Brief Introduction of David Bednar
David A. Bednar is a prominent leader within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, recognized globally for his role as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Ordained an Apostle on October 7, 2004, he holds one of the highest ecclesiastical offices in the Church, serving as a special witness of Jesus Christ to the world. Prior to his apostolic calling, Bednar had a distinguished career in academia, including serving as a professor of business management at multiple universities and notably as the president of Brigham Young University–Idaho (BYU–Idaho). He is known for his insightful teachings on gospel principles, an emphasis on spiritual self-reliance, and his consistent call for members to exercise faith and diligence in their discipleship.
David Bednar Overview
| Full Name | David Allan Bednar |
| Date of Birth | June 15, 1952 |
| Age | 73 (as of the current date) |
| Birthplace | Oakland, California, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Spouse | Susan Kae Robinson (married March 20, 1975) |
| Children | Three sons (Eric, Michael, and Jeffrey) |
| Profession | Apostle, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Former Educator and University President |
| Alma Mater | Brigham Young University (BA, MA), Purdue University (PhD) |
| Known For | Member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, former President of BYU-Idaho, author, speaker |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed. General Authorities receive a modest living allowance, not a salary. |
Early Life and Education of David Bednar
David Allan Bednar was born on June 15, 1952, in Oakland, California, to Lavina Whitney Bednar and Anthony George Bednar. His mother hailed from a lineage of Latter-day Saints, while his father was not a member of the Church until Bednar was in his late twenties. Despite not being a member initially, Anthony George Bednar was supportive of his family’s faith, attending church with his sons and assisting with Church functions. Young David grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he enjoyed playing sports like football, working on his grandfather’s dairy farm, and helping his mother with canning peaches and berries.
From his youth, David frequently asked his father about his potential baptism into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His father consistently responded that he would join the Church when he knew it was the right thing to do. This promise was ultimately fulfilled years later, after David had returned from his mission and was married, when his father called and asked him to come to California to perform his baptism.
David Bednar served as a full-time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Southern Germany from 1971 to 1973. After his missionary service, he continued his education at Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication in 1976 and a Master of Arts degree in organizational communication in 1977. Furthering his academic pursuits, Bednar then attended Purdue University, where he received a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in organizational behavior in 1980.
David Bednar’s Career
David Bednar’s career path before his call as an Apostle was marked by significant achievements in both academia and church administration. After completing his doctoral studies, he began his academic career as an assistant professor of management at the University of Arkansas College of Business Administration (now Sam M. Walton College of Business) from 1980 to 1984. He then served as an assistant professor of management at Texas Tech University from 1984 to 1986. Bednar returned to the University of Arkansas in 1987, where he served as the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies in the Sam M. Walton College of Business until 1992. From 1992 to 1997, he directed the Management Decision-Making Lab at the same university. During his tenure at the University of Arkansas, he was recognized for his exceptional teaching, receiving the Burlington Northern Foundation Award for Excellence in Teaching and being twice awarded as the Outstanding Teacher in the College of Business Administration.
In 1997, David Bednar was appointed president of Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho. He assumed this role on July 1, 1997. Under his leadership, Ricks College, which at the time was the largest private junior college in the United States, underwent a significant transformation. Bednar oversaw the institution’s transition from a two-year college to a four-year university, officially becoming Brigham Young University–Idaho (BYU–Idaho) in 2000. This leadership period was instrumental in shaping the unique educational model of BYU-Idaho, which focuses on teaching and learning and providing affordable, accessible, and spiritually strengthening education. He served as president until December 1, 2004.
Throughout his academic career, Bednar also held various leadership positions within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as a bishop, twice as a stake president (Fort Smith Arkansas Stake from 1987–1991 and Rogers Arkansas Stake from 1991–1995), a regional representative, and an Area Seventy.
The culmination of his service came on October 2, 2004, when David A. Bednar was sustained as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was formally ordained an Apostle on October 7, 2004, by then-Church President Gordon B. Hinckley. At 52 years old, he was the youngest man called to that body since Dallin H. Oaks in 1984. He and Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf were called to fill vacancies created by the passing of quorum members David B. Haight and Neal A. Maxwell. As an Apostle, David Bednar is recognized by the Church as a prophet, seer, and revelator, with a sacred calling to be a special witness of Jesus Christ throughout the world. He travels globally, ministering to members, addressing congregations, and providing guidance on gospel principles and Church policies.
David Bednar Personal Life & Family
David Bednar’s personal life is deeply intertwined with his faith and family. He married Susan Kae Robinson in the Salt Lake Temple on March 20, 1975. The couple met while attending Brigham Young University. Together, they are the parents of three sons: Eric, Michael, and Jeffrey. His sons have spoken publicly about their father’s unwavering faith, optimism, and his capacity to inspire confidence in others. Michael Bednar noted his father’s belief that “faith has driven out fear” and his consistent assurance that “things will work out.” Eric Bednar emphasized his father’s practice of going “to the real sources: the words of the prophets and the scriptures,” and his method of asking inspired questions to foster deeper understanding.
Sister Susan Bednar has described her husband as “tough but tender,” “competent and compassionate,” and “driven yet discerning,” with a “great capacity to lead and the wisdom to follow.” The Bednars currently have 17 grandchildren. Their marriage, consecrated in the temple, is central to his life and ministry, reflecting the Church’s emphasis on eternal family relationships. Elder Bednar’s personal beliefs are firmly rooted in the doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which underscore the importance of faith, repentance, obedience, and the Atonement of Jesus Christ. He exercises daily, except Sunday, to maintain physical strength and reads scriptures daily to strengthen his spirit.
Awards and Achievements of David Bednar
David Bednar has received several accolades throughout his distinguished career, particularly during his time in academia.
Burlington Northern Foundation Award for Excellence in Teaching: He received this award in 1994, recognizing his exceptional contributions to teaching at the University of Arkansas.
Outstanding Teacher Award in the College of Business Administration: He was honored with this award twice during his tenure at the University of Arkansas.
Outstanding Faculty Member at the University of Arkansas: In 1994, he was recognized as the outstanding faculty member at the university.
President of Ricks College/BYU-Idaho: His leadership in transitioning Ricks College into a four-year university, BYU-Idaho, from 1997 to 2004, is considered a significant achievement in religious higher education. He oversaw the expansion and evolution of the institution, establishing its unique educational model.
Member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: His ordination as an Apostle in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on October 7, 2004, is the highest calling he has received, recognizing him as a prophet, seer, and revelator.
David Bednar Net Worth and Income
As a General Authority of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, David Bednar’s “net worth” is not publicly disclosed, nor do General Authorities receive a traditional salary. The Church has a long-standing policy regarding the financial support of its General Authorities. These individuals, including members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, dedicate their full time and efforts to Church service and receive a modest living allowance. This allowance is provided from the Church’s invested funds, derived from its business operations, not from tithes or donations. The purpose of this allowance is to cover their living expenses, enabling them to focus entirely on their ecclesiastical duties without financial distractions. This practice aligns with the Church’s emphasis on a volunteer, non-professional ministry and reflects a commitment to living simply, consistent with the teachings of Jesus Christ. Therefore, any speculation about a substantial personal “net worth” in the conventional sense would be inconsistent with the Church’s stated policies and practices for its senior leadership.
Legacy and Influence
David Bednar’s legacy is marked by his unwavering commitment to gospel principles, his insightful teachings, and his leadership in both educational and ecclesiastical spheres. As an Apostle, he has had a profound impact on millions worldwide through his general conference addresses, devotional talks, and writings. His teachings frequently emphasize fundamental doctrines such as the Atonement of Jesus Christ, the power of spiritual conversion, and the importance of receiving personal revelation.
He is known for encouraging members to live with “an eye of faith,” to be diligent in their discipleship, and to actively seek and act upon promptings from the Holy Ghost. His administrative acumen was particularly evident during his presidency of BYU-Idaho, where he guided the institution through a pivotal transition, establishing a model for religious education focused on student learning and spiritual development. His influence extends to promoting the wise use of technology for gospel purposes, urging members to share their faith online in a Christlike manner.
Bednar’s public image is one of a profound and direct teacher who challenges individuals to deepen their understanding and application of the gospel. He is seen as a leader who consistently calls for greater personal accountability and spiritual maturity. His talks often contain memorable phrases and thought-provoking questions designed to prompt introspection and action. He dedicated the Star Valley Wyoming Temple in 2016. In 2019, he attended the dedication of the Rome Italy Temple with all 15 of the LDS Church apostles, an event believed to be the first time the entire First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles were in the same location outside the United States. In 2022, he addressed the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.
Interesting Facts about David Bednar
Father’s Baptism: Bednar baptized and confirmed his own father into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after returning from his mission and being married.
High School Athlete: In high school, he played quarterback on the football team.
Youngest Apostle: At 52 years old, he was the youngest man called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles since Dallin H. Oaks in 1984.
Scripture-Focused Leader: As president of BYU-Idaho, he consistently asked students to bring their scriptures to devotionals and referred to the university as a “Disciple Preparation Center” (DPC).
Optimistic Nature: His son Michael describes him as always optimistic, stating, “No matter what goes wrong, he always says, ‘Things will work out.'”
The Spirit of Revelation: He is the author of “The Spirit of Revelation,” a book that outlines principles of revelation and provides examples of how to recognize and act on spiritual promptings.
Quote on Offense: One of his well-known quotes states, “To be offended is a choice we make; it is not a condition inflicted or imposed upon us by someone or something else.”
Importance of Small Things: He teaches that “ordinary people who faithfully, diligently, and consistently do simple things that are right before God will bring forth extraordinary results.”
Digital Discernment: He has cautioned against becoming overly immersed in digital media, encouraging balance and prioritizing physical interaction.
Controversies
While David Bednar’s public life as an Apostle and former university president has been extensively documented, there are no widely reported personal controversies or scandals associated with him that are based on verified, credible sources. Discussions sometimes arise within online forums regarding the expectations placed on the wives of General Authorities, as seen in comments about Susan Kae Robinson Bednar’s demeanor, particularly regarding her expressiveness or perceived happiness. However, these are subjective interpretations and do not constitute verified controversies regarding Elder Bednar’s actions or character. As with any prominent figure in a religious organization, his teachings and the policies of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints may be subjects of public debate or critique, but these are generally related to broader doctrinal or institutional matters rather than personal missteps by Elder Bednar himself. The Church’s official stance emphasizes modesty and humility for its leaders, and reports consistently portray Bednar as adhering to these principles.
Social Media Presence
David Bednar maintains an official social media presence to share messages of faith and hope, in alignment with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ efforts to use digital platforms for gospel outreach.
Instagram: He has an official Instagram account, where he shares excerpts from his talks, scriptural insights, and updates on his ministry. His account is @davida.bednar.
Facebook: He also has an official Facebook page, which serves as another platform for sharing his messages and connecting with a global audience.
* X (formerly Twitter): His official account is @BednarDavidA.
These platforms are primarily used for sharing religious messages, excerpts from General Conference talks, and inspirational content rather than personal updates, consistent with his role as an Apostle. The exact follower counts fluctuate, but he commands a significant online presence, reflecting his global reach and influence within the Church and beyond.
Final Words about David Bednar
David Allan Bednar continues to serve diligently as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a calling he has held since 2004. His ongoing ministry is characterized by a strong focus on personal revelation, spiritual agency, and the practical application of gospel principles in daily life. He remains a prolific speaker and teacher, frequently addressing Church members worldwide through General Conferences, devotionals, and publications. His legacy is one of steady faith, intellectual rigor applied to spiritual truths, and a consistent call for individuals to deepen their discipleship. He encourages a proactive approach to faith, emphasizing that “we are not ‘preparing to receive revelation’; we are ‘living in revelation.'” Looking to the future, Elder Bednar continues to contribute to the global leadership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, guiding its members with an emphasis on courage, commitment, and a faithful reliance on the Lord Jesus Christ. His teachings are expected to continue shaping the spiritual growth and understanding of Latter-day Saints for years to come.
