The Profile of a Prophet
Elder Hugh B. Brown’s Insights and the Prophetic Callings of Joseph Smith and President Russell M. Nelson
The Bible declares in Amos 3:7, “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.”
This verse underscores the divine pattern that God communicates His will through chosen prophets, a principle central to the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In his October 1955 address at Brigham Young University, titled “The Profile of a Prophet,” Elder Hugh B. Brown, then an Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, outlined the characteristics of a true prophet of God [1]. This post explores Elder Brown’s profile, drawing from his 1955 speech and his 1967 General Conference address [2], and examines how Joseph Smith and President Russell M. Nelson exemplify these traits as prophets of Jesus Christ.
Elder Hugh B. Brown’s Profile of a Prophet
In his 1955 address, Elder Hugh B. Brown presented a detailed framework for identifying a prophet, emphasizing attributes that align with scriptural precedents and divine expectations. Below is a summary of key characteristics from his 1955 speech, supplemented by his 1967 remarks:
Divine Calling and Communication with God: A prophet is called directly by God and maintains an ongoing relationship with Him, receiving revelations to guide God’s people. Elder Brown emphasized that a prophet “would be in touch with the Infinite” and speak as one moved by the Holy Ghost (2 Peter 1:21) [1].
Moral Courage and Boldness: Prophets declare God’s word fearlessly, even in the face of opposition. Elder Brown noted that a prophet “would have courage to speak the truth” regardless of personal consequences [1].
Fulfillment of Prophecies: A prophet’s predictions, inspired by God, come to pass, providing evidence of their divine calling. Elder Brown cited Deuteronomy 18:22, stating that a true prophet’s words are fulfilled [1].
Scriptural Conformity and Production of Scripture: A prophet’s teachings align with existing scripture, and their words often become scripture themselves. Elder Brown referenced 2 Peter 1:21, noting that a prophet’s writings are divinely inspired [1].
Superhuman Accomplishments: Prophets achieve extraordinary tasks through divine assistance, such as organizing enduring institutions or gathering people to a divine cause. Elder Brown highlighted that a prophet “would be able to do superhuman things—things that no man could do without God’s help” [1].
Fruits of Their Ministry: The results of a prophet’s work testify of their calling, as Jesus taught, “By their fruits ye shall know them” (Matthew 7:20). Elder Brown emphasized that a prophet’s legacy endures and blesses lives [1].
Testimony of Jesus Christ: A prophet bears witness of Jesus Christ, possessing the “spirit of prophecy” (Revelation 19:10). Elder Brown affirmed that a prophet’s testimony of Jesus is central to their mission [1].
Elder Brown concluded that these attributes, when applied to Joseph Smith, confirm his prophetic calling, and they remain relevant for evaluating modern prophets like President Russell M. Nelson [1, 2].
Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration
Joseph Smith, the founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, fits Elder Brown’s profile through his life and ministry, as Elder Brown detailed in both his 1955 and 1967 addresses.
Divine Calling: Joseph Smith’s prophetic ministry began with the First Vision in 1820, where God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to him, initiating the Restoration of the gospel. This direct communication with deity aligns with Elder Brown’s requirement of a divine calling. Elder Brown testified, “I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God” through the Holy Spirit’s witness [1].
Moral Courage: Despite persecution, imprisonment, and eventual martyrdom in 1844, Joseph fearlessly proclaimed the restored gospel. Elder Brown noted that Joseph’s courage in preaching truth, even when opposed, marked him as a prophet [1].
Fulfilled Prophecies: Joseph prophesied events such as the Civil War (Doctrine and Covenants 87) and the global spread of the Church, many of which have been fulfilled. Elder Brown emphasized that Joseph “foretold many things that have come to pass, things that only God could bring to pass” [2].
Scriptural Contributions: Through divine revelation, Joseph produced the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price, which Elder Brown affirmed as scripture, consistent with a prophet’s role [1].
Superhuman Accomplishments: Joseph organized the Church in 1830, established temples for sacred ordinances, and initiated the gathering of Israel. Elder Brown highlighted that the Church’s constitution has endured without alteration, unlike human institutions, and that Joseph’s work, such as temple ordinances for the dead, was divinely inspired [1].
Fruits of His Ministry: The Church’s global growth, with millions of members and thousands of temples, testifies to Joseph’s prophetic calling. Elder Brown cited Matthew 7:20, noting that Joseph’s “fruits” endure [1].
Testimony of Jesus: Joseph’s life centered on testifying of Christ, as seen in his teachings and the Book of Mormon, which Elder Brown affirmed bears the “testimony of Jesus” [2].
Joseph Smith’s alignment with Elder Brown’s profile, as Elder Brown himself argued, confirms his role as a prophet chosen to restore Christ’s Church.
President Russell M. Nelson: A Modern Prophet
President Russell M. Nelson, the 17th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since 2018, also embodies Elder Brown’s prophetic profile, guiding the Church in the latter days.
Divine Calling: President Russell M. Nelson has testified of receiving revelations to lead the Church, such as the 2018 emphasis on the Church’s full name and the 2020 call to commemorate the Restoration [3, 4]. His prophetic role aligns with Amos 3:7, as he receives divine counsel for God’s people. Elder Brown’s criterion of ongoing divine communication is evident in President Nelson’s leadership [1].
Moral Courage: President Russell M. Nelson has boldly addressed global challenges, urging members to strengthen faith amid societal turmoil [5]. His partnerships with organizations like the NAACP demonstrate courage in promoting unity and justice, reflecting Elder Brown’s emphasis on fearless truth-speaking [1, 6].
Fulfilled Prophecies: While some of President Nelson’s prophecies, such as the Church’s continued global expansion, are unfolding, his 2019 call to prepare for the Second Coming aligns with prophetic foresight [5]. Elder Brown’s standard of fulfilled predictions is partially met, with ongoing evidence in President Nelson’s ministry [1].
Scriptural Conformity: President Russell M. Nelson’s teachings, rooted in scripture, emphasize Christ’s Atonement and eternal families. His revelations, such as adjustments to temple worship, are considered modern scripture by Church members, fulfilling Elder Brown’s criterion [1, 7].
Superhuman Accomplishments: Under President Nelson’s leadership, the Church has announced over 150 temples, accelerating the work of salvation [8]. His global ministry, including humanitarian efforts and interfaith collaborations, reflects Elder Brown’s idea of divine tasks beyond human capacity [1, 6].
Fruits of His Ministry: President Nelson’s emphasis on covenant-keeping and ministering has strengthened Church members worldwide [7]. His humanitarian initiatives, such as $9.25 million in aid through the NAACP, bear fruit in blessing lives, as Elder Brown’s profile suggests [1, 6].
Testimony of Jesus: President Russell M. Nelson consistently testifies of Jesus Christ, urging members to center their lives on Him. His 2020 proclamation, “The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” reaffirms Christ’s role, aligning with Elder Brown’s emphasis on the spirit of prophecy [1, 4].
President Russell M. Nelson’s leadership reflects Elder Brown’s prophetic profile, guiding the Church with divine direction and a Christ-centered focus.
Conclusion
Elder Hugh B. Brown’s “Profile of a Prophet” provides a scriptural and practical framework for recognizing God’s chosen servants, rooted in Amos 3:7’s affirmation that God reveals His will through prophets. Joseph Smith, as the Prophet of the Restoration, and President Russell M. Nelson, as a modern prophet, exemplify these characteristics through their divine callings, courage, fulfilled prophecies, scriptural contributions, extraordinary accomplishments, enduring fruits, and testimonies of Jesus Christ. As Elder Brown testified, the Holy Spirit confirms their prophetic roles, inviting all to seek divine witness of their calling to lead God’s people in these latter days [1, 2].
References
[1] Brown, H. B. (1955, October 4). The Profile of a Prophet. Brigham Young University. https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/hugh-b-brown/profile-prophet/
[2] Brown, H. B. (1967, October). An Eternal Hope in Christ. General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1967/10/an-eternal-hope-in-christ
[3] Nelson, R. M. (2018, October). The Correct Name of the Church. General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2018/10/the-correct-name-of-the-church
[4] Nelson, R. M. (2020, April). The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ: A Bicentennial Proclamation to the World. General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/04/51nelson
[5] Nelson, R. M. (2019, April). Come, Follow Me. General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2019/04/46nelson
[6] The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (2021, June 14). Church and NAACP Announce Education and Self-Reliance Initiatives. Church Newsroom. https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/church-naacp-announce-education-self-reliance-initiatives
[7] Nelson, R. M. (2018, April). Ministering. General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2018/04/ministering
[8] The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (2025, April). Temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/temples/list