Laity Space Podcast
Tiffania Icaza Willetts
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 .
