Menu

Elder Bednar shows what a typical day looks like as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

A new video shows how meetings, ministry preparation, mission assignments and scripture study are all a part of the Apostle’s regular efforts

Serving as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles comes with a lot of responsibility. But what does it look like on a daily basis?

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles published a video on Thursday, Aug. 17, on Facebook and Instagram to show what his typical day looks like when he is working from Salt Lake City.

Elder Bednar started by showing his office and some of the different items he has that he says remind him of the individuals he has served and served with around the world.

The first meeting he mentions is his weekly quorum meeting with the other members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

“We have weighty matters to consider,” he said in the video. “And I look forward to this opportunity to gather as we counsel together to seek the inspiration of the Lord.”

Following that quorum meeting, Elder Bednar explains how he and other Apostles take time to prepare their remarks for ministry visits and other events like general conference. He shared that he is working on his message for October’s conference right now, two months before the worldwide event. The video shows him studying in his scriptures as part of his preparation.

Related Stories
Episode 133: Elder David A. Bednar on Latter-day Saint temples and the ‘​​power of godliness’ that comes through covenants and the ordinances
Teach to build faith in Jesus Christ, Elder Bednar instructs
Elder and Sister Bednar in Bentonville: Connecting longtime friends, former neighbors with the new house of the Lord

Another part of the video shows Elder Bednar arriving in the room where missionary assignments are done.

“I have this responsibility usually two or three times a month, and I always am very prayerful as I do this,” he said.

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles studies the scriptures at his desk
Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles studies the scriptures at his desk as he prepares a message for general conference. He shared what a day in the life of an Apostle looks like in a video posted Aug. 17, 2023. | Screenshot from Facebook

“These assignments influence and affect a young man, a young woman, or a couple forever, so it is a very important responsibility.”

On this particular day, Elder Bednar said he assigned 201 different missionaries to their missions.

The day also included counseling with individuals and planning upcoming events and travel that Elder Bednar will participate in before going to counsel with the area presidency for the Church’s Middle East/Africa North Area. That presidency is based in Salt Lake City.

Related Stories
First areawide FSY event for Middle East/Africa North Area brings together 200 youth
Elder Bednar acknowledges common beliefs as Ramadan comes to a close

He shared that they hoped to discuss both what is currently happening in that part of the world and how to strengthen the Church there.

At the end of the video, Elder Bednar concludes by calling the day fulfilling and thanking the videos’ viewers for their own efforts to strengthen their testimonies of the Savior and share the gospel with others.

The video comes nearly two months after President Camille N. Johnson shared a similar video about what it is like to serve as the Relief Society general president.

Both videos give a seldom-seen look at the daily work done by Church leaders and underscore the way they counsel with many others on a regular basis as part of their callings to build the Church and testify of Jesus Christ.

Related Stories
Video: 3 Apostles talk about the impact of ‘Preach My Gospel’
Video: Why Elder Bednar says there are ‘no small temples’
Video: Elder Bednar on how temples change hearts
Video: What President Ballard learned while walking along the Trent River
Newsletters
Subscribe for free and get daily or weekly updates straight to your inbox
The three things you need to know everyday
Highlights from the last week to keep you informed