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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 on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you find podcasts. Please give us your feedback about this episode by filling out this short questionnaire:  https://research.churchofjesuschrist.org/jfe/form/SV_6R51KSPKmVd17VQ

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.