The life of Andrew Farhat can be understood through a clear chronological progression marked by family background, education, faith formation, and pastoral service. Each stage in the life of Andrew Farhat contributes to a broader narrative of preparation for leadership within the Lutheran church.
Andrew Farhat was born in 1980 in Seattle, Washington, to Bill and Ferial Farhat, Lebanese immigrants who fled poverty and the Lebanese Civil War before establishing a new life in the United States. The early childhood of Andrew Farhat unfolded in the Lake City neighborhood of Seattle, where family life, education, and community involvement shaped formative years.
From a young age, Andrew Farhat demonstrated commitment to academic achievement and athletic competition. School environments provided opportunities for growth in discipline and teamwork. By eighth grade, Andrew Farhat earned recognition as the Most Valuable Player on a basketball team, including a game in which Andrew Farhat scored 42 points against Villa Academy.
By high school, Andrew Farhat competed at the varsity level in football, basketball, and baseball. Athletic accomplishments culminated during junior year when 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.
During youth, Andrew Farhat attended St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, though faith was not an active focus during adolescence. High school and college years were characterized by substance use and a party-oriented lifestyle. Despite social engagement and athletic success, Andrew Farhat experienced dissatisfaction and lack of long-term direction.
Several pivotal events during college marked a turning point for Andrew Farhat. A traffic stop resulted in a night in jail due to underage driving under the influence. This event prompted reflection and reassessment. Shortly thereafter, involvement in a serious car accident narrowly avoided fatal consequences. These experiences contributed to a period of questioning and change in the life of Andrew Farhat.
Around the year 2000, Andrew Farhat began attending The Inn at University Presbyterian Church in Seattle. Teaching at The Inn emphasized biblical study and engagement with Christian claims. Through participation in group Bible study and reading Letters from a Skeptic, Andrew Farhat examined topics such as the resurrection of Jesus Christ and responses to the problem of evil.
Through engagement with Scripture and Christian teaching, God gave Andrew Farhat a new beginning, and faith. This marked a foundational change in direction and priorities. Faith became central to the future path of Andrew Farhat, influencing vocational discernment and educational choices.
As faith matured, Andrew Farhat pursued study of the Bible alongside church history and early Christian writings. Examination of Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestant traditions shaped theological understanding. Through study of Scripture, the writings of the Apostle Paul, the Gospel of John, and Reformation history, Andrew Farhat became convinced of the Lutheran emphasis on the Gospel of grace.
While studying at the University of Washington, Andrew Farhat pursued a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. During this period, Andrew Farhat volunteered as a leader at The Inn and participated in mission trips to Mexico and the Dominican Republic. Mentors advised completion of academic training prior to entering ministry. Andrew Farhat graduated in 2002.
Following graduation, Andrew Farhat accepted employment with the United States Navy in Bremerton, Washington. For three years, Andrew Farhat worked in this role while continuing to discern a call to pastoral ministry.
Marriage marked an important transition in the life of Andrew Farhat. After a period of prayer, Andrew Farhat met Daisy through online dating. Shared interest in ministry shaped the relationship. Andrew Farhat and Daisy married in December 2004.
In 2005, Andrew Farhat and Daisy relocated to St. Louis, Missouri, where Andrew Farhat enrolled at Concordia Seminary. Seminary education focused on biblical languages, theology, and church history. Andrew Farhat excelled in Greek and historical theology and completed the Master of Divinity degree in 2009.
The first pastoral call for Andrew Farhat was to St. Paul Lutheran Church and School in Roseburg, Oregon. The congregation faced financial challenges, leadership division, and unresolved conflict. Within one year under the leadership of Andrew Farhat, the church achieved financial stability, implemented qualified eldership, and renewed focus on outreach. Conflict resolution efforts led to reconciliation.
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 the Senior Leader Track certification through 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 focus on preaching, teaching, outreach, and global mission partnerships.
Teaching and preaching remain central components of the ministry of Andrew Farhat. Sermons delivered by Andrew Farhat are available on podcast platforms. From 2022 to 2024, Andrew Farhat co-hosted the podcast Transformed alongside Daisy and members of the church staff, producing approximately 90 episodes.
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 and community involvement remain integral 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 and ministry of Andrew Farhat reflect a journey shaped by faith, theological formation, and long-term pastoral leadership within the Lutheran tradition.
