Laity Space Podcast

Bev Bommer

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 [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 [http://laityspace.org].

Dr. Ashley Boggan

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 [http://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 [http://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 [http://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"

Dan Wunderlich and the Family Prayer Podcast

Join Jessica Scott for an exciting conversation with Rev. Dan Wunderlich about his new Family Prayer Podcast—a daily spiritual formation resource for families with elementary-aged children.  In this special episode, you'll hear a preview of the Family Prayer Podcast featuring the fictional town of Grace Harbor, followed by an in-depth discussion about how this innovative podcast helps families build daily rhythms of gratitude, intention, and prayer in just 5-10 minutes. Dan shares how a tooth-brushing podcast inspired this spiritual formation tool and why consistency matters for busy families. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, Sunday school teacher, or children's ministry leader, discover how this podcast can help your family grow spiritually together—no theological degree or prep time required!  The podcast launches December 1st alongside the Florida Conference's Awaken to Grace campaign. Learn more at https://www.familyprayerpodcast.com/ [https://www.familyprayerpodcast.com/] SHOW NOTES 01:23 - Family Prayer Podcast Preview 07:36 - Dan shares with Jessica how a tooth-brushing podcast inspired this spiritual formation resource 16:29 - Daily rhythms and episode format 22:11 - How parents, grandparents, and church leaders can use the podcast  24:22 - Podcast launch on December 1st with Advent themes alongside Florida Conference's Awaken to Grace campaign 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 [https://www.laityspace.org/].

Constitutional Amendments

The announcement from the Council of Bishops on the ratification of the four amendments by UMC Annual Conferences around the world is exciting and also may have left you wondering what comes next. Join Jessica Scott for a special conversation with Rev. Alex Shanks, and Heather Pancoast, who both served on the 2020/2024 delegation to General Conference. For more information on the ratification of the constitutional amendments, check out laityspacehttps://www.laityspace.org/ratification-2025 [http://laityspace.org].org.  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 [https://www.laityspace.org/].

Webinar Series: Wesleyan Heritage Pilgrimage 2026

Laity Space presents a special episode as part of a new Webinar Series. Derrick Scott III is joined by Bishop Tom Berlin, Resident Bishop of the Florida Conference along with Rev. Dr. Brett Opalinski and James Ridgway as they discuss the upcoming Wesleyan Heritage Pilgrimage that will take place in the Fall 2026. This tour is being designed specifically with the laity in mind. For more information on the Wesleyan Heritage Pilgrimage for Laity, check out laityspace.org [https://www.laityspace.org/lay-pilgrimages-2026]. 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 [https://www.laityspace.org/].