y s a   l e a d e r s

In his book Counseling with Our Councils, Elder M. Russell Ballard said, “The work of our wonderful women is vital… sister leaders can assist the priesthood in finding solutions and in teaching, strengthening, and preparing [others] to have a greater love for and dedication to the Lord Jesus Christ and His Church.“ He continued, “… draw upon the great power, insight, and wisdom that women can bring with them…”

It is the Young Single Adult Ward’s duty to make sure its sisters are being properly utilized. Special attention to sisters has been highlighted in this section because:

• Typically in YSA Wards more men than women have served a mission
• Returned missionaries have had more of an opportunity to learn about and work as a part of the organizational structure of the church
• Sisters often have had limited chances to develop leadership skills in a church setting though they represent over 50% of the workforce

Heavenly Father desires that His daughters develop and grow to their full potential, it is important that every individual sister be given opportunities to lead and serve. At this pivotal time in their lives, it is imperative that sisters are encouraged to, “Put their shoulder to the wheel.”

Growing though stewardship

Leadership positions often help nudge individuals out of their comfort zone and into a place where they can love and serve others with confidence. When sisters have leadership opportunities in the church their testimonies are strengthened through their increased service.

In many Young Single Adult Wards it is easy for sisters to feel invisible. It’s not uncommon for them to feel as though their missed attendance would easily go unnoticed, especially in Relief Society where there is a sea of women. Two aspects of YSA Service Councils help empower and encourage sisters:

1. The YSA Service Council method suggests that wards organize multiple Relief Societies that consist of no more than 30 women.
2. YSA Service Councils help organize wards in way so that every sister can have a meaningful calling and many sisters can have a leadership position.

In greater detail we will discuss how these two principles help strengthen YSA sisters.

As discussed elsewhere on this site, smaller groups are paramount in helping young single adults to feel included and comfortable. Smaller Relief Societies help sisters because:

• More sisters have the opportunity to become the President or a counselor
• Sisters feel their attendance is more valuable and needed
• Presidencies have a more manageable size of sisters to tend to
• More sisters spiritual and temporal needs can be specifically addressed
• Sisters have the opportunity to actually befriend every member of their RS
• The return and report service of visiting teaching is easier and more effective

Additional councils also help provide a meaningful calling for every sister, because many of the callings involve significant individual stewardship. Serving in the ward helps encourage sisters to see their divine nature and find their individual potential. A Chairperson and a Co-chair head the councils. Sisters can be called as a Chairperson for many of the councils and a Co-chair for councils that must be headed by the priesthood. This helps sisters because:

• Sisters have the responsibility to lead both young men and young women
• Sisters have a chance to interact with young men without the pressures of dating
• Sisters are able to help young men and others witness how a sister can be competent and capable as an equal
• Sisters are given confidence as they develop leadership and teambuilding skills

In addition many friendships will grow when they might not have otherwise, especially for those who are self-conscious or reserved. A ward setting is the perfect place for strengthening and empowering Heavenly Father’s choice young women. Sisters have more responsibilities today than ever before. It is vital that every individual sister is given opportunities to lead and serve. When given the right opportunities and experiences sisters can better develop the self-confidence and the skills they must have in the future as a co-worker, a wife and a mother. They will be better equipped to, as D&C 4 says, “Embark in the service of God.”