Dr. Hargrove became license in the ministry and was ordained on February 20, 1977 by Bishop Alden Gaines of the Consolation Baptist Church in Philadelphia, PA. Dr. Hargrove graduated from the following colleges: Community College of Philadelphia in 1974 with an Associates of Arts Degree in Science; Philadelphia College of Bible in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Theology; Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1991 with a Masters Degree in Theology and Public Policy, Covington Theology Seminary in 1997 with a Doctorate of Ministry Degree and a Ph.D. from the North Carolina College of Theology in 2009. Dr. Hargrove is also the author of The Mystery of the Trinity.
On June 14, 1981, under the unction of the Holy Spirit, and with the support of his wife, who has been a spiritual instrument throughout the years, Dr. Hargrove started the Christ Care Unit Missionary Baptist Church. Their first services were held in their home. Dr. Hargrove continued to motivate the household of faith, and initiated the vision God gave him to build. On February 14, 1988, with the blessing of God Almighty, Dr. Hargrove marched his parishioners into their new church home.
The church has grown to record numbers. In 1997, Dr. Hargrove and the Church family outgrew that building, and then added another 10,000 sq. feet. The CDC was started and in 2003 a 96 apartment senior housing complex was built. In 2005 32.9 acres of land was donated to the church by Heritage Builders valued at 2.9 Million dollars – plans are underway to build 94 townhouse for low to moderate income families. Also, another senior housing complex with 95 units will also be erected on the property. In 2010 Christ Care purchased the Saint John Neumann Church and rectory on a parcel of seven acres. The Hour of Power service, on Sunday from 10:30 to 11:30 am is conducted there for those that are physically challenged. The Camden County School of Theology is held in the Administration Building and plans for a Christian Elementary school is underway. Dr. Hargrove is blessed to be married to Paula Dawson-Hargrove for the past forty-three years. They have five children: Robert, Jeff, Kim, Karen and Klisa. Sis. Hargrove has been a real inspiration to him and the CCU family.
Dr. Hargrove is a member of the Bethany Baptist Association and serves as instructor of the Bethany School of Ordination, is a member of the Woodbury Ministers Conference, and He also serves as a member of the Permanent Council of the Bethany Association.
Dr. Hargrove also serves as a Board Member of the New Jersey Regional Coalition (NJRC) and has spoke at various locations including the rally in Washington, DC in 2010 promoting equality for all people.
The Lord is blessing the church abundantly through Dr. Hargrove. He has inspired many outreach ministries, such as evangelism and witnessing in hospitals, nursing homes, and prisons. By the “Power of God,” his ministry is effective through salvation, spiritual growth, Christian fellowship, deliverance, healing and a closer walk with God. Most importantly, Dr. Hargrove is a “Born Again Believer,” holy-spirit filled, and a committed man to the work of Jesus Christ our Lord.
