GladdenUP!

A native of Ohio, Elizabeth (Beth) grew up in a farming community. For 30 plus years she served as a church music director/pianist. In 2003, she was ordained as an elder in the PC (USA). In recent years, Beth has been active in transformational redevelopment ministry – helping churches revitalize their ministry and facilities.

Following graduation from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, she served as the interim Sabbatical pastor for North Hills Community Baptist Church in Pittsburgh. In October, 2006, she was ordained in the PC (USA) and accepted the call as Designated Pastor at Gladden UP. In May, 2009, the congregation voted to call her as the Installed Pastor.

Previous secular employment included a ten-year stint as a journalist. One of the highlights of that career was the opportunity to cover the space shuttle flight which carried former Sen. John Glenn back into space. Glenn, a life-time Presbyterian, was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in New Concord, OH where Beth and her husband served for five years prior to their move to Pittsburgh in 2005. Beth also owned her own business and served seven years as the executive director of Southeastern Ohio Symphony Orchestra.

During her studies at PTS, she was a recipient of the Carl A. Hiassen Honors Scholarship and a Lilly Foundation Scholarship administered by the Religion Newswriter’s Association.

In addition to serving as Pastor at Gladden UP, Beth serves as the Co-Chair of the Pittsburgh Presbytery Malawi Partnership and as a member of the Administrative Committee for Transformation. In May 2011, she completed her third year residency seminar toward the Doctor of Ministry degree from the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary. The focus of her D. Min. studies is Missional Spirituality. The focus of her doctoral project is the partnership relationship between churches in Pittsburgh Presbytery and the Synod of Blantyre in Malawi.

Beth is married to the Rev. Jerry Broschart, and they have four children – Aaron, Ben (Ronnelle), Kari (Cody) and Emily. Modeling the example of Jesus, the couple regularly finds time to get away at their houseboat, SoulHler, which is docked at Atwood Lake. In addition to boating, the family enjoys sports – Go Pirates! – particularly baseball.