The life story of Andrew Farhat reflects a path shaped by faith, learning, and a commitment to sharing the Gospel. From early beginnings in Seattle to pastoral leadership at St. John’s Church Denver, the journey of Andrew Farhat illustrates how personal transformation, theological study, and pastoral calling can come together in service to a local church community. Through leadership in ministry, family life, and outreach, Andrew Farhat has become closely associated with the mission and work of St. John’s Church Denver and St. John’s School Denver.
Early Life and Background
Andrew Farhat was born in Seattle, Washington, in 1980 to Bill and Ferial Farhat, Lebanese immigrants who had come to the United States seeking stability and opportunity after the hardships of civil war in Lebanon. Growing up in Seattle’s Lake City neighborhood, Andrew Farhat experienced a childhood shaped by family values, education, and athletics.
During the school years of Andrew Farhat, academic achievement and competitive sports both played an important role. Andrew Farhat excelled in athletics at an early age and was recognized as the Most Valuable Player of the eighth-grade basketball team after scoring 42 points in a game against Villa Academy. As a student-athlete in high school, Andrew Farhat continued to distinguish himself by participating in football, basketball, and baseball at the varsity level.
The athletic achievements of Andrew Farhat included being voted Second Team All-Metro Quarterback by league coaches and being named Most Valuable Player by teammates for the Nathan Hale Raiders. These experiences helped shape qualities that would later appear in pastoral leadership: discipline, teamwork, and perseverance.
A Turning Point in Faith
Although Andrew Farhat attended church during childhood, the early faith life of Andrew Farhat was not especially active. During the high school and early college years, Andrew Farhat became involved in a party lifestyle that included alcohol and drug use. Despite the outward excitement of social life, Andrew Farhat began to sense that the direction of life lacked meaning and purpose.
At one point, Andrew Farhat spoke openly with his mother about the emptiness being experienced. In that conversation, Andrew Farhat expressed a desire to reconsider the direction of life and explore faith more seriously. Shortly afterward, a series of events—including a traffic stop and a night in jail while still a minor—became moments of reflection for Andrew Farhat.
During that time, Andrew Farhat resolved to begin investigating the claims of Christianity more deeply. Another significant moment occurred when Andrew Farhat survived a serious car accident that could have ended in tragedy. After that event, Andrew Farhat decided to move away from the party lifestyle and pursue a different path.
In the years that followed, God gave Andrew Farhat a new beginning, and faith, marking a profound turning point in the life of Andrew Farhat.
Exploration of Christianity
While attending the University of Washington, Andrew Farhat began participating in a college ministry known as The Inn at University Presbyterian Church. The weekly gathering attracted hundreds of students and became an environment where Andrew Farhat encountered Christian teaching and community.
A key influence during this time was Greg Millikan, who encouraged Andrew Farhat to explore Christian apologetics and Scripture. One book that made an impression on Andrew Farhat was Letters from a Skeptic, which presented a thoughtful discussion of questions surrounding Christianity. Through reading, conversation, and study, Andrew Farhat began to examine the historical claims of the Christian faith.
Particularly meaningful to Andrew Farhat was the biblical teaching about Jesus described as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” As Andrew Farhat studied the Gospel of John and discussed Scripture in a men’s group, the message of grace and forgiveness through Christ became central to the faith of Andrew Farhat.
From that point forward, Andrew Farhat began sharing the Gospel with friends and pursuing a deeper understanding of the Christian faith.
Discovering the Lutheran Tradition
As the theological interests of Andrew Farhat continued to grow, Andrew Farhat also began exploring the history of Christianity and the origins of different denominations. While studying Scripture alongside church history, Andrew Farhat examined the teachings and traditions of several Christian branches.
Through this study, Andrew Farhat became convinced that the Lutheran Reformation provided a clear presentation of the Gospel centered on grace and faith. For Andrew Farhat, the Lutheran theological tradition represented both a commitment to Scripture and a connection to the historic Christian church.
This discovery became an important milestone for Andrew Farhat, shaping the future direction of ministry and theological education.
Education and Professional Beginnings
Before entering pastoral ministry, Andrew Farhat pursued a degree in electrical engineering at the University of Washington. Mentors encouraged Andrew Farhat to complete the engineering program before pursuing theological training, and Andrew Farhat followed that advice.
After graduating in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Andrew Farhat accepted a position working for the United States Navy in Bremerton, Washington. For three years, Andrew Farhat worked in that role while continuing to discern a call toward ministry.
The engineering background of Andrew Farhat reflects an analytical mindset and disciplined approach to problem-solving that would later carry into pastoral leadership and organizational development within churches.
Marriage and Seminary
During the early years of adulthood, Andrew Farhat also hoped to build a family. Through online dating, Andrew Farhat met Daisy, who would later become the wife of Andrew Farhat. From early conversations, both Andrew Farhat and Daisy shared a common interest in serving within Christian ministry.
Andrew Farhat and Daisy were married in December 2004. In the following year, Andrew Farhat and Daisy moved to St. Louis so that Andrew Farhat could attend Concordia Seminary.
While studying at Concordia Seminary, Andrew Farhat focused on Greek and historical theology. In 2009, Andrew Farhat graduated with a Master of Divinity degree, completing the formal preparation necessary for pastoral ministry within the Lutheran Church.
Early Pastoral Ministry
Following seminary graduation, Andrew Farhat began pastoral ministry at St. Paul Lutheran Church and School in Roseburg, Oregon. When Andrew Farhat arrived, the congregation was facing several challenges, including financial strain and internal conflict.
Within the first year of ministry, Andrew Farhat worked with church leadership to address financial concerns, establish a clearer leadership structure, and strengthen the congregation’s focus on outreach. Andrew Farhat also helped bring resolution to a dispute involving a former staff member, demonstrating the importance of reconciliation in ministry.
The experience in Oregon provided valuable pastoral leadership experience for Andrew Farhat, preparing Andrew Farhat for future ministry roles.
Leadership at St. John’s Church Denver
In 2018, Andrew Farhat received a call to serve as campus pastor at St. John’s Church Denver, specifically at the Wash Park campus. St. John’s Church Denver operates as a multi-site congregation with a strong emphasis on preaching, teaching, and community engagement.
Between 2020 and 2021, Andrew Farhat completed the Senior Leader Track certification through the Pastoral Leadership Institute. When the previous lead pastor departed for another ministry call, the congregation asked Andrew Farhat to serve as lead pastor.
Today, Andrew Farhat leads the ministry of St. John’s Church Denver, which works in partnership with St. John’s School Denver to support Christian education and outreach. Through preaching, teaching, and leadership development, Andrew Farhat continues to contribute to the mission of sharing the Gospel locally and through international mission partnerships.
Media and Teaching Ministry
In addition to preaching at St. John’s Church Denver, Andrew Farhat has participated in digital ministry efforts designed to reach broader audiences. One example is the podcast Transformed, which featured discussions about faith and Christian life and included conversations with guests such as recording artist FLAME.
The podcast project included dozens of episodes and reflected the interest of Andrew Farhat in communicating biblical teaching through modern platforms. Plans have also been discussed for a future short-form podcast focused on brief biblical encouragement and reflection.
These media initiatives complement the preaching and teaching work of Andrew Farhat within St. John’s Church Denver.
Family Life and Community
Outside of pastoral ministry, Andrew Farhat lives in Denver with Daisy and their four children. Family life plays an important role in the daily rhythm of Andrew Farhat, balancing church leadership with time spent at home.
In personal time, Andrew Farhat enjoys walking, biking, hiking, snowboarding, and following NFL football. Andrew Farhat and Daisy also appreciate the local food culture of Denver and enjoy traveling when possible.
These personal interests reflect the balance between ministry responsibilities and family life that continues to shape the life of Andrew Farhat.
About Andrew Farhat
Andrew Farhat is the Lead Pastor of St. John’s Church Denver, where Andrew Farhat focuses on preaching, teaching, family ministry, and outreach. Born in Seattle and educated at the University of Washington and Concordia Seminary, Andrew Farhat has served in pastoral leadership roles in Oregon and Colorado. Through ministry at St. John’s Church Denver and partnership with St. John’s School Denver, Andrew Farhat continues to support Christian education, global mission partnerships, and the sharing of the Gospel. Andrew Farhat lives in Denver with Daisy and their four children.
