Leaders Perspectives on Strengthening YSA

In this episode, a YSA stake presidency and a bishop discuss what
they have seen work best with listening to and working with
YSAs.  At the Table is a new podcast series produced by The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Listen and subscribe
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Highlights 1:30 Introduction to the speakers 1:50 Thoughts and
impressions on a new document released by the church, Strengthening
the YSA. 5:00 The youth give their perspective on the church’s
initiative to come out with new material for their growth and
leadership skills. 8:10 We need to increase the collaboration
between the YSA leadership and the geographic wards and stakes.
10:20 YSA should be included in stake and ward council. The key
principle is for leaders to listen to YSA members and learn to
collaborate with them and understand what they need. 11:50
President Bigelow shares his experience from when he was a bishop
over a YSA ward. He shares what they would do in ward council and
how they planned together. 14:30 Bishop Wesel shares his experience
as a bishop over a family ward and how he has worked with the young
single adults in his ward. 16:00 President Po’ahu shares his
thoughts on strengthening the young single adults, the power of
counsel, and listening. 18:15 Adapting to the new changes the
church put in place for the single adults and giving them more
responsibility. The shift in the paradigm. 21:10 It’s very easy to
overlook young single adults in the geographic wards. However, they
are there and will be more willing to participate by leaders taking
the time to listen to them and creating more space for them. 23:45
Building trust and collaborating with members of the YSA. It’s not
su vs them. Age, single or married or what type of ward you are in
shouldn’t separate us. 26:45 The way to empower and build
capability in young single adults is to step back and support them.
The members of the stake presidency are in more of an advisor role
while the young single adults do the planning. 29:30 Bishop Wesel
has found that sometimes the roles are flipped where the young
single adults have played in the advisory role and helped him out
in his calling. They helped him see things from their point of
view. 33:15 The Lord’s pattern is to call who is ready. It’s not
about age. This new initiative isn’t a new concept but God is
trying to help us dial it in a little more. 34:30 Lift where you
stand. You might be ready for a calling or more opportunities to
serve but aren’t being called or ideas not implemented. Show that
you are a ‘profitable servant.’ Do what you can now. Make an
appointment with your bishop and tell him how you feel and want to
serve. 44:00 Inspired questions for young single adults. Stop
asking young single adults, who are you dating and when are you
getting married? Try to start a conversation in a more meaningful
way. Avoid questions focused on differences. 52:25 Aspects that
build trust 57:15 Leaders share their final thoughts and ways to
share and begin to implement this new initiative to strengthen the
young single adults.