Elder David A. Bednar on strengthening our homes

Elder David A. Bednar (born June 15, 1952) was serving as the president of BYU–Idaho when he was called and sustained as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in October 2004.

"Let me summarize a few basic implications of gospel learning becoming increasingly home centered and Church supported.

"The ultimate missionary training center is in our homes; secondary missionary training centers are located in Provo, Manila, Mexico City, and in other locations. Our most instructive Sunday School classes should be our individual and family study in our places of residence; helpful but secondary Sunday School classes are held in our meetinghouses.

"Family history centers now are in our homes. Supplemental support for our family history research work also is available in our meetinghouses.

"Vital temple preparation classes occur in our homes; important but secondary temple preparation classes also may be conducted periodically in our meetinghouses.

"Making our homes sanctuaries wherein we can 'stand in holy places' (D&C 101:22) is essential in these latter days. And as important as home-centered and Church-supported learning is for our spiritual strength and protection today, it will be even more vital in the future."

- David A. Bednar, "Prepared to Obtain Every Needful Thing," General Conference April 2019
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Elder Bednar addressed ideas about gospel study and strengthening home and family. The recent emphasis from Church leaders on "home-centered, church-supported" efforts is interesting to consider in different aspects, as Elder Bednar does here. It applies not just to gospel learning, but also to family history work, preparation to serve missions and to make sacred temple covenants, and in many other areas. We must have a better focus on making our homes a sacred haven from the world, where we can learn and grow together:

We have been warned regularly that things will likely become more difficult and challenging in the future. With that in mind, it's critical that we make efforts now to establish patterns of learning and worship in our homes so that they truly can be "sanctuaries" from the world.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)