In every community, certain lives quietly demonstrate how conviction and grace shape lasting influence. Andrew Farhat, Lead Pastor of St. John’s Church and School Denver, is one such leader. His story is one of transformation — from a young student in Seattle to a pastor guiding families, educators, and believers through Scripture and faith-based community. The path of Andrew Farhat shows that purpose is discovered not in perfection but in surrender and steadfast service.
Early Influences and Upbringing
Born in 1980 in Seattle, Washington, Andrew Farhat grew up as the son of Lebanese immigrants, Bill and Ferial Farhat. Their journey from a war-torn homeland to the United States embodied courage, discipline, and perseverance — virtues that would later define their son’s ministry.
From childhood, Andrew Farhat showed determination and curiosity. He thrived academically and athletically, competing in three varsity sports and earning recognition as a team MVP and All-Metro quarterback. His drive to excel revealed natural leadership, yet within that early success, Andrew Farhat felt a deeper search for meaning — a desire for something lasting beyond achievement.
A Season of Restlessness and Awakening
During his high-school and college years, Andrew Farhat experienced what many young adults face: the tension between independence and direction. While faith was present through church attendance, it had not yet become personal. Drawn into a lifestyle centered on parties and peers, Andrew Farhat began to sense that satisfaction built on fleeting pleasures would never fill the deeper questions stirring within him.
Two defining events confronted that realization. The first came with a traffic stop that led to a night in jail for underage drinking; the second, a near-fatal car accident soon after. Both incidents served as stark reminders that life is fragile. These moments marked a turning point when Andrew Farhat chose to re-evaluate his priorities and open his heart to God’s call.
Encountering Faith at the University of Washington
As a student of electrical engineering at the University of Washington, Andrew Farhat approached faith with renewed interest. He began attending The Inn, a vibrant campus ministry where worship, study, and honest discussion about belief drew hundreds of students weekly.
There he met Greg Millikan, a mentor who challenged him to read Letters from a Skeptic. Through this exchange between a Christian son and his questioning father, Andrew Farhat encountered intellectual arguments that supported Christianity. More importantly, he discovered the evidence of Christ’s resurrection and the meaning of forgiveness.
Studying the Gospel of John, Andrew Farhat came to understand that Jesus Christ is “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” That insight changed everything. It transformed curiosity into conviction and belief into lifelong calling. From that moment, Andrew Farhat dedicated himself to living out the truth he had found.
The Call to Ministry
After his conversion, Andrew Farhat began sharing his new faith with friends, leading others to consider the Gospel for themselves. Even as he continued engineering studies, the sense of divine calling grew stronger. A mentor encouraged patience: finish the degree, mature spiritually, and prepare for ministry in God’s timing. Following that counsel, Andrew Farhat earned his Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering in 2002 and accepted a position with the U.S. Navy in Bremerton, Washington.
During those years, Andrew Farhat continued to serve in volunteer ministry roles and to deepen his biblical understanding. His professional discipline as an engineer complemented his growing commitment to faith — teaching him structure, precision, and perseverance, traits that would later guide his pastoral work.
Marriage and Seminary Formation
While working in Bremerton, Andrew Farhat met Daisy through online introduction. Their shared interest in faith and ministry quickly formed the foundation of a lifelong partnership. After marrying in 2004, the couple relocated to St. Louis so that Andrew Farhat could attend Concordia Seminary, the theological institution of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod.
Seminary life shaped Andrew Farhat both intellectually and spiritually. Immersed in Greek studies, historical theology, and church history, he developed a deep appreciation for the Lutheran Reformation’s return to grace and Scripture. Graduating in 2009 with a Master of Divinity, Andrew Farhat emerged ready to serve the church with theological clarity and compassionate leadership.
First Call: St. Paul Lutheran Church and School in Oregon
The first congregation served by Andrew Farhat was St. Paul Lutheran Church and School in Roseburg, Oregon. The church faced significant challenges — financial deficits, leadership division, and community tension. With patience and prayer, Andrew Farhat helped the congregation rebuild trust, restore stability, and renew its outreach mission. Within a year, finances improved and relationships healed.
This early pastoral experience taught Andrew Farhat that leadership in ministry begins with humility and persistence. Every solution must begin in Scripture, and every success belongs to God alone.
St. John’s Church and School Denver: A Growing Ministry
In 2018, Andrew Farhat accepted a Divine Call to serve as Campus Pastor at St. John’s Church and School Denver, leading the Wash Park site of a thriving multisite congregation. From the outset, he emphasized faithful preaching, community engagement, and family discipleship.
As St. John’s Church Denver continued to grow, Andrew Farhat expanded his leadership training through the Pastoral Leadership Institute’s Senior Leader Track. When the previous lead pastor accepted a new call in 2021, the congregation unanimously asked Andrew Farhat to assume the role of Lead Pastor.
Under his guidance, St. John’s Church and School Denver now serves hundreds of families each week and partners with mission efforts in ten countries. The ministry’s reach reflects the steady vision of Andrew Farhat — a vision rooted in Gospel clarity, family strength, and community service.
Preaching, Teaching, and Media Ministry
Beyond the pulpit, Andrew Farhat uses modern communication to share timeless truth. Between 2022 and 2024, he co-hosted Transformed, a podcast featuring conversations about faith, discipleship, and transformation. The program, created alongside Daisy and members of St. John’s ministry team, produced nearly ninety episodes and welcomed guests such as Christian artist FLAME.
In 2026, Andrew Farhat plans to launch a new short-form podcast offering five-minute reflections of encouragement drawn from Scripture. Through these efforts, Andrew Farhat continues his mission of making the Gospel accessible wherever people listen and learn.
Family, Community, and Daily Life
Family stands at the center of Andrew Farhat’s ministry. He and Daisy live in Denver with their four children, modeling the balance of faith, service, and daily joy they encourage in others. They enjoy walking, hiking, and exploring Denver’s restaurant scene, often connecting recreation with reflection.
This commitment to family life mirrors the values of St. John’s School Denver, where education and discipleship work hand in hand. For Andrew Farhat, the home is the first classroom of faith, and every family represents an opportunity for ministry.
A Vision for Faithful Leadership
Leadership for Andrew Farhat is not measured in numbers or recognition but in faithfulness. His approach emphasizes teamwork, prayer, and clarity of mission. At St. John’s Church Denver, he continues to build systems that empower staff, volunteers, and families to serve together. Whether through worship, teaching, or global missions, Andrew Farhat seeks to point every effort back to Christ as the source of hope and renewal.
Through challenges and transitions, the ministry of Andrew Farhat has remained anchored in Scripture and grace. His story demonstrates how authentic faith expresses itself through endurance — not flash, but faithfulness; not acclaim, but obedience.
About Andrew Farhat
Andrew Farhat is the Lead Pastor of St. John’s Church and School Denver, where he focuses on preaching, teaching, family discipleship, and community outreach. Born in Seattle, Washington, in 1980, Andrew Farhat earned his Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from the University of Washington and a Master of Divinity from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. He previously served at St. Paul Lutheran Church and School in Roseburg, Oregon. Today, Andrew Farhat continues to lead St. John’s Church Denver and St. John’s School Denver with a mission centered on Gospel truth, family formation, and faithful service to the Denver community.