An emphasis on young single adults serving in all YSA callings except stake president and bishop is one of the several newly adjusted guidelines cited in a notice titled “Strengthening Young Single Adults.”
Other adjustments include the purpose for and participation in stake YSA committees and “gathering places.”
The directives are highlighted in the Nov. 30, 2022, notice from the Priesthood and Family Department to the Church’s general authorities and officers, Area Seventies, mission presidents, stake and district presidencies, stake and ward Relief Society presidencies, bishoprics and elders quorum presidencies.
The notice acknowledges instruction from President Russell M. Nelson in his May 2022 worldwide broadcast to young adults.
“As the Lord’s Prophet, I bless you to know the truth about who you are and to treasure the truth and what your glorious potential really is. I bless you to take charge of your own testimony. And I bless you to have the desire and strength to keep your covenants,” he said.
“As you do, I promise that you will experience spiritual growth, freedom from fear, and confidence that you can scarcely imagine now. You will have a positive influence far beyond your natural capacity.”
To help young single adults realize these blessings, the notice said, new guidelines have been approved and should be implemented immediately (see General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, chapter 14, “Single Members”).
Leading efforts, filling YSA positions
Young single adults are to lead as members of the stake presidency, high council, elders quorum presidency and stake and ward Relief Society presidencies (see General Handbook 14.0 and 14.4.4).
Currently, in many YSA stakes and wards, married individuals and couples have been called to help fill leadership and advisory positions, such as members of stake presidencies, high councils, stake Relief Society presidencies and bishoprics, as well as stake and ward clerks, stake and ward missionaries and advisers.
“Except for stake presidents and bishops, all married members called to YSA positions should be considered for release,” the notice states.
Stake YSA committees
Each non-YSA stake is to organize a YSA committee made up of a few young single adults from each ward, with a young single adult man and woman called to lead the committee. The two committee leaders also serve on the stake council.
If not enough YSAs are available to form such a stake committee, neighboring stakes may create a combined committee.
The YSA committee and its members work to help all young single adults participate in the work of salvation and exaltation. The notice provides a link to the Church resource “Strengthening Young Single Adults,” which provides additional information about the YSA committee, listening to YSAs, counseling together, and adapting and implementing solutions.
Gathering places
Also according to the notice, stake leaders are authorized to use stake budget funds to support YSA efforts, including establishing a “gathering place” (see General Handbook 14.4.1).
Gathering places are where young single adults can be involved in such activities as:
- Gospel learning, including institute.
- Self-reliance courses, educational opportunities and support groups.
- Service and activities.
- Sharing the gospel and community outreach.
- Temple and family history work.
- Other Church programs.
The notice links to an online Church resource page called “Establishing a YSA Gathering Place.”
‘Quick Start Guide’
The notice was accompanied by a “Quick Start Guide” for leaders of young single adults in understanding and implementing the adjustments in YSA positions, committees and gathering places.
Note: The notice has a Nov. 30, 2022, date and was sent out on Dec. 1, 2022.
