Early years: Born in Monterey, California, Brad was raised in a military family and lived in various states, graduating from Provo High School.

Joined BYU Religious Education full-time: 1 July 2009
 
Spouse: Deborah Hulme Farnsworth

Missionary service: Argentina Rosario, Spain Madrid

Selected Church experiences or callings: Gospel Doctrine teacher, Spain Madrid Mission president, Edgemont South Stake president, bishop

Degrees: BYU master of accountancy, BYU bachelor of science in accounting

Career before Religious Education: CPA in international accounting firm, Vice President at BYU-H and BYU

Major assignments at BYU: administrative vice president (1994–2006)

Principal areas of research and teaching: Book of Mormon—adjunct (1999–2006)

Special interests or hobbies: Music, read books on gospel doctrine and Church history, teach the youth, athletics

Other facts: Father, William D. Farnsworth, retired from BYU in 1983 as director of media resources