Staff Stories: Robert Hargrove

My Story

I’m originally from the beautiful foothills and upstate of South Carolina. I grew up in Anderson and then Spartanburg, SC where there was plenty of land to traverse and endless red clay to dirty my boots. I loved growing up with nearby mountains and the beach only a few hours away. I’ve always enjoyed being outside. I have been richly blessed to grow up with amazing, Jesus-loving parents as well as 1 older sister who not only paid me attention but also poured into me and allowed me to hang out with her as we grew up. 

My high school years at Dorman High were especially formative in feeding my passion for the arts and marked the beginning of my musical studies. I went on to major in Music Education at Anderson University, with a primary degree in vocal performance and a secondary degree in piano. The best part of those few years was becoming a rock star… For real, by far, the best part of those years was meeting my wife, Grace. We were introduced while singing together at AU and are blessed to still sing and lead in ministry together today. During my senior year of college, with Grace by my side, I prayed and trusted Jesus as my savior. What a good, good God! From that time forth Grace has been my best friend, my biggest fan, and a constant encourager. Jesus has used Grace in so many ways in my life, in the life of our family, and the life of our ministry together. 

After graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education (2000), I taught music in the public school system in South Carolina for 4 years. In 2004, I resigned teaching to follow the Lord’s call to full-time ministry. From 2004-2012 I served as a worship leader, college pastor, and then worship pastor at 4 different churches, 3 in SC (Hopebrook Community Church, Sweetwater Church & FBC Spartanburg) and 1 in LA (FBC Covington, 2007-2012). 

In July of 2012, after a time of praying, dialoguing, and dreaming together with Pastor Rob, the Vintage team, and family, we came on staff at Vintage Church and my family moved to New Orleans. We love our church and this vibrant, ever-growing city.

Grace and I have five awesome kids—three boys: Cash, Aylor, and Bray; and two girls: Rollyn and Quince. We currently homeschool and enjoy having the kids at home. Grace is an amazing wife, mom, and teacher to our kids. Our family loves spending time together and with others here in New Orleans.

My Role at Vintage

At Vintage Church I oversee and lead the arts ministry, which includes all things music & media. I serve as a writer, an arranger, and the primary music leader at Vintage, as well as the director of our Vintage Arts Center. I love shepherding our team of artists. I’m grateful to serve in a capacity where I’m also able to teach and model a Gospel-centered arts culture. We are to use the arts for glory of the Lord, as an avenue for offering praise and a response of worship unto His Name (Psalm 34). I’m amazed and humbled that God would use us and His Spirit work through us in this way. His is truly an Amazing Grace.

I’m known as the old man on staff, some call me “grey beard.” I like to think it’s because of all the wisdom I’m handing out. Honestly, I’m thankful every day for the opportunity to serve in New Orleans alongside the pastors, artists, and our entire staff at Vintage Church.

I also work as a guitar, piano, and voice instructor with Celebration School of Fine Arts (CSFA) in Metairie, Louisiana.