Russell M. Nelson: The 17th President and Prophet of the LDS Church

Early Life and Medical Career

Russell Marion Nelson was born September 9, 1924, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He grew up in a Latter-day Saint family and developed an exceptional aptitude for science and medicine. After high school, he attended the University of Utah and later Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, where he graduated in 1947. His medical career was remarkable: he became one of the world's leading thoracic surgeons, performed some of the first open-heart surgeries in the United States, and helped develop the heart-lung bypass machine — a technology that revolutionized cardiac surgery and saved countless lives. For decades, Nelson was known internationally in medical circles as an innovator and surgeon of the highest caliber. His Latter-day Saint faith informed his entire approach to medicine; he saw healing as sacred work and treatment of the body as intertwined with spiritual care.

Called as an Apostle

In 1984, at age 59, Russell M. Nelson was called as one of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the governing body of the church. This calling came while he was at the height of his surgical career, yet he dedicated himself fully to his apostolic responsibilities. As an apostle, he traveled worldwide representing the church, spoke at conferences, and participated in major church decisions. His medical background gave him unique perspective on church health initiatives, and his scientific mind brought intellectual rigor to theological discussions. For 34 years, he served faithfully in this role, becoming increasingly prominent in church leadership and earning deep respect from members for his spiritual depth and steady voice.

Becoming Church President

When President Thomas S. Monson passed away on January 2, 2018, Russell M. Nelson was sustained as the 17th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. At 93 years old, he became one of the oldest men to assume the church presidency. Despite his advanced age, Nelson has proven remarkably vigorous, traveling extensively, meeting with members globally, and implementing significant changes to strengthen the church. He continues to serve with energy and vision, demonstrating that age need not limit spiritual leadership or impact.

Key Teachings and Initiatives

Since becoming president, Nelson has emphasized several central themes. "Hear Him," a clarion call to listen to Jesus Christ, has been a consistent refrain — drawing from his understanding of the First Vision and Christ's centrality to the gospel. He has spoken extensively about the "covenant path," the idea that members' primary responsibility is to make and keep covenants with God, not to follow cultural expectations. His focus on the full official name of the church (rather than the nickname "Mormon") reflects his conviction that the church's identity must be Christ-centered. Major announcements during his presidency include the consolidation of Sunday meetings into a 2-hour block (2018), a worldwide fast and prayer during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020), and calls for increased member participation in temple ordinances. He has also given significant emphasis to the gathering of Israel in all nations and the role of young people in the church's future.

Why Latter-day Saints Follow a Living Prophet

Central to Latter-day Saint belief is the conviction that God continues to speak through living prophets and apostles. This doctrine is rooted in scripture, particularly Doctrine and Covenants 1:38: "Whether by mine own voice or the voice of my servants, it is the same." Members believe that just as Peter received revelation to lead the early church, so Russell M. Nelson receives revelation today for the modern church. This is not blind obedience to a human authority but trust in God's promise to guide His people through prophetic leadership. For members, following a living prophet is central to their faith — he is not infallible in all matters, but his voice on spiritual matters carries divine weight and importance.