Barry Dagenhart was born in Statesville, NC, and was nurtured spiritually in the New Sterling ARP Church. He studied economics at UNC-Charlotte, graduating in 1979. He holds an M.Div degree (1982) and a D.Min. degree (1993) from Erskine Theological Seminary. While at Erskine, he met Sarah Lynn Richie of Fairfield, Virginia and they were married June 26, 1982.
Barry has served as Associate Pastor of First ARP Church, Rock Hill, SC (1982-86); as Pastor of Linden ARP Church in Gastonia (1986-94); as Pastor of Doraville ARP / Peachtree Corners Presbyterian Church near Atlanta, GA (1994-2001); and as Senior Pastor of First ARP Church in Rock Hill, SC since 2001.
Barry enjoys working on antique furniture and old houses in his spare time. Sarah is an educator and a graduate of the master’s program in teaching at Winthrop University. Barry and Sarah have two children: Jamey and Rachel. Jamey lives in Rock Hill with his wife Tiffany, and their three sons; Rachel resides in Summerville, SC, with her husband, Tyler Kirby.