Meet Our Ministry Team
We are a church that believes in Jesus and cherishes God and His people. Grateful for the gift of salvation we’ve received through Christ, we are passionate about authentic worship and committed to nurturing our church community. Our mission is to see God’s kingdom flourish around the world. Our pastors are here for you, please contact the individual person for more information about our team. Remember, “Love is why we are here!”
Pastor Patrick Darnell
Senior Pastor
Pastor Patrick serves as the Senior Pastor over our churches, schools, and senior living ministries. A life-long Lutheran, the core of Patrick’s faith is trust in the power of God’s goodness, grace, and ability to meet us where we are. He loves to see how God changes lives and uses all of us to do great things. Originally from Alabama, Patrick led ministries across the country and joined the Advent family in 2026.
Patrick has been married to the love of his life, Kelly, since 2012 and they have two amazing daughters – Elise and Adeline. When not serving at the church, the family loves spending time outdoors, where you can often find them hiking, biking, or on some other great adventure.
Or Call (561) 395-3632 x1007
Pastor Patrick Darnell
Senior Pastor
Pastor Patrick serves as the Senior Pastor over our churches, schools, and senior living ministries. A life-long Lutheran, the core of Patrick’s faith is trust in the power of God’s goodness, grace, and ability to meet us where we are. He loves to see how God changes lives and uses all of us to do great things. Originally from Alabama, Patrick led ministries across the country and joined the Advent family in 2026.
Patrick has been married to the love of his life, Kelly, since 2012 and they have two amazing daughters – Elise and Adeline. When not serving at the church, the family loves spending time outdoors, where you can often find them hiking, biking, or on some other great adventure.
Or Call (561) 395-3632 x1007
Pastor Aaron Kruse
Executive 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, the director of the aftercare and summer camp programs and their three children, Austin, Abby, and Anna who attend the Advent School. 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.
Or Call (561) 395-3632 x1007
Pastor Aaron Kruse
Executive 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, the director of the aftercare and summer camp programs and their three children, Austin, Abby, and Anna who attend the Advent School. 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.
Or Call (561) 395-3632 x1007
Pastor Will Torres
Proclaim Lake Worth 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 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.
Or Call (561) 600-0835
Pastor Will Torres
Proclaim Lake Worth 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 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.
Or Call (561) 600-0835
Pastor 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.
Or Call (561) 395-3632 x1006
Pastor 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.
Or Call (561) 395-3632 x1006
Kim Jewell
Children and Family Ministry Director
Kim is honored to join the Advent team as the Children and Family Ministry Director. She is passionate about the nations, having spent 7 years overseas in various locations as a missionary. You’ll often find her singing, dancing, laughing, and sharing the joy that Jesus brings with everyone around her. Her daughter, Makaela, is a student at Advent and very involved in multiple sports as well as the youth group. Together, they share a life sold out to Jesus and making Him know to others.
Or Call (561) 395-3632 x1005
Kim Jewell
Children and Family Ministry Director
Kim is honored to join the Advent team as the Children and Family Ministry Director. She is passionate about the nations, having spent 7 years overseas in various locations as a missionary. You’ll often find her singing, dancing, laughing, and sharing the joy that Jesus brings with everyone around her. Her daughter, Makaela, is a student at Advent and very involved in multiple sports as well as the youth group. Together, they share a life sold out to Jesus and making Him know to others.
Or Call (561) 395-3632 x1005
Advent Church
Boca Raton
300 E. Yamato Rd.
Boca Raton, FL, 33431
(561) 395-3632
Advent Church has its roots in the Lutheran tradition which emphasizes the power of God’s grace to change our lives. Advent offers a variety of ministries and is involved in a variety of outreach programs, all designed to support spiritual growth, community service, and fellowship.
©2025-2026 Trustees of Advent Lutheran Church Inc. All rights reserved. Website Created by Stratovative LLC
Advent Church has its roots in the Lutheran tradition which emphasizes the power of God’s grace to change our lives. Advent offers a variety of ministries and is involved in a variety of outreach programs, all designed to support spiritual growth, community service, and fellowship.
Advent Church
Boca Raton
300 E. Yamato Rd.
Boca Raton, FL, 33431
(561) 395-3632
©2025-2026 Trustees of Advent Lutheran Church Inc. . All rights reserved. Website Created by Stratovative LLC
Advent Church has its roots in the Lutheran tradition which emphasizes the power of God’s grace to change our lives. Advent offers a variety of ministries and is involved in a variety of outreach programs, all designed to support spiritual growth, community service, and fellowship.
Advent Church
Boca Raton
300 E. Yamato Rd.
Boca Raton, FL, 33431
(561) 395-3632
©2025-2026 Trustees of Advent Lutheran Church Inc. . All rights reserved. Website Created by Stratovative LLC

