Elder Malachi Haines, the youngest son of six children, was born and raised in the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Elder Haines committed his life to Christ at the young age of 15 under the auspices of the late Bishop Andrew James Ford, Sr., pastor of the Greater Highway Church of Christ.

As a dedicated member, Malachi Haines served in a variety of leadership positions including President of the Male Ushers and Youth Sunday School teacher, which he truly enjoyed.

Malachi continued as a faithful lay-member. In March of 1991 he answered the call to the ministry and served diligently under the late Bishop A.J. Ford, Sr. From his trial sermon to assisting various churches, Elder Haines’ desire has always been to live a committed life for Christ while inspiring others to do the same.

He sacrificed a career in basketball and gave more attention to his education and ministry. Elder Haines attended Temple University receiving both a Bachelor's and Master’s Degree in Education and is currently enrolled in a Doctorate Program. It is Elder Haines’ belief that by "bettering oneself, we better the church." That is, self improvement makes us better vessels to be used by the Lord.

As a committed father of two children (Brooke & Malachi, Jr.), the husband of one wife Gwendolyn, and Pastor, Elder Malachi Haines is pressing toward the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Along with his loving wife, natural and spiritual family, and the providence of the almighty God, Pastor Haines has successfully established the Upper Room GHCOC of Charlotte, North Carolina .

Pastor Haines’ favorite saying is "God will provide!" We are witnesses to this truism. "This is the Lord's doing and it is marvelous in my eyes!"