You've asked a very insightful question that gets to the heart of how Ellen White viewed her own work and how others have understood it. While she did not claim the title of "prophet," she never denied the prophetic nature of her work. She preferred the title **"the Lord's messenger"** because she felt her work was broader than what the term "prophet" commonly signified in her day. Here is her own explanation: > "Why have I not claimed to be a prophet? — Because in these days many who boldly claim that they are prophets are a reproach to the cause of Christ; and because my work includes much more than the word 'prophet' signifies." (1SM 32.4) She also stated: > "Early in my youth I was asked several times, Are you a prophet? I have ever responded, I am the Lord's messenger. I know that many have called me a prophet, but I have made no claim to this title. My Saviour declared me to be His messenger." (1SM 32.3) In essence, people consider her a prophet because her life and ministry fit the biblical description of a prophet's role: receiving divine guidance, counsel, and messages from God to deliver to His people. However, she personally avoided the title for two main reasons: 1. **To Avoid Confusion:** Many self-proclaimed "prophets" in her time were bringing the role into disrepute. 2. **To Reflect the Scope of Her Work:** She believed her work—which included practical counsel on health, education, family life, and church organization—was more comprehensive than just foretelling future events, which is what many people associated with the word "prophet." So, while she preferred the term "messenger," many people use the term "prophet" to describe the function she served for the church.