Ryan answered…

Our Heavenly Father does. As in times of old, God calls prophets to lead and guide all mankind with eternal principles and correct doctrine. A prophet is a man such as Noah, Adam, or Moses. An election system or an inheritance type of nomination is not the manner in which God calls prophets.

Brandon answered…

The prophet is chosen by the Living Head of the Church, Jesus Christ. When a prophet dies, the apostles gather together to pray and to know whom the Lord would have to be His prophet. It is usually the senior apostle.

Josh Hanson answered…

The same who has always chosen the true prophets - the Great I Am.

Dustin answered…

 To put it most simply, Jesus Christ makes the choice, just like he always does with Prophets. When the Prophet passes away the Quorum of the Twelve meets in the Salt Lake Temple and decide on the successor but they must all do so in unison. It usually and always has been the most senior member of the Quorum of the Twelve who is chosen by the other apostles to be the next Prophet of the church, and they each get the same answer individually on who will be the next Prophet by the Spirit. And since the Spirit is a member of the Godhead then they are getting the answer from Christ as well.

Kelly answered…

Our prophet is called by God. He isn't selected by committee or nominated by a vote, he is called by God to lead us. When a prophet passes away, God confirms his choice for the new prophet through the 12 Apostles that are special witnesses of Jesus Christ. By asking through prayer, each member may also receive a personal confirmation that the new prophet has been called by God.

Josh answered…

They are called of God, by inspiration/revelation, to serve in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The senior living apostle (not in age, but in the order that they were called to serve) serves as the President of the Church and is the only man that is authorized to "exercise all of the revelatory and administrative keys for the Church." Jeffrey R. Holland, “Prophets, Seers, and Revelators,” Liahona, Nov 2004, 6–9

Matthew James Twiggs answered…

The Prophet is chosen by direct revelation from our Heavenly Father.
It is done through fasting and prayer. There is no hierarchy that determines who the next Prophet will be. It could really be any person if the Lord so desired.

Scott answered…

The simple answer is God, but the reality is that the successor of the current prophet is always known before his time arrives. There are a total of 15 apostles who preside over the church. The First Presidency consists of 3 apostles the 12 remaining making up the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. As an apostle passes away a new one is called in his stead thus creating an order of seniority. When the Prophet passes away the most senior apostle assumes his role as the President of the church and Prophet. Since God chooses when to take each of us from this life, he also decides who will live to become the next prophet. Just as Joshua succeeded Moses our prophets today are selected in the same manner.

Peter Charles answered…

The Mormon prophet is chosen by the Lord. There is no voting or electioneering. The selection is based on which of the the Apostles has the most seniority in the Quorum of the Twelve. The one Apostle with the most experience in that position will become the next President of the Church. We believe the President is chosen by the Lord as the Lord, who gives us breath each day, allows the President to be the one to elevate to that position.

Autumn Elizabeth answered…

Our Kind and gracious father in heaven .

Joel answered…

The prophet is called today just as they were called in previous times. Hebrews 1:5 tells us though that no man can take this honor upon himself, but rather must be called. Just because one wants to be, doesn't mean they will. Instead the Lord prepares them. Today, the Lord has established 12 Apostles and a living prophet. When that prophet passes away the senior member of the Apostles is chosen as the Prophet.

Darrell answered…

The simple answer is: Jesus Christ picks the Mormon prophet.

Whenever someone is called as an Apostle, he is given all of the priesthood authority that he needs to be the prophet someday. The senior-most Apostle (longest-tenured) is the Prophet and President of the Church, with the second-most senior Apostle being the President of the Quorum of the Twelve. Upon the death of the President of the Church, the First Presidency is dissolved, authority to lead the Church transfers to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles traditionally then becomes the President of the Church, and he organizes a new First Presidency.

Scott answered…

Jesus Christ is the Head of this Church. The calling and appointment of the Living Prophet is directed by Him whose Church it is.

After the death of the Prophet Joseph Smith in Carthage Illinois, Brigham Young led the Church to the Salt Lake Valley and guided its growth and expansion throughout the West. After his death, the senior Apostle, John Taylor, became the third President of the Church. After each Church President passes away, the senior Apostle becomes the next President.

Elizabeth answered…

God chooses the prophet, that is the beautiful thing about it!

Maciel answered…

We believe that Jesus Christ is the one who leads our church trough a prophet, this prophet is called by God just like in old times, since God is the same yesterday today and forever why couldn't ´t he be able to call prophets in our days? I know that our prophet today has been called by God and I´ll support him.

Gabe Arnold answered…

Heavenly Father chooses who will be the next Prophet because our church is led by him and his son Jesus Christ that is why it is called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

Kevin answered…

The prophet is chosen by Christ Himself. He has called and appointed the prophet that lives today just as He called Moses, Elijah, and Isaiah anciently. God is perfect, therefore, He doesn't change. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the same church with the same organization as it was anciently.

Kelsi answered…

God calls Mormon prophets. We do not vote.

David answered…

The short answer is that the Mormon Prophet is chosen by inspiration from the Holy Ghost through much prayer and spiritual insight. But the process does not start once the last Prophet has passed away, as some may think. A person is prepared for a long time to be the prophet through personal spiritual growth where a person makes a life of living the gospel of Jesus Christ and exceptional service in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. When a person is called to the Quorum of the Twelve they are considered already prophets but are not the “Prophet” as is referred to the President of the Church. As a member of the Twelve they are in a position that they may become the Prophet and President of the Church. Each member of the Quorum of the Twelve has a seniority based on the date and time they were ordained into that Quorum. This person moves up in seniority only by the death of a member of this Quorum or the death of the Prophet. Once this person is the senior member of this Quorum, this person, through the death of the current Prophet, will be put in the position that they can, through much prayer and spiritual insight and unanimous decision by the Quorum of the Twelve, accept the calling as Prophet and President of the Church or give this position to another as the Lord requires.

Marshall answered…

We believe that Jesus Christ reveals who the apostles should be. He reveals this to the current prophet, his counselors, and the quorum of the twelve apostles. All the apostles are prophets, seers, and revelators. The first presidency and the quorum of the twelve are all apostles. The senior apostle (the one who has been an apostle the longest) is chosen to be the president of the church, who is "the prophet."

Wes answered…

The short answer is that the Lord, Jesus Christ, selects His prophet. However, the details are a little more interesting. The Lord has Apostles on the Earth today. The Apostles hold the same power and authority as the Apostles chosen by Christ 2000 years ago. In fact, Jesus Christ chooses the current Apostles and has them called by the current President of the Church, who is the Lord's prophet, chosen to speak for the Lord. When the current prophet passes away, the next most-senior apostle becomes the leader of the Church. These Apostles, through the influence and guidance of the Holy Ghost, work throughout the world under the direction of the prophet to carry on the work of the Lord.

Nate answered…

Having a living prophet as the president of our church who communicates with God just like Adam, Enoch, Noah, Abraham and Moses is an important tenet of our faith. Just as these men communicated with God and received direction and commandments from Him the Mormon prophet is lead by Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the Head of our church and we worship Him as such.

Jesus Christ directs the calling of each Mormon prophet. After the death of our prophet and church president, the most senior Apostle becomes the next President. The current prophet and president of our church is Thomas Monson. He is the 16th prophet of our church. Other well-known prophets in our church were Joseph Smith and Brigham Young. Joseph Smith was the first prophet and president of our church and Brigham Young succeeded him.

J.D. answered…

 Jesus Christ.

Joseph answered…

The Mormon prophet is called of God. After the call, all church members are allowed to give him a sustaining vote. In the Old Testament it says: "Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets." God calls prophets to serve his church and to tell the church members what God wants to tell them as a group.

Patti Pitcher Timmins answered…

Prophets have been called by God since the beginning of time. Men are called into leadership positions starting at a young age so that they can learn about serving others. Our Heavenly Father knows each of us and he knows what is in our hearts. God chooses who will lead our church.

Braden answered…

Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Tyler. answered…

Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Greg answered…

The Mormon prophet is chosen through much prayer, fasting, and divine revelation through a complete acceptance by the governing body called the Quorum of the Twelve.

In usual situations it is the senior Apostle who is chosen, but the Lord dictates through revelation His ultimate choice.

Kirk! answered…

The Prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is always chosen by Revelation, or communications between man and God.

We believe that Jesus Christ lives and that He is at the head of this, His church. The leadership of the church is organized beneath this "head".

There are fifteen "prophets, seers, and revelators" that lead this church. They are considered Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The senior, or oldest, Apostle is named the President and Prophet of the church. He then prays and receives revelation through prayer and fasting as to who his counselors will be to aid him in this calling.

Thus we have the Senior Apostle, or Prophet, with his two counselors as well as twelve men also sustained and called as Apostles.

This is the patterns and structure set up by our Heavenly Father as to how the Prophet is chosen and called to his position.

Joshua answered…

 God selects His prophet be by the life or death of the 12 living Apostles through which He guides His church. The prophet always is the most senior Apostle of the Lord's church, the man who has been an Apostle for the longest amount of time. Now, who may I ask has the power to decide when we will die or how long we will live? Only God. Therefore, it is God who selects the prophet by lengthening the life of the one he wants to lead His church. The prophet prayerfully selects new Apostles when a death occurs.
Because of this format, I know that God is the one who leads this church. If we selected our own prophet, it would be a church of mankind. However, that is not the case, and I am confident that God truly does lead this church through His divinely chosen and inspired leaders.

Jeremy answered…

God.

He chooses every position in the church. At least he controls it.
The Prophet is the Prophet until he dies. When he dies. The senior apostle will take the place as the President (Presiding priesthood holder) or Prophet and sanctioned leader of the church. Same as it went in the Bible. Christ called Peter to be the head of the Church after he left. Peter was also the first apostle called. (Senior apostle).

So then if God wants someone else to become the Prophet, then some how everyone else will pass away until that one is the senior. Or God would've just had the born first.

He is in control of everything.

Tom answered…

The short answer is that God chooses the prophet. Numbers 12, verse 6 tells us how God calls a man to be a prophet. The actual process that occurs when a prophet dies in Christ's church is similar to what happened in Acts 1. The living apostles vote on who the next prophet will be. In practice, they always vote unanimously, typically for the most senior apostle. 

Bruce answered…

We believe it is by revelation from God, to those who hold the keys of the Kingdom of God on the earth.

Anjie answered…

The Lord, but we have the privilege of sustaining the Prophet.

Justin answered…

Christ

Gene answered…

Heavenly Father chooses his Prophets

Joe answered…

GOD!!

Michael Neuweiler answered…

The Prophet is not really chosen, he is generally the most senior Apostle in the Quorum of The Twelve Apostles, the Prophet still needs to be confirmed by all members of the church though.

Colby Stewart Haymond answered…

It's pretty simple how an LDS Prophet is called to be a prophet. In the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, you have one who is in charge. He presides over the other 11. President Monson is the Prophet and presides over the whole church. Even though President Monson has 2 counselors that doesn't mean they are going to be the next in line to be Prophet. Once the Prophet dies the remaining 14 or so Apostles left meet together. The Apostle who has seniority presides at the meeting, he is then given the opporunity to be Prophet. He doesn't have to be, (he still has his agency to choose.) In this case President Boyd K. Packer is the President over the 12 Apostles. Once he decides the rest of the Apostles lay their hands on him and confirm him the Prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He then chooses his two counselors, it is usually one of the Twelve Apostles but it can be any worthy male who holds the Melchizedek Priesthood.

Chaz answered…

It is the church of Jesus Christ, He directs it. He calls and appoints the prophet, the first of which in this dispensation being Joseph Smith. The first presidency along with the quorum of the twelve apostles direct the affairs of the church here on earth.

Clint! answered…

Our Father in Heaven chooses the prophet through his counselors on this earth.

Ben answered…

"Mormon" is a nickname tagged by others to the members of the Church of Jesus Christ. The prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ is prepared, called, and chosen by Jesus Christ.

Kasey answered…

In ancient times God called prophets to help the people learn what god would have them do. He did this because he is our Heavenly Father, he wants the best for us and wants to help us return back to him. Because we believe God loves everyone equally, we believe that god has called a prophet today to help lead and guide us just as he did in biblical times. Who chooses the Prophet? God, that is the only way it can be done.

Anne, don't forget the "e" answered…

Heavenly Father chooses the propht. We as members sustain him as a prophet of God.

Jonathan answered…

The simple answer is that Mormons believe God chooses the prophet of the Mormon Church. Mormons believe that God is real, and that God has a plan for us, his spirit children, which is designed to result in our eternal happiness if we will trust him and do what he asks us to do. The prophets, both ancient and modern, receive revelation as to God's will for us, and they tell us specifics of what we need to do to obtain this eternal happiness, which we all have the potential for. Individual Church members who are not prophets may also obtain revelation pertaining to themselves and that which they have stewardship over such as their families, which is direction from God that again, leads toward the ultimate goal of eternal happiness.

Kyle answered…

 When the current Prophet dies the quorum of the twelve chooses a member of that quorum usually the senior Apostle or the Apostle that has been in the quorum the longest to become the next prophet. The Lord guides them on who to choose. Then the quorum has to unanimously sustain that decision. In the next General Conference the whole world has the opportunity to sustain that Prophet as well.

Michael answered…

Short answer: He whose prerogative it is to chose, even Jesus Christ, since the timing of life and death is subject to His will.

What happens is, when an apostle passes away, the current prophet seeks and receives inspiration to call somebody to fill the vacancy, a call that must then be unanimously ratified by the surviving apostles. If that new apostle then outlives all but one of those who were called to the Twelve prior to himself, he becomes the President of the Quorum of the Twelve. Upon the passing of the prophet, the Quorum of the Twelve becomes the governing body, until the President of the Quorum is ordained to be the President of the Church, and a new First Presidency is organized (pending, of course, more prayer to make sure that is truly the will of Him whose church it is). The new prophet then repeats the process of calling an apostle to fill the vacancy left by the passing of his predecessor. Within six months, a General Conference occurs wherein, in solemn assembly, the body of the Church has the opportunity to signify acceptance of the new prophet.

Succession in the Church is as smooth as silk. There is no campaigning or politicking or wrangling for office. There isn't any suspense or anxious waiting for a relative stranger to be introduced as the new president. There is only the will of the Lord as expressed through events that only He can control, and confirmed through the manifestation of His Spirit.

When President Gordon B. Hinckley passed in 2008, we all knew that Thomas S. Monson would be the next prophet. And when he goes to his rest, there will be no question as to who comes after him. (Because we don't know how long President Monson will serve, I won't hazard a guess right now--but we will know then.)

Jordan answered…

God

Mason answered…

To put it simply, God. He has always called His prophets, from the time of Adam down through Noah, Abraham, and Moses. Its works the same way today.

Kolter answered…

Just like days of old prophets are men our Heavenly Father has chosen because of there faithfulness in fallowing the commandments. They are no different than us except they speak for the Lord.

Pat answered…

God directs the Quorum of the 12 Apostles as they select a Prophet

Andreia answered…

God speaks to the Apostles and they all have to agree and make it unanimous.

Kim answered…

I know that Jesus Christ calls the prophet to lead His church.

Russ answered…

The Lord through the quorum of the 12 apostles. there is no election process. there is no credential's presented. No required church service. The twelve, at the death of the current prophet, gather and they receive revelation on who the Lord has chosen to be His prophet. 
if there is still some confusion, it can better understood how the Prophet is chosen when you understand that we believe the following
5We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
6We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
7We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.

Michael Terence answered…

God does. It sounds idealistic, but when you think about it, it makes the most sense. An election-type system imposes the will of men on the church. In our church, the prophet seeks God's will about who should be an apostle, and then the apostles ordain the next prophet based on seniority. Thus, each prophet is called by another prophet, starting with Joseph Smith

Kyle Rasmussen answered…

The church is lead and directed by the one whose name it bears, Jesus Christ. He leads and guides this church today and calls prophets and apostles in our day to carry out the work and growth of His church.

When the prophet passes away, the senior apostle of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles becomes the new President and prophet of the Church. Senior Apostle means the one who has been an Apostle the longest, not in terms of age.

This pattern of succession was the approved method Christ has commanded. After the Prophet Joseph Smith was killed in Illinois, Brigham Young who was then the senior member of the Twelve, led the Church and became the next President. After his death, John Taylor was the senior Apostle and became the next President of the Church. After John Taylor, the Church has been led by:

Wilford Woodruff, Lorenzo Snow, Joseph F. Smith, Heber J. Grant, George Albert Smith, David O. Mckay, Joseph Fielding Smith, Harold B. Lee, Spencer W. Kimball, Ezra Taft Benson, Howard W. Hunter, Gordon B. Hinckley, and currently today Thomas S. Monson.

The Church today is led by the First Presidency of the Church (President of the Church and two counselors) along with the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Each is chosen by God and does His will regarding the affairs of His Church.

Bruce answered…

The Prophet is sustained as President, Prophet, Seer and Revelator of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints by every member of the church at least four times each year and each participating member knows that the Prophet is called of God. These men neither seek nor aspire to their respective offices of service, but like most members, they know that every call to service comes from the Lord Jesus Christ who stands at the Head of this church. The mantle of leadership is a very demanding calling and the person called quickly learns that it is the Lord alone who qualifies them for the work. Many years of devoted service in Leadership callings also prepares them to be ready for the Lord Jesus Christ's call to serve whenever and wherever He deems them to be needed. The Prophet and his two counsellors lead and direct the affairs of the church through prayer and inspiration by the power of the Holy Ghost. Any person or member who is in tune with the Spirit of God will receive a witness of the divinity of Jesus Christ and His annointed servants.

Candee answered…

The "Mormon" prophet is chosen the same way as the prophets of the Old and New Testament. Just as God called Moses from a burning bush. Each prophet has their own special experience with God the Father and Jesus Christ. For Joseph Smith, he was prompted to enter a grove of trees to learn which Church to join. God, the Father, and Jesus Christ appeared to him, calling him by name and giving him commandments to restore their Church to the earth. He is the main prophet of this dispensation. As the organization of the Church progressed, a quorum of twelve apostles was organized. God has ordained that the apostles progress through this quorum. When the prophet dies, the senior apostle, along with the quorum of the twelve apostles become the governing body of the Church. They meet in an attitude of fasting and prayer. God reveals to them who the next prophet should be. It is a unanimous vote. So far the pattern has been that the senior apostle becomes the next prophet.

Cary answered…

Jesus Christ is the head of the Church. He chooses the prophet.

DarLee answered…

I know our prophet is called by God, as has been the case since the beginning of the Earth. He is not elected by men. The Quorum of the 12 Apostles all pray about the new prophet when the current one passes away. They all receive inspiration--an answer to prayer--about who that prophet should be. They all receive the same answer.

Michael Reed answered…

God chooses him. Out of the Apostles, whichever has been an Apostle the longest is the Prophet. Joseph Smith was the first modern Apostle. Shortly before his death, Joseph gave the other Apostles all of the rights God had given to him. The most senior Apostle, Brigham Young, became the second Prophet, or President of the Church. Today, Thomas S. Monson is their successor.

The Apostles make their major decisions together, unanimously, under the influence of the Holy Spirit. When an Apostle dies, they think and talk and pray until the Spirit tells all of them who the new Apostle should be. This only works because all of the Apostles are very close to the Holy Spirit (also called the Holy Ghost).

Since Apostles stay Apostles until they die (unless they leave the Church or break a major commandment, which hasn't happened in my lifetime), only God can control who leaves and who stays. Whoever has been an Apostle the longest (is the most senior) is the Prophet. Today, I bear my testimony that President Monson is a true Prophet and Apostle.

Linda answered…

Jesus Christ chooses him through his current apostles on the earth. A man is first called to be a member of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles. At this point, he has already had experience as a local leader in the church. As an apostle, he serves for many years, testifying of Christ, traveling the world to bless the lives of people everywhere, and learning about church government. The senior apostle the one who has served the longest becomes the new prophet when the old one dies. This ensures that the man with the most experience serving the Lord leads the church. It is a great system.

TJ answered…

 The Lord.

Todd answered…

A Prophet is not really chosen - at least, not by vote, or in a selection process.

There is a line of succession - and when the current prophet dies, the senior member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is called to be the next prophet.

Tiffany answered…

 The Lord, Jesus Christ, chooses the prophet.

Elder Munson answered…

The Prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is chosen by The Head of the church, Jesus Christ. The choice is made by the 12 Apostles of the Church and only through prayer the Holy Spirit influences the decision of the 12 Apostles, and they must unanimously decide on a new Prophet.

Mitchell. answered…

God calls the prophet. Just as He did in times of the bible.

Krista Lynn answered…

We believe that the Lord does, and to do so He uses an orderly, peaceful means of succession in the presidency of the Church.

Steve answered…

 The same who chose prophets in ancient times

Rick answered…

By Divine direction (see Amos 3:7), Apostles are called to serve as special witnesses of Jesus Christ. When the Savior was on the earth he called twelve men to be disciples. As His earthly ministry was coming to an end, Jesus called in his Disciples and made them His Apostles (Matthew 10). They were called to bear His message to the lost sheep of Israel and later to the Gentiles. As one Apostle passed away, another was called to serve until the time when all had been martyred.

When the Gospel was restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith, he was directed to reorganize the Quorum of the Twelve. Joseph was Prophet and President of the Church and through Divine inspiration, selected those who would be members of the Quorum of the Twelve. When Joseph was martyred, Brigham Young led the Church to the Salt Lake Valley. After his passing, the senior Apostle, John Taylor became the Prophet and President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. Since that time, the senior Apostle in the Quorum of the Twelve becomes the Prophet and President of the Church.

Each President of the Church selects counselors from worthy and capable men. Together, these men form the First Presidency of the Church. Along with the Twelve Apostles, they give direction to the Church.The Lord's Church is a Church of order where men do not aspire to positions of responsibility, but willingly accept such calls. There is never confusion or debate over who the next leader of the Church will be.

Dennis answered…

God chooses his prophets, today as he always has. He prepares individuals for their roles in the premortal life, and, if they are faithful and true, they will achieve all that Heavenly Father has preordained them to do. Everyone in the church sustains the prophet, meaning that we accept him as the president of the church and as God's chosen prophet, but it is not a vote. We cannot overrule God's will. We simply affirm our willingness to follow the prophet's counsel.

Michell Hdz! answered…

♥ revelation received by the president monson

♥ la revelación que recibe el presidente monson

Angela answered…

The church of Jesus Christ of Latter day saints the Mormons is the church of Jesus Christ whom he restored on earth in this latter days therefore.Jesus Christ himself is the one who chooses the Mormon Prophet by revelation to the presidency of the church.   

Doug answered…

The prophet is chosen by the 12 Apostles. Really though at the time they are choosing there are 14 Apostles. There are 14 because when there is a prophet he has 2 counselors and then the 12 Apostles. Thus making the immediate leadership of the church 15 people. When the current prophet dies, the 2 counselors step down and the 14 will pray to find out who the next prophet will be. They all pray separately and then tell who the feel it should be. The person chosen is unanimously voted in. Through prayerful consideration the new Prophet is chosen by the Lord. History has shown the is it the Apostle who has been an Apostle the longest. Their age does not matter. After the prophet is chosen then they are announced. At every General Conference, happens twice a year, all the members can say they will support the new prophet and the leaders of the church or they can say they will not.

John answered…

Only God chooses the next prophet. That is the most wonderful thing to me. Our perfect creator is the only Person who gets to choose who the prophet is. We don't have a big vote and elect the most popular Mormon. This is God's church not the people's church, and as a consequence God runs it through the people He chooses.

Zane answered…

 Jesus Christ.

Carol answered…

The Savior, Jesus Christ, chooses the Mormon prophet. There is a pattern followed as the Lord would have it done.

Stephen answered…

The calling of Prophet is done by the Lord just as in ancient times like the Lord called Moses or Noah to lead his church. The Lord like then now also Choses a Prophet to lead his church today.

Rachel answered…

The prophet is a spokesperson for Jesus Christ and is chosen by Him. The men who become prophets have been schooled through life and church service for many years to be worthy and capable of this position. All members of the church have an opportunity to know for ourselves through the Holy Spirit that the prophet is the one jesus has chosen.

Steven answered…

The Prophet is choosen by Jesus Christ. He is the head of the Church not the Prophet. The current Prophet, Thomas S. Monson, will serve until his death, upon which time, the senior Apostle, (the Apostle who has been an Apostle the longest) will recieve the Mantle of the Prophet. There is no voting, no vying for position, Christ controls when Apostles are called, and WHO is called as an apostle, Apostles are chosen from the body of the Church, regardless of previously held Church callings, by revelation given through current Apostles. Christ said, speaking to his Apostles "ye have not choosen me, I have choosen you", and we hold that to be true as concerns Peter, James, and John as well as President Thomas S. Monson, Henry B. Eyring, and Deiter F. Uchtdorf.