Handbooks and Callings
14. Single Members

“14. Single Members,” Selections from the General Handbook (2023).

“14. Single Members,” Selections from the General Handbook

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14.

Single Members

14.0

Introduction

Men and women who have not yet married or who are divorced or widowed make up a significant portion of Church membership. It is important for all to find hope through the Atonement of Jesus Christ (see Ether 12:4). The following eternal truths can help develop such hope:

  • Scriptures and latter-day prophets confirm that everyone who is faithful in keeping gospel covenants will have the opportunity for exaltation.

  • The precise time and manner in which the blessings of exaltation are bestowed have not all been revealed. But they are nonetheless assured (see Mosiah 2:41).

  • Waiting upon the Lord implies continued obedience and spiritual progress toward Him (see Isaiah 64:4).

  • God offers eternal life to all of His children. All who qualify for the Savior’s gracious gift of forgiveness and live His commandments will receive eternal life. (See Mosiah 26:30; Moroni 6:8.)

  • Confidence in these assurances is rooted in faith in Jesus Christ. By His grace, all things pertaining to mortality are set right (see Alma 7:11–13).

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, single members are called to leadership and teaching positions.

In this chapter:

  • “Single members” refers to all adult members of the Church who are not currently married.

  • “Young single adults” refers to those ages 18–30.

  • “Single adults” refers to those ages 31 and older.

14.1

Single Members in Geographic Units

14.1.1

Stake Leadership

14.1.1.2

Stake Young Single Adult and Single Adult Committees

The stake presidency creates a young single adult committee.

The stake presidency may also create a single adult committee.

Committees seek to support members through friendship and opportunities to participate in the work of salvation and exaltation (see 14.2).

14.1.2

Ward Leadership

14.1.2.1

Bishopric

The bishopric is key to engaging single members in the work of salvation and exaltation. They work with the ward council to identify meaningful callings and assignments for single members. They recognize and strive to help meet the needs of single parents.

  • A member of the bishopric meets with each young single adult at least once a year.

  • The bishopric may organize a ward young single adult committee.

14.1.2.2

Elders Quorum and Relief Society Presidency Members Assigned to Young Single Adults

The elders quorum and Relief Society presidents may each assign a member of their presidencies to support young single adults. These presidency members learn of the strengths of young single adults and help meet their needs.

The elders quorum president and Relief Society president may report on these efforts in ward council meeting.

14.1.2.3

Young Single Adult Leaders

In a ward with many young single adults, the bishopric may call a young single adult man and woman as young single adult leaders. Their responsibilities include:

  • Helping young single adults participate in the work of salvation and exaltation (see 14.2).

  • Serving on the stake young single adult committee.

  • Leading the ward young single adult committee if one is formed.

  • Meeting regularly with the elders quorum presidency and Relief Society presidency. In these meetings, they discuss the strengths of young single adults and how to help meet their needs. They also focus on ministering to young single adults.

14.2

Participating in the Work of Salvation and Exaltation

14.2.1

Living the Gospel of Jesus Christ

14.2.1.1

Home Evening and Gospel Study

Leaders or members who desire to participate may organize one or more home evening groups for single adults and other groups for young single adults.

14.2.1.3

Activities

Under the direction of ward or stake leaders, young single adults may plan and participate in activities specifically for them. Examples could include:

  • Temple visits.

  • Family history work.

  • Sharing the gospel.

  • Community service.

  • Music and cultural events.

  • Sports.

Under the direction of stake leaders, single adults may plan similar activities at the stake level.