Rev. Lori Broschat, 2026 Retiree

For Rev. Lori Broschat, ministry has always been deeply rooted in worship, service, and the steady faithfulness of the local church.

Lori grew up in Devils Lake United Methodist Church, in Devils Lake, North Dakota — the same congregation where she would eventually retire from ministry years later. Her childhood church experience was shaped by a family that showed up week after week and believed that everyone had a role to play in the life of the church.

“My father believed that the lay people had a lot to contribute to a church,” Lori reflected. “We generate the majority of the church 'stays' where it’s only the pastor who leaves.” 

Though she initially imagined a career in medical records and transcription, God had other plans. While attending Faith United Methodist Church, Pastor Cliff Nelson recognized gifts in her that had not yet been fully explored. He encouraged her to take on worship leadership responsibilities, and before long, Lori found herself writing liturgy and engaging more deeply in ministry.

“It just transpired from there and kept flowing until I got to the halls of Asbury Theological Seminary,” she said.

Before seminary, Lori served as an intern in Williston, Grenora, and Bainville from 1997–1999. Following seminary, she faithfully served congregations in New Rockford, Grace City, Kvernes ELCA, Cavalier Trinity, Cavalier First, and eventually returned home to serve Devils Lake United Methodist Church.

Throughout her ministry, worship remained at the center of her calling.

“The experience of worship is always first and foremost,” Lori shared. “I see church as a functioning body of people that are constantly in flux, and the pastor has to almost guide the ship.”

She also found joy in writing liturgical materials and creating meaningful worship experiences for congregations and communities. Whether preparing Easter resources, Vacation Bible School materials, or Bible studies, Lori sought to help people connect more deeply with God and with one another.

“We can only serve if we’ve been fed,” she said. “Then we can approach others and say, ‘This has meaning in my life, and I believe you would take comfort and nourishment from this too.’”

Pastor Lori continues to minister through writing. (churchanew.org)

Lori especially treasures moments when children and families discovered faith together through the church’s ministries.

“I’ve seen it happen in VBS,” she said. “Children who are not usually part of a worshipping community come home so on fire for God, and then hopefully the next thing you see is the family walking through the church doors.”

As she reflects on ministry and offers wisdom to those discerning a call, Lori encourages pastors and laity alike to lean deeply into prayer.

“My own version of leaning into prayer is elbows on the table, even arguing to an empty room,” she said with a smile. “Sometimes we get in our own way when God is trying to lead us in a different direction.”

Her prayer for the Dakotas Conference is simple yet profound: “Let God into every stage of ministry. Sometimes the old truths endure because they have staying power. I think that’s true of the church.”

Lori recently shared that she has been diagnosed with dementia. Even amid the challenges of cognitive decline, her heart for ministry and caring for others remains strong. She continues to offer encouragement and understanding to families navigating similar journeys.

“I feel blessed that I got to do the ministry I did while I still had the faculties for it,” she said.

As the Dakotas Conference celebrates Lori’s retirement, we give thanks for her faithful leadership, her creative spirit, and her steadfast witness to the power of worship, prayer, and God’s enduring grace.