Rev. Marty Toepke-Floyd. (lphoto by jlynnstudios)

For Rev. Marty Toepke-Floyd, the foundation of ministry was formed early—shaped by a family deeply connected to the church and a faith lived out week by week.

“I was raised in a family that attended worship every Sunday. There was not a time in my life that I didn’t go to worship,” Pastor Marty shared. “The church really was our social life.”

Growing up at Mt. Lebanon United Methodist Church in Pennsylvania, Marty was surrounded by a vibrant faith community. From singing in the choir to serving as an acolyte, church life was constant and formative. That steady presence would later grow into a calling shaped by both faith and experience.

After studying chemistry at the University of Redlands, Marty spent several years in Laredo, Texas, serving as a US-2 missionary and teacher. That time became a turning point in Marty's calling.

“I was really at a decision point,” he said. “I decided I did not want to be a teacher for the rest of my career.”

That decision led him to Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California, where his call to ministry took clearer shape. It was also there that an unexpected airport pickup would change his life. Marty met his future wife, Tammy, a North Dakota native, during seminary—a connection that would ultimately lead him to the Dakotas.

“When we decided to get married, she said, ‘You marry me, we’re going to North Dakota.’ So we did," recalled Marty.

Pastor Marty’s ministry in the Dakotas spanned decades and a variety of roles, from rural parish ministry to extension ministry as a chaplain. His work included serving multiple congregations across long distances, often balancing family life with the demands of ministry.

“I did my best to minister to them,” he said. “I have loved the people in all the churches I’ve served.”

Pastor Marty leading activities at the 2025 Mission U

That love for people—and a deep commitment to mission—became a defining theme of Marty’s ministry. He is a strong advocate for United Women in Faith and Mission U, leading studies on poverty and climate justice and encouraging others to engage in mission and justice work.

“Mission U and the School of Christian Mission are really what kept me in ministry,” he said. “They’ve been a lifeline to me.”

His passion for mission extended beyond the local church. Marty participated in mission trips to Haiti, the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas, and Nicaragua, experiences that deepened his understanding of global ministry.

“It was an eye-opener to see that level of poverty,” he said of his time in Haiti, “and yet the people were just absolutely wonderful and hardworking.”

In recent years, Marty also became involved with EarthKeepers, combining his theological background with his scientific training to advocate for climate justice and care for creation.

As he reflects on ministry, Marty emphasizes that relationships are at the heart of it all and advises new clergy to pay close attention to those relationships.

“Ministry really is about relationships,” he said. “It’s about relationship with Christ, it’s about relationships with individuals. Get to know the people in your parish as full human beings.”

Looking ahead to retirement, Marty plans to remain active in both his church and community. He will continue his involvement with environmental efforts, serve on district committees, and participate in local advocacy work. At the same time, he is looking forward to reconnecting with personal interests and family.

Being a part of Mission U has been one of the highlights of Pastor Marty's ministry.

“I have no doubt that I’m going to keep busy,” he said.

Among his greatest anticipated joys of retirement will be spending time with his family. With one of his children and their family living in Bismarck and one in Fargo, Jamestown has been an ideal location for staying connected with them, especially his two grandsons (and another grandchild on the way!).

As he closes this chapter of ministry, Marty carries deep gratitude for the people and communities who have shaped his journey. “I’m grateful to all the people in the churches I’ve served,” he said. “They’ve been so generous, so wise, so hardworking.”

From a childhood rooted in church life to a lifetime of mission, service, and relationships, Rev. Marty Toepke-Floyd’s ministry leaves a lasting impact across the Dakotas Conference.