Three and a half years following a policy adjustment in the General Handbook for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, young single adults are serving as leaders in their local YSA wards and stakes, growing in ways that will help them further their discipleship.
Prior to the March 2021 adjustment, married adults filled most leadership roles within YSA wards and stakes. In November of 2022, the Church notified local leaders to release married members and call young single adults to those positions in YSA wards and stakes.
“Except for stake presidents and bishops, all married members called to YSA positions should be considered for release,” the notice stated.
Chris Wells was stake president for the Provo YSA 10th Stake at the time and said this announcement gave him a “greater sense of urgency, enthusiasm and faith.”
Others, however, had mixed feelings about the change. Wells explained that some people around him were not as excited.
“There were some bishops that really couldn’t imagine losing their counselors, who were great acquaintances,” he said.
Wells explained many of these bishops would come back a few weeks later with changed hearts.
"The Lord started to put people in my and other people’s path” who would then serve on the stake council or in bishoprics, he said.
Wells said the transition from married to single leaders was a gradual one.
“I told my bishops, 'We don’t need to be in chaos about this, but start paying attention to the promptings you get for those people who the Lord would call,'” he said.
Kyle Nelson, second counselor in the Provo YSA 12th Stake presidency said that as young single adults began to get called, many showed excitement.
“The level of awe and respect and commitment and dedication that comes to them upon receiving the call is very sobering," Nelson said. "It is one of the most sacred experiences that we have as a stake presidency to call young adults to these positions."
BYU student Claire Miles serves as Relief Society president of the Provo YSA 10th Stake. She said she felt her call was coming and “knew it was going to happen for about a month.”
“I was just so excited," Miles said. "There was nothing better for me to be doing than that calling."
BYU student Riley Wells previously served as first counselor in the Provo YSA 145th ward bishopric. He noted being in the same stage of life as the members in his congregation gave him an “immediate connection” to those he served.
“It’s cool to be able to talk to other students and be at that level with each other,” Riley Wells said.
Miles said having the priesthood authority that comes with her calling has helped her as she ministers to the sisters in her stake.
“I see this connection where I have a greater love for these people, and I’ve been able to make a lot more friends within the stake because of this power,” she said.
With increased responsibility, both Riley Wells and Miles noted juggling their jobs, school, relationships, callings and time can be a challenge, but focusing on their covenants helps.
“My covenants have really given me power to do anything the Lord asks in His Church, so I really don’t have any real struggles with this calling,” Miles said.
Riley Wells, now married and no longer in a YSA bishopric, said the increased responsibility didn’t only affect him in his calling then, but it shaped the testimony he has today.
“When I got called, I didn’t feel good enough or prepared enough, so I legitimately had to rely on the Lord," he said. "I think the biggest thing about affecting my testimony was just the trust that Heavenly Father has in us."
As second counselor in a YSA stake presidency, Nelson said he loves serving alongside young single adults. Though he sees some who are worried about the rising generation, he believes these are “the most prepared spirits that have ever been sent to the earth.”
Nelson said young adults are learning things now that will “carry the Church forward into the future.”
“My confidence in the future of the Church, and moving forward has never been more optimistic,” he said.