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Josh Hafner ☻

@thejoshhafner

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✖️ Husband • @theashhafner 💍
✖️ Dad • Milo + Valley + one on the way! 🤗
✖️ Connect Group Pastor + Internship Director at @thejeffersonchurch

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Milo wanted to play hooky from school, so we decided to spend the afternoon at @jaemorfarms. Thankful for Fridays like this. ❤️ taken in Jaemor Farm Market by @thejoshhafner

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23 days ago

One of the things I never expected about becoming a dad is how much it’s helped me understand the heart of God.

Milo and Valley don’t have to earn my love. They don’t have to accomplish anything or prove their worth to me. He’s my son. She’s my daughter. That’s it.

The truth is, I don’t love them because of what they do for me. I love them because they belong to me. And somewhere along the way, God has used that to remind me that I’m His.

I’m thankful He chose me to be Milo & Valley’s dad [and this sweet baby coming at the end of the year]. It’s one of the greatest privileges of my life. And it’s also become one of the sweetest ways He’s taught me what it really means to be His son. by @thejoshhafner

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2 months ago

Some of our team had the privilege of going to Birmingham, AL for @growleader this summer.

Grateful for each and every one of them — the ones pictured and the ones that aren’t. 🤟🏼

It’s such an honor to serve with them. by @thejoshhafner

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2 months ago

What an incredible summer.

Yesterday we celebrated our Summer 2026 Interns and the conclusion of a busy summer, and what a privilege it has been to watch God work in each of their lives. 
Each of these five interns is uniquely gifted and uniquely called by God, but what united them all was a genuine heart to serve. This summer wasn’t just about gaining ministry experience; it was about growing in character, faithfulness, and discovering that some of the greatest personal growth happens in the unseen, ordinary moments.

They embraced everything from exciting opportunities to the challenging, behind-the-scenes work that often goes unnoticed. Through it all, they served with humility, joy, and teachable hearts.

For their final assignment, each intern courageously shared a personal devotion that they had written and shared them with our staff. It was a powerful reminder that real growth begins when we’re willing to step outside our comfort zones and trust God with what He has placed before us.

Watching these five culture carriers grow in their faith, develop as leaders, and become more like Jesus has been one of the greatest joys of this summer. We are incredibly proud of each of them.

While this summer’s internship has come to an end, we know this is only the beginning. We can’t wait to see how God continues to shape their lives and use them to advance His Kingdom wherever He leads.

We’re proud of you, we’re praying for you, and we’re confident that God is going to use each of you to reach the world. 🌎❤️ taken in The Jefferson Church by @thejoshhafner

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3 months ago

What a big day. Our Milo started Pre-K. I’m still not quite sure how I feel, but it was a good day- and for that I’m grateful! He walked in like a champ, and got in the car with a smile on his face. I did sob when he walked in, but he never saw me cry so I consider that a win.🥹

I want to give a huge shoutout to Mrs. Ali who checked on Milo and sent us updates all day! My heart was eased knowing he was doing well. He is loved and I’m grateful.🤟🏼 by @thejoshhafner

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3 months ago

Oddly enough, success isn’t always loud applause from the people around you. Oftentimes, it’s more like quiet, steady discipline that goes completely unnoticed.

The reality is that validation and applause don’t have to exist for you to be winning or succeeding at something or in a particular area of your life.

So if you’re waiting on some sort of recognition to validate your hard work, just stop. Keep your head down and continue doing what you set out to do, regardless of who’s watching. Because that’s a real victory. by @thejoshhafner

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3 months ago

Princess ‘Punzel and Spider-Man stopped by to share some of their favorite things about their daddy.🫶🏼

Happy Father’s Day to my best friend and best daddy to our (almost) 3 kiddos. We love you so much. Grateful for you today and everyday. by @thejoshhafner

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4 months ago

I’ve spent a large part of my life following Jesus, but if I’m being honest it’s taken years to get to where I am today.

Unfortunately, my story is marked by selfishness I excused as “mistakes”, addiction I used to cope and escape reality, fear & anxiety that I wore like a security blanket, and pain that I often allowed to keep me from taking personal responsibility. When you hit rock bottom and you have nowhere to turn, you’re left with the reality that you’re incapable of fixing or saving yourself. As much as you’d like to muster up the strength to do it, you’ll always find yourself failing.. not just yourself but also the people around you, especially the ones who love you the most.

But the kind of gratitude you experience when you really understand the magnitude of the love that Jesus has for you is like nothing you’ll ever experience on this side of eternity. I didn’t deserve His grace or His goodness (and I still don’t), but He gives it freely to anyone who’s brave enough to receive it.

So today, I reflect on His goodness once again. The life I have today is one I never could have created for myself. It was only possible through complete surrender to Him.

While my story isn’t something I’m particularly proud of, I’m no longer ashamed of it. It keeps me focused on my need for Jesus, and it reminds me that I never outgrow my dependence on Him.

If my story proves anything, it’s this: no one is too far gone, no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace, and no one ever graduates from their need for Jesus. So here’s to another day of walking closely with Him, trusting Him completely, and never forgetting where His grace has brought me from. by @thejoshhafner

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4 months ago

One of the greatest gifts God has given us has been the privilege of being mom and dad.

Over the last few years, Milo & Valley have taught us more about love, joy, patience (emphasis on patience lol), and what really matters than we ever could have imagined. Being their parents has been one of the most meaningful things we’ve ever done, and we’re constantly reminded that raising this family is one of the most important callings God has given us.

And now, we get to do it again.

We’re so excited to share that baby #3 will be joining our family in December! 🥳

There are a lot of things we’ll do in this life, but we don’t know that anything will ever matter more to us than raising these little ones to know and love Jesus. Being mom and dad has changed us in the best ways, and we’re so grateful that we get to welcome another little one into our home.

Our hearts are full, and we’re so thankful for this sweet gift from the Lord.

Baby Hafner coming December 2026!!! ❤️ by @thejoshhafner

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4 months ago

I don’t usually share things like this, but I feel led to share some personal thoughts about women in leadership & pastoral roles in ministry. For me, this conversation has never been merely theological or theoretical. It’s about people I love.

My mom raised me by herself. And for almost all of my life, she has also served as a full-time pastor. I watched her carry the weight of ministry while carrying the responsibilities of being a single mother. I saw her pray for people, sit with families in their pain, and faithfully serve the local church year after year wherever she was needed.

Long before I ever knew women in ministry were debated (or that such a debate even existed) I knew a woman who had answered God’s call and spent her life faithfully serving others.

Today, I am married to a full-time pastor. Once again, I have the privilege of watching someone I love pour herself out for the sake of God’s people. I see the late nights, the prayers, the preparation, the sacrifice, the care, and the deep commitment to helping others know Jesus.

So when people ask me why I affirm women in ministry, my answer is certainly rooted in Scripture. But it’s also shaped by a lifetime of witnessing the fruit of God’s work through the lives of two incredible women.

My mom and my wife have taught me something beautiful about the Lord and His love for His people: His calling is not confined or restricted by gender. The same God who gifts, equips, and sends men also gifts, equips, and sends women.

I know faithful Christians hold different convictions on this issue, and I respect that. That’s not the point of this post.

I simply want to honor two women whose faithfulness has deeply shaped my life and encourage any woman who may be questioning her place in God’s house. Your gifts matter. Your voice matters. You matter. And if God has called you, that calling is worth sacrificing everything for. Be faithful to Him, use what He’s entrusted to you, and trust Him with the rest. by @thejoshhafner

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4 months ago

It’s easy to get caught up in the rhythms of life.

But don’t miss what matters most, mom & dad. There’s some very important little people who need you. by @thejoshhafner

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4 months ago

Friday mornings at @wafflehouseofficial. 🧇🤟🏼 by @thejoshhafner

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5 months ago