What if the shortage of young clergy isn't a calling problem but a culture problem? In this episode of Laity Space, host Jessica Barber Scott sits down with Rev. Dr. Tiffania Icaza Willetts, pastor of St. James UMC in Tampa, and co-lay leader Derrick Scott III to unpack Tiffania's doctoral research on cultivating a "culture of call." Drawing on the story of Samuel and decades of data from the Florida Conference, they explore the three consistent factors behind every ordained leader who said yes before age 35, and why none of it works without the laity leaning in. From Warren Willis Camp to school partnerships to the quiet courage of naming a gift you see in someone else, this conversation is a practical and prophetic word for anyone who cares about the future of the church. This episode was recorded in the Spring of 2026.

Show Notes

• 7:14 The three consistent call story factors
• 17:11 Defining a "culture of call" (the Samuel story)
• 33:21 Practical steps for local churches with no children
• 40:49 Why laity should own this (Derrick responds)

The Laity Space Podcast is presented by Florida Conference Board of Laity and produced by the team at Wesley's Revival, a ministry of Studio Wesley. For more information, go to laityspace.org.

In this episode, host Jessica Scott sits down with Bev Bommer, the North East District Director of Lay Servant Ministries and volunteer coordinator for the upcoming Fresh Expressions National Gathering. Bev explains how fresh expressions—whether in dog parks, dinner churches, tattoo parlors, or recovery facilities—meet people where they are and create authentic communities of faith for those who may never walk through church doors. Bev shares her hope and excitement about seeing a fresh spirit energizing laity throughout The United Methodist Church.

Show Notes

• 4:01 - What is Fresh Expressions?
• 8:28 - Surprising expressions of church
• 10:00 - All Together Now: Fresh Expressions UM National Gathering
• 16:42 - The priesthood of all believers
• 22:40 - Hope for The United Methodist Church

For more information on All Together Now" Fresh Expressions National Gathering, check out https://www.freshexpressionsfl.org/altogethernow.

The Laity Space Podcast is presented by Florida Conference Board of Laity and produced by the team at Wesley's Revival, a ministry of Studio Wesley. For more information, go to laityspace.org.

Join Jessica Scott for a conversation with Dr. Ashley Boggan, who serves with the General Commission on Archives and History. As a double pastor's kid who chose lay service instead of ordination, Ashley shares how Methodist history isn't just about the past—it's the key to understanding our identity and empowering laity for the future. From Susanna Wesley to today's Mad Mamas group, discover how lay people have always been the heart of the Methodist movement and how you can live out your calling through understanding our Wesleyan heritage.

For more resources on Methodist history and identity, visit gcah.org and explore the free courses at UM History Hub, including "Radicle Methodism." Check out the General Commission on Archives and History podcast at gcah.org/podcast.

The Laity Space Podcast is presented by Florida Conference Board of Laity and produced by the team at Wesley's Revival, a ministry of Studio Wesley. For more information, go to laityspace.org.

Show Notes:

[00:26] Welcome and introduction to Dr. Ashley Boggan

[03:21] Growing up as a double pastor's kid and when faith became her own

[09:44] Choosing lay service over ordination and discovering a call through history

[13:25] What the General Commission on Archives and History does and why it matters

[18:53] The vital role of laity in Methodist history, from Susanna Wesley to circuit riders

[29:00] How remembering our history shapes the church's future and relieves clergy burnout

[38:29] Getting started: Resources for lay people including Radical Methodism and UM History Hub

[47:18] Ashley's message to lay people across the UMC: "Do it because I'm United Methodist"