David Allan Bednar (born June 15, 1952) is an American religious leader and former educator who has served as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) since October 7, 2004. As a member of this quorum, he is sustained by members of the church as a prophet, seer, and revelator.
Early Life and Education
Bednar was born in Oakland, California, the youngest of five children to Fred Henry Bednar and Lavina Whitney Bednar. His mother was a lifelong member of the LDS Church, while his father, initially of Catholic background, joined the church when David was 21 years old.Bednar attended San Marino High School in San Marino, California. He pursued higher education at Brigham Young University (BYU), earning a bachelor's degree in communication in 1974. He then attended Purdue University, where he received a master's degree in organizational communication in 1975 and a Ph.D. in organizational behavior in 1977.
Academic Career
Before his full-time service as an LDS Church general authority, Bednar had a distinguished career in academia. He served as a professor of business management at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and at Texas Tech University in Lubbock.In 1997, Bednar was appointed president of Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho. During his presidency, he oversaw the significant transformation of Ricks College from a two-year junior college into a four-year baccalaureate-granting institution, Brigham Young University–Idaho (BYU–Idaho), in 2001. He served as the inaugural president of BYU–Idaho until his call as an apostle in 2004.
LDS Church Service
Bednar has held various leadership positions within the LDS Church throughout his adult life. He served as a bishop, a stake president, and a regional representative.In October 2004, during the church's general conference, Bednar was called by President Gordon B. Hinckley to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. He was ordained an apostle on October 7, 2004, filling the vacancy created by the death of Elder Neal A. Maxwell. As one of the fifteen highest-ranking leaders in the church, he travels globally to speak to members, train local leaders, and oversee the church's worldwide operations. His ministry often emphasizes themes of personal revelation, the Atonement of Jesus Christ, faith, and the importance of acting on gospel principles.
Personal Life
Bednar married Susan Kae Robinson in the Salt Lake Temple on May 9, 1975. They are the parents of three sons.Publications
Bednar is the author of several books focused on spiritual growth and gospel principles, including "Increase in Learning" (2011), "Act in Doctrine" (2012), "Power to Become" (2014), and "One by One" (2017).See Also
- Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
- Brigham Young University–Idaho