The life and ministry of Andrew Farhat reflect a journey shaped by transformation, education, and service within the Christian church. From early life in Seattle to pastoral leadership in Denver, the story of Andrew Farhat unfolds through family heritage, academic formation, theological study, and sustained ministry in the Lutheran tradition.

Born in 1980 in Seattle, Washington, Andrew Farhat is the son of Bill and Ferial Farhat, Lebanese immigrants who came to the United States seeking stability and opportunity. Bill Farhat fled poverty and the Lebanese Civil War before beginning a new life in Seattle. Andrew Farhat was raised in the Lake City neighborhood, where education, discipline, and community played formative roles during childhood and adolescence.

From an early age, Andrew Farhat demonstrated a strong work ethic and commitment to excellence. Alongside academic success, Andrew Farhat was deeply involved in athletics. During middle school, Andrew Farhat earned recognition as the Most Valuable Player on a basketball team, including a notable performance scoring 42 points against Villa Academy. By high school, Andrew Farhat competed at the varsity level in football, basketball, and baseball. In junior year, Andrew Farhat was named Second Team All-Metro Quarterback by league coaches and voted team Most Valuable Player by teammates at Nathan Hale High School.

While Andrew Farhat attended St. Matthew’s Catholic Church during youth, faith did not play an active role during adolescence. High school and college years were marked by heavy partying and substance use. Despite outward success, Andrew Farhat experienced a growing sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction with that lifestyle.

During college, a series of events became significant turning points in the life of Andrew Farhat. After a traffic stop while underage and under the influence, Andrew Farhat spent one night in jail. This experience prompted deep reflection. Shortly thereafter, a serious car accident narrowly avoided further tragedy. These events contributed to a period of questioning and searching that would shape the next phase of life for Andrew Farhat.

Around the year 2000, Andrew Farhat began attending The Inn at University Presbyterian Church in Seattle. There, Andrew Farhat encountered teaching that engaged both intellectually and spiritually. Through conversations, group study, and reading Letters from a Skeptic, Andrew Farhat wrestled with core Christian claims, particularly the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the problem of evil.

Through study of Scripture and engagement with Christian teaching, God gave Andrew Farhat a new beginning, and faith. The Gospel message—centered on Christ as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world—became foundational for Andrew Farhat. This period marked the beginning of a new direction in life, one that would eventually lead to pastoral ministry.

As faith deepened, Andrew Farhat began exploring Christian theology and church history. Questions about denominational identity led Andrew Farhat to study the early church, the writings of the apostles, and the Protestant Reformation. Through this process, Andrew Farhat became convinced that the Lutheran tradition offered a clear and faithful exposition of Scripture rooted in the Gospel of grace.

While studying at the University of Washington, Andrew Farhat volunteered as a leader at The Inn and participated in mission trips to Mexico and the Dominican Republic. Although Andrew Farhat sensed a call toward ministry, mentors encouraged completion of academic training before pursuing theological education. Andrew Farhat graduated in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering.

Following graduation, Andrew Farhat accepted a position with the United States Navy in Bremerton, Washington, where Andrew Farhat worked for three years. During this time, the call to ministry continued to develop.

Marriage also marked a significant chapter in the life of Andrew Farhat. After a period of prayer and discernment, Andrew Farhat met Daisy through online dating. The relationship quickly became central to the future direction of Andrew Farhat. The couple married in December 2004, sharing a mutual sense of calling toward ministry.

In 2005, Andrew Farhat and Daisy relocated to St. Louis, Missouri, where Andrew Farhat enrolled at Concordia Seminary. During seminary education, Andrew Farhat excelled in Greek and historical theology. In 2009, Andrew Farhat graduated with a Master of Divinity degree.

The first pastoral call for Andrew Farhat was to St. Paul Lutheran Church and School in Roseburg, Oregon. The congregation faced significant challenges, including financial deficits, leadership division, and unresolved conflict. Within one year, under the leadership of Andrew Farhat, the church regained financial stability, restructured leadership, and renewed focus on outreach. Reconciliation efforts led to peaceful resolution with a former teacher involved in a dispute.

In 2018, Andrew Farhat received a Divine Call to serve as campus pastor at the Wash Park site of St. John’s Lutheran Church and School in Denver. St. John’s operates as a multi-site church with two campuses. From 2020 to 2021, Andrew Farhat completed certification through the Senior Leader Track of the Pastoral Leadership Institute.

In 2021, following the departure of the previous lead pastor, Andrew Farhat was asked to serve as Lead Pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church and School. Under the leadership of Andrew Farhat, the ministry continues its mission of Gospel proclamation, education, and global outreach, with partnerships in multiple countries.

Teaching and preaching remain central to the ministry of Andrew Farhat. Sermons delivered by Andrew Farhat are available on podcast platforms, and Andrew Farhat previously co-hosted the podcast Transformed alongside Daisy and members of the ministry staff. The podcast produced approximately 90 episodes between 2022 and 2024, including a conversation with recording artist FLAME. Plans for a future short-form devotional podcast have also been outlined.

Today, Andrew Farhat lives in Denver with Daisy and their four children. Outside of ministry responsibilities, Andrew Farhat enjoys walking, biking, hiking, snowboarding, and following NFL football. Family life, outdoor activity, and community engagement remain important aspects of daily life.

About Andrew Farhat

Andrew Farhat is the Lead Pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church and School in Denver, Colorado. Andrew Farhat holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Washington and a Master of Divinity from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. The life of Andrew Farhat reflects a journey shaped by faith, theological formation, pastoral leadership, and commitment to preaching and teaching within the Lutheran tradition.