Young Single Adults

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‘Decide what kind of life you want to live forever’

Introduction (see 14.0)

The Saviour invites all to come unto Him and belong to His Church (see 2 Nephi 26:24). It is important for all to find hope through the Atonement of Jesus Christ (see Ether 12:4).

God needs all members to help in His work of salvation in their wards and stakes (see 1 Corinthians 12:12–27). As directed by the Spirit, young single adults are called to leadership and teaching positions. Leadership callings may include serving in the following positions:

  • Ward and stake organisation presidencies

  • Elders quorum presidencies

  • Bishopric counsellors

  • High councilors

  • Stake presidency counsellors

Stake Presidency (see 14.1.1.1)

The involvement of the stake presidency is particularly important in engaging single members in God’s work of salvation and exaltation. The stake presidency pays particular attention to young single adults—as they do all members of the rising generation.

Stake Young Single Adult Committees (see 14.1.1.2)

Young Single Adults serve God’s children by participating in His work of salvation and exaltation (see 1.2 and 14.2). To help them do so, the stake presidency creates a young single adult committee. This committee is made up of the young single adult leaders. A young single adult man and a young single adult woman are called to lead the committee. They serve on the stake council.

If there are not enough young single adults to form a committee in a stake, a group of neighbouring stakes may create a committee with the approval of the Area Presidency.

Committees seek to support members through friendship and opportunities to participate in God’s work of salvation and exaltation (see 14.2). They plan opportunities for gospel learning, service and activities.

The committees meet as needed. The assigned member of the stake presidency and stake Relief Society presidency and the assigned high councilor may attend these meetings to provide support.

Participating in God’s Work of Salvation and Exaltation (see 14.2)

God invites all to come unto Christ and participate in His work of salvation and exaltation by:

  • Living the gospel of Jesus Christ.

  • Caring for those in need.

  • Inviting all to receive the gospel.

  • Uniting families for eternity.

Young single adults engage in this work at home and at church. They participate in elders quorums and Relief Societies. They serve in callings and assignments, including ministering. Wards and stakes may plan optional activities that are specifically for single members who choose to participate (see 14.2.1.3).

Living the Gospel of Jesus Christ (see 14.2.1)

  • Home Evening - Leaders or members who desire to participate may organise one or more home evening groups for young single adults (see 14.2.1.1).
  • Gospel Study - Young single adults may choose to gather virtually or in person for home gospel study. Come, Follow Me may be a resource.
  • Institute - All young single adults are encouraged to enroll in institute (see 15.2).
  • Sunday School Classes (14.2.1.2) - Under the direction of the bishop, the ward Sunday School president may organise a Sunday School class for young single adults (see 13.3.2).
  • Activities (14.2.1.3) - Under the direction of ward or stake leaders, young single adults may plan and participate in activities specifically for them. These activities can take place at the ward or stake level. Examples could include:

    • Temple visits.

    • Family history work.

    • Sharing the gospel.

    • Community service.

    • Music and cultural events.

    • Sports.

Under the direction of stake leaders, young single adults may plan similar activities at the stake level. Area Seventies may work with stake presidents to create committees to plan multistake activities for young single adult members.

Funding for activities comes from stake or ward budgets. When multistake or area activities are held, leaders ensure a fair allocation of funding among stakes.

Funding for activities should be consistent with the policies in 20.2.6. As an exception, members may pay some costs when multistake or area events are held. Leaders ensure that all can participate. For additional activity guidelines, see 20.2 and 20.3.

Caring for Those in Need (see 14.2.2)

Service (see 14.2.2.1)

Like all disciples of Jesus Christ, single members have regular opportunities to serve others individually and as groups. Community service is among the foremost ways that young single adults are spiritually strengthened.

Service activities can focus on:

  • Welfare and self-reliance.

  • Family history.

  • Community outreach.

  • Sharing the gospel.

  • Strengthening new and returning members.

  • Humanitarian needs locally or elsewhere.

Ministering (see 14.2.2.2)

Each young single adult brother is assigned ministering brothers. Each young single adult sister is assigned ministering sisters and ministering brothers. Assignments are made to individuals, not to groups or apartments (see chapter 21).

Inviting All to Receive the Gospel (see 14.2.3)

Young single adult members have an opportunity to invite all to receive the blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ. They do this by sharing the gospel, strengthening new and returning members, and reaching out to those who are not participating (see chapter 23).

Some young single adults move frequently. Young single adults may periodically organize activities to find and welcome other young single adults in the stake. These activities may also be done with neighbouring stakes.

Young single adults may be particularly helpful in teaching with and supporting full-time missionaries.

Uniting Families for Eternity (see 14.2.4)

As individuals and as groups, young single adult members can help unite families for eternity. For example, they might:

Age-Range Adjustments for Young Single Adults and Single Adults

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has adjusted the range of ages for what it considers young single adults (YSAs) and single adults (SAs).

The distinctions are just two of several terms the Church uses to identify various age groups of its membership and to ensure access to the programs and content that are most appropriate and helpful for those audiences.

Young Single Adults

“Young single adult” now refers to unmarried members ages 18-35. Where available, units for YSAs may include those ages 18-35. In areas with many YSAs — and particularly in YSA stakes — leaders may consider recommending an adjustment to provide a ward for members ages 18-25 and a ward for those ages 26-35.

Single Adults

The term “single adult” now describes unmarried members ages 36 and older. Where units for single adult members are available, they may include those ages 36-45.

Area Presidencies should work with stake presidents to determine what is best for the single adult and young single adult wards in their areas, using the Leaders and Clerk Resources online tool to propose changes if needed. Leaders should consider how their decision impacts a single adult ward if a significant number of members ages 31-35 transition to a young single adult ward. As needed, bishops and other leaders should counsel with individual members.

Institute classes are now available for ages 18-35. Classes will be divided by ages 18-25 and ages 26-35 unless the number of participants is insufficient to justify dividing the classes. The letter asks local leaders to “please encourage young single adults to attend Institute, where they will find friends, feel a sense of belonging and experience Christ-centered teachings.”

View the official letter here.

Young Single Adult Conferences

Purpose

Young single adult (YSA) conferences bring young single adults together as “fellowcitizens with the saints” (Ephesians 2:19), where they build testimonies, contribute their talents and time, and foster unity and personal growth. Conferences help strengthen young single adults by giving them a sense of belonging and mutual support. They help young single adults feel connected to the Saviour and the Church.

Area Presidency Approval

YSA conferences are sponsored by the area and must be approved in advance by the Area Presidency. The YSA conference agenda should be created by the YSA conference committee. The proposed YSA conference agenda should be submitted to the Area Presidency for approval.

Guidelines

The following link provides helpful guidelines to ensure that during the conference's planning and implementation phases, you have considered all aspects of helping your YSAs feel closer to the Saviour.

Young Single Adult Conferences and Activities Guidelines

Apply for Area Funding

Area funding can be requested to supplement the participant fees and hosting stake/s contributions, to organise Area funded events. This enables YSA organisers to secure an appropriate venue, accommodation and where needed, could assist with individuals or groups travelling long distances. Area funding requests will be considered based on the available budget. If approved, these events will be under the direction of the Area Presidency and the assigned Area Seventy.

Request for Area Funded YSA Event Approval Form

Safety in Church Activities

Stake presidencies, bishoprics, and auxiliary organization leaders are responsible for overseeing the planning of Church-sponsored activities. When considering activities, leaders should exercise good judgment, approve activities that are effectively planned, and follow established safety precautions.

Please refer to the guidelines in the letter below to ensure that all your activities align with the counsel of the Church.

First Presidency Letter