The Practical Guide for Ministering to Single Adults | An Interview with Logan Steele and Ally Sk...
Ally Skinner and Logan Steele, the creators of The Single Adult Podcast, explore the experiences of single adults within the Latter-day Saint community. They discuss the complexities of being single in a marriage-focused culture and emphasize the importance of understanding and supporting single members.
Allyson Skinner is an office manager, sewing instructor, and alterations specialist. A convert who joined the Church as a youth, Ally has navigated much of her adult life—and raised two children—as a single parent. Drawing from her lived experiences through marriage, divorce, and years on her own, she brings deep empathy, honesty, and warmth to ministering to those sitting alone at church.
Logan Steele was raised in Glendale, Arizona, and his professional journey began in New York on the Late Show with David Letterman, followed by producing major television staples including Who Wants to Be a Millionaire and The Apprentice. Today, he manages broadcasts for the Church Priesthood and Family Department and oversees the Scriptures video series. On The Single Adult Podcast, Logan focuses on bridging the gap between Church leadership and single members, emphasizing meaningful service stewardships and individual covenant-keeping over marital status.
Key Insights
Diverse Experiences: The podcast aims to address the varied experiences of single adults, acknowledging that many members of the church are single due to various circumstances, including divorce, widowhood, or never marrying.
Hope and Purpose: Allie and Logan emphasize finding hope and purpose in the gospel, regardless of marital status. They encourage listeners to focus on personal discipleship and the importance of maintaining a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Community Engagement: The hosts highlight the need for single adults to feel included in church activities and leadership roles, stressing that many callings do not require marriage.
Avoiding Assumptions: Leaders should avoid making assumptions about single adults’ needs and experiences. Open communication and asking questions can foster understanding and support.
Navigating Loneliness: The discussion touches on the feelings of loneliness that can accompany being single, with Allie sharing her proactive approach to include others and create connections within the church community.
Leadership Applications
Inclusive Callings: Leaders should consider calling single adults to various leadership positions, as most church roles do not require marriage. This inclusion can empower single members and enrich the congregation.
Fostering Dialogue: Leaders can create opportunities for open discussions about the experiences of single adults, helping to bridge gaps in understanding and support within the ward.
Encouraging Personal Growth: Leaders should encourage single members to focus on their personal spiritual journeys and contributions to the church, reinforcing that their worth and potential are not defined by marital status.