Our Ministry Team

We are a church that believes in Jesus, a church that loves God and His people. Overwhelmed by the gift of salvation we have found in Jesus, we have a heart for authentic worship, passionate about our churches, and are on a mission to see God’s kingdom established across the earth.
All our pastors are here for you, call church office (561-395-3632) for additional information about our team, “Love is why we are here!”
 

Pastor Andy Hagen

Advent Ministries Senior Pastor

Andy is honored to be the Senior Pastor for Advent Life Ministries providing vision and leadership for both churches, schools and Advent Square. A native to Michigan, he attended college in Ohio, and completed his seminary training in Chicago, Illinois. He married Susan at Advent 34 years ago. Andy started a new church in a Chicago suburb before returning to Advent in 2005. They are blessed with two married children, Adam and his wife Amanda and Leah and her husband Brian. He is proud “bubba” to grandchildren Mason and Rory who attend the Early Childhood School. He parents are residents at Advent Square. Andy enjoys cooking, travel, guitars and the music of Bruce Springsteen.
 
 
 
Advent Church Boca Pastor Andy Hagen
Contact Information:
Email: AHagen@GoAdvent.org
 
 
Advent Church Boca Pastor Dave Franklin
Contact Information:
Email: DFranklin@GoAdvent.org

Pastor Dave Franklin

Boca Raton Campus Pastor

Pastor Dave is thrilled to be the campus Pastor of our Boca Raton (Home) campus. He is passionate about sharing the love of Christ with the people of Advent, south Florida and the world. He loves sports of all kinds both watching and participating and in particular loves the Miami Dolphins. He is married to his amazing wife, Sarah, and they have three great kids, Bear, Payton, and Cooper. David’s favorite accomplishments include once being named best barista in Palm Beach and Broward counties and being a world class tiddlywinks player.
 
 
 
 
 

Pastor Aaron Kruse

Administrative Pastor

Pastor Aaron serves both our Boca and Proclaim campuses, including both schools and our senior living facility in finance management, human resources development, and facility operations.  His wife, Angel, works at the front desk of the Elementary School and their three children, Austin, Abby, and Anna attend the school too.  Between piano recitals, gymnastic competitions, and Anchorettes Baton practices, they find time to be involved in the life of the church; Aaron assists with Sunday services, the family serving at Proclaim through the food distribution program, or each helping with a number of yearly ministries.  They are all in, loving the people of Advent.  
 
 
 
 
Advent Church Boca Pastor Aaron Kruse
Contact Information:
Email: AKruse@GoAdvent.org
 
 
 
Will Torres Proclaim Church
Contact Information:
Email: WTorres@GoAdvent.org

Pastor Will Torres

Proclaim Lantana Campus Pastor

Pastor Will has been married to his bride Kristan for 15 years.  Kristan is a licensed Mental health Counselor who has her own private practice.  They have an adorable daughter, Gloria, who is the joy of their life, and will be turning two this year.  Pastor Will is a transplanted New Yorker, 22 years removed.  However, he is still a die-hard Mets and NY Giants fan, who also loves the Miami Heat.  He enjoys playing tennis and lazy days on the beach with his family. 
 
Proclaim Church launched in September 2019, and united with Advent Church in February of 2022, to bring an exciting and outreach focused ministry to the Lantana/Lake Worth Community.  If he isn’t leading the Boca Helping Hands Saturday food distribution, Friday night hot meals, or reaching out to his community and sharing the love of Christ with those he comes into contact with, you can find him in his pool with Gloria splashing away.  Pastor Will is excited to see what God is going to do now being a part of the Advent family.  
 
 
 

Jessica Ballas

Family Ministries Director

Jessica is excited to have served Advent for over 20 years as a teacher and is now blessed to be your Family Ministries Director. She and her husband, Brian, are both natives to Boca Raton where they met in aerobics class at Boca High School. She attended FAU studying elementary education. They have been blessed with 4 children, Elijah, Izabella, Lila and Drew (Bear). Jessica enjoys being with her family, the beach, entertaining friends with Brian, and taking walks with their dog, Ruby and granddog, Beasley Jo.
 
 
 
 
Jessica Ballas Family Ministry
Contact Information:
Email: JBallas@GoAdvent.org
 
 
 
Advent Church Boca Chance Elmer Youth Ministry
Contact Information
Phone: 561-395-3632 x110
Email: CElmer@GoAdvent.org

Chance Elmer

Youth Pastor

Pastor Chance plays a pivotal role at Advent, serving as both the pastor for the church and school. He’s known for his deep commitment to fostering connections across all age groups within the Advent community, from the youngest toddlers at the Early Childhood School to the seniors at Advent Square. Pastor Chance firmly believes that genuine life-change is achievable through the development of intentional, meaningful relationships with both God and fellow individuals.
 
In addition to his pastoral duties, he serves part-time in the Army Reserves, showcasing his dedication to both his faith and his country. Family-wise, he’s married to Hailey, a 2nd-grade teacher at Advent, highlighting their shared commitment to education and community involvement. Pastor Chance also has a playful side, often engaging in humor and jokes with the youth group members. Outside of his responsibilities, you’ll find him cracking jokes at the beach, hitting the gym, or simply enjoying quality time with his beloved dog, Shiloh.
 

Our Vision

Advent is committed to sharing the love of Christ with our community so that they will be empowered and equipped to share that love with the world.
 

Core Values

Love – We are a people who share the love of Christ with every aga and stage of life. (Mark 12:31)
Community – We are a people committed to walking through life together. (Acts. 2:42)
Service – We are a people committed to serving God by serving each other and the world. (1Peter 4:10)
Growth – We are a people committed to growing in faith and practice. (Colossians 2:6:7)
Worship – We are a people committed to a lifestyle of worship. (Romans 12:1-2)
Hope – We are a people committed to bringing hope to a world that lacks it. (Romans 15:13)
Joy – We are a people who live knowing the joy of the Lord is our strength. (Nehemiah 8:10)