Ivan Hargrove is a native of Brunswick County, VA and has lived in the Alberta/Warfield area most of his life. He has been married to the love of his life, Donna Hargrove, for over 30 years, and out of their union they have 3 beautiful daughters and seven grandchildren whom he all adores.
He graduated with honors from Brunswick County High School in 1983 and continued his education at Saint Paul’s College in Lawrenceville, VA where he graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1987 with a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting. He also received a theological certificate in Religious Studies from Church of Christ Bible Institute in New York, New York and attended the W. L. Bonner Bible College located in Columbia, South Carolina. He also completed some graduate work and is continuing his education as he seeks a master’s degree in Religious Studies.
After graduating from college, he began his professional career working with the Department of Defense at the Defense Logistics Agency as a contract specialist. He continued his career with the agency until December 2018 when retired from there after 34 years of federal service. During his tenure there, he received numerous monetary and performance awards.
Since his retirement, he has pursued his passion for becoming a valuable entrepreneur. He is CEO of Divine Lifestyles Consulting Services, Inc. and Hargrove and Associates, LLC. He also serves as an affiliate of Greenlight Corporation and True Business Credit. His retirement also provides the opportunity for him to serve the community where he is Chaplain at Dinwiddie Middle School and Greensville Elementary School. He also serves as a member of the Southside Virginia Community Services Board.
Ivan dedicated his life to the Lord in January 1990, was filled with the Holy Spirit and has been working in ministry at Refuge Temple Ministries (RTM) ever since. He served as the Executive/Assistant Pastor, Trustee and Co-Chairman of the Refuge Temple Leadership Team for 20 years. He was installed as the Senior Pastor at RTM in January 2017. He has also served in other numerous capacities including local Sunday School teacher and Superintendent, Virginia Western Diocese Churches of our Lord Jesus Christ (COOLJC) Armour Bearer’s Youth People’s Union (ABYPU) President, Sergeant-at-Arms and Treasurer of COOLJC International Sunday School Association (ISSA). In July 2016, he was appointed District Elder of Virginia Western Diocese’s Richmond Metro District. He currently serves as the Chief of Staff of the COOLJC VA Western Diocese and of the COOLJC Region IV.
Ivan has a passion for people. He never misses a chance to talk with anyone which gives him an opportunity to assist him/her by either being a great listener or imparting a word of wisdom. His greatest love is to see people give God all the praise His name deserves.