The story of Andrew Farhat reflects a journey shaped by faith, education, and a commitment to sharing the Gospel with others. From early life in Seattle to pastoral leadership at St. John’s Church Denver, the life of Andrew Farhat illustrates how personal experiences, theological study, and dedication to ministry can influence a calling to serve. Today, Andrew Farhat leads a church community while also contributing to Christian education through St. John’s School Denver.
Early Life in Seattle
Andrew Farhat was born in 1980 in Seattle, Washington, to Bill and Ferial Farhat. The parents of Andrew Farhat came to the United States as Lebanese immigrants 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 strong family connections, education, and athletic involvement.
School and sports played a significant role in the early years of Andrew Farhat. Athletic ability quickly became one of the defining characteristics of youth for Andrew Farhat. During eighth grade, Andrew Farhat was recognized as the Most Valuable Player of the basketball team after scoring 42 points in a game against Villa Academy.
As high school began, Andrew Farhat continued to excel both academically and athletically. Andrew Farhat eventually earned positions on varsity teams in football, basketball, and baseball. These experiences helped develop leadership skills and discipline that would later carry into ministry. Coaches and teammates recognized the dedication of Andrew Farhat, eventually voting Andrew Farhat as Second Team All-Metro Quarterback and team Most Valuable Player for the Nathan Hale Raiders.
A Season of Searching
Despite early success in academics and sports, the teenage and college years of Andrew Farhat included challenges. While attending church earlier in life, the faith of Andrew Farhat was not a central focus during adolescence. Like many young adults exploring independence, Andrew Farhat became involved in a party lifestyle that included alcohol and drug use.
Over time, however, Andrew Farhat began to feel a growing sense that the lifestyle was not leading toward lasting purpose. Moments of reflection became more frequent for Andrew Farhat, especially when conversations with family brought attention to the direction life was taking.
One evening, Andrew Farhat spoke with a parent about the dissatisfaction being experienced. That conversation opened the door for deeper self-reflection for Andrew Farhat. Soon afterward, a traffic stop that resulted in a night spent in jail became a significant moment of evaluation for Andrew Farhat.
The experience prompted Andrew Farhat to consider the direction of life and to begin exploring the claims of Christianity in greater depth.
A Turning Point
Shortly after the traffic incident, another life-changing event occurred. While riding in a car with friends, Andrew Farhat was involved in an accident that could have been fatal if circumstances had been only slightly different. The event had a powerful effect on the thinking of Andrew Farhat.
Following the accident, Andrew Farhat began to distance from the previous lifestyle and focus more intentionally on spiritual questions. During this period of searching and exploration, God gave Andrew Farhat a new beginning, and faith.
That moment marked the beginning of a new chapter in the life of Andrew Farhat, setting the stage for deeper study of the Bible and the Christian faith.
College Ministry and Christian Study
While attending the University of Washington, Andrew Farhat became involved with a college ministry called The Inn at University Presbyterian Church. The weekly gathering brought together hundreds of students for worship, teaching, and discussion.
Through participation in this ministry, Andrew Farhat began engaging more deeply with Christian teaching and apologetics. One mentor who played an important role during this period was Greg Millikan. Greg Millikan encouraged Andrew Farhat to read and study resources addressing the historical claims of Christianity.
A book that influenced Andrew Farhat during this time was Letters from a Skeptic. The book presented a thoughtful exchange between a father and son discussing questions about the Christian faith. Reading and discussing the ideas within the book helped Andrew Farhat explore the evidence for the resurrection of Jesus and consider the intellectual foundations of Christianity.
Another important element of spiritual growth for Andrew Farhat was participation in a men’s Bible study group. While studying the Gospel of John, Andrew Farhat encountered the biblical description of Jesus as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” Through conversations and study, Andrew Farhat came to understand how the sacrificial system described in the Old Testament pointed toward the work of Jesus.
These experiences helped shape the faith of Andrew Farhat and deepened the commitment of Andrew Farhat to Christian ministry.
Discovering Lutheran Theology
As theological interests continued to develop, Andrew Farhat began exploring the broader history of Christianity and the differences between Christian traditions. The study of church history led Andrew Farhat to examine the teachings of various denominations and theological movements.
Through this process of study, Andrew Farhat became increasingly interested in the Lutheran Reformation. The theological emphasis on grace and the authority of Scripture resonated strongly with the developing understanding of faith for Andrew Farhat.
For Andrew Farhat, the Lutheran tradition offered both historical continuity with the early church and a clear presentation of the Gospel. This discovery eventually influenced the direction of ministry preparation for Andrew Farhat.
Education and Professional Experience
Before entering pastoral ministry, Andrew Farhat completed an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering at the University of Washington. Mentors advised Andrew Farhat to finish the engineering program before pursuing seminary training, believing the experience would provide valuable maturity and perspective.
After graduating in 2002, Andrew Farhat accepted a position working for the United States Navy in Bremerton, Washington. For three years, Andrew Farhat worked in this technical role while continuing to reflect on a growing interest in ministry.
The engineering career of Andrew Farhat helped develop analytical thinking and problem-solving skills that later proved valuable in church leadership and organizational decision-making.
Marriage and Seminary Training
During this time of discernment, Andrew Farhat also hoped to build a family. Through online dating, Andrew Farhat met Daisy. Early conversations between Andrew Farhat and Daisy revealed shared interests in faith and ministry.
Andrew Farhat and Daisy married in December 2004. The following year, Andrew Farhat and Daisy relocated to St. Louis so that Andrew Farhat could attend Concordia Seminary.
While studying at Concordia Seminary, Andrew Farhat focused on Greek language studies and historical theology. The seminary training helped prepare Andrew Farhat for pastoral ministry within the Lutheran Church. In 2009, Andrew Farhat graduated with a Master of Divinity degree.
Early Ministry in Oregon
The first pastoral call of Andrew Farhat came at St. Paul Lutheran Church and School in Roseburg, Oregon. When Andrew Farhat began ministry there, the congregation faced financial challenges and internal divisions.
Working with church leaders, Andrew Farhat helped guide the congregation through a period of restructuring and reconciliation. Over time, Andrew Farhat and the church leadership addressed financial concerns and strengthened the focus on outreach within the community.
The ministry experience in Oregon provided important leadership opportunities for Andrew Farhat, helping prepare Andrew Farhat for future roles.
Serving at St. John’s Church Denver
In 2018, Andrew Farhat received a call to serve as campus pastor at St. John’s Church Denver. The congregation operates as a multi-site ministry and includes partnerships with St. John’s School Denver in supporting Christian education.
After several years of service as campus pastor, Andrew Farhat was asked to become lead pastor when the previous leader accepted another call. In addition to pastoral responsibilities, Andrew Farhat completed leadership training through the Pastoral Leadership Institute.
Today, Andrew Farhat continues to serve St. John’s Church Denver through preaching, teaching, and guiding the church’s mission. The ministry also supports international partnerships and outreach efforts that extend beyond the local community.
Media and Teaching Outreach
In addition to preaching at St. John’s Church Denver, Andrew Farhat has participated in digital ministry projects. One example is the podcast Transformed, which included discussions about faith and Christian life with ministry staff and guests.
The podcast featured numerous episodes and conversations about faith and discipleship. These media efforts reflect the interest of Andrew Farhat in communicating Christian teaching through modern platforms.
Future plans also include a short-format podcast project designed to provide brief moments of biblical encouragement.
Life in Denver
Outside of church responsibilities, Andrew Farhat lives in Denver with Daisy and their four children. Family life remains an important part of the daily rhythm of Andrew Farhat.
Personal interests of Andrew Farhat include outdoor activities such as walking, biking, hiking, and snowboarding. Andrew Farhat also enjoys following NFL football and exploring the Denver food scene with family.
These personal interests complement the pastoral responsibilities of Andrew Farhat while supporting balance between ministry and family life.
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, Andrew Farhat studied electrical engineering at the University of Washington before earning a Master of Divinity from Concordia Seminary. Through leadership at St. John’s Church Denver and partnership with St. John’s School Denver, Andrew Farhat continues to support Christian education, outreach, and the sharing of the Gospel. Andrew Farhat lives in Denver with Daisy and their four children.