When Brother Stephen W. Owen was 14 years old, he worked his first job overseeing the maintenance of a neighbor’s yard. That neighbor, who became a mentor to Brother Owen, taught him the principles of hard work and accountability—lessons that Brother Owen has taken with him throughout his entire life. As the 22nd general president of the young men organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Brother Owen understands that the age when youth are involved in the young men’s program is a critical time, and he hopes that all young men leaders can become mentors to the youth to help them become the best priesthood holders they are capable of being.
A direct descendent of Church president Wilford Woodruff, Brother Owen was born March 22, 1958 to Gordon and Carolyn Owen in Holladay, Utah. As a young man he served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Texas San Antonio Mission. He then attended the University of Utah where he graduated with a bachelor of science degree in finance.
On December 28, 1979, Brother Owen married Jane Stringham in the Provo Utah Temple. They served together as mission president and wife in the California Arcadia Mission, and they are the parents of five children. Brother Owen’s other Church callings have included serving as bishop, high councilor, scoutmaster, ward young men president, and elders quorum president.
In an address at BYU, Brother Owen discussed the importance of gathering within the Lord’s plan. We were sent to this earth in families, and we are not meant to accomplish our work here on the earth alone. As we gather together in families, as fellow Saints, and unto Christ and His gospel, Brother Owen has promised that all can find safety and strength.
