Bishop Dr. Malachi Haines, Sr.
The Presiding Bishop & Executive Chairman of the Board

The year was 1995, a younger Pastor Malachi Haines, who was a high school history teacher and basketball coach, had an unction to begin a work for the Lord in Charlotte, North Carolina, after reading it was voted the country's number 1 City to live.  The following year Pastor Haines spied out Charlotte, seeking a place to work, live, and hold church services.  However, just before purchasing a church there, the Lord spoke clearly for him to "WAIT."

Obeying the directive to wait, the then Elder, Sister Gwen Haines, and young children, Malachi, Jr. and Brooke Monet, occupied their time by offering assistance to local Pastors of the Greater Highway Churches of Christ in Philadelphia, PA.

From 1996-1998, Elder and Sister Haines increased in wisdom, experiences, and spiritual preparation, which would be crucial for their next role.  As a lifelong learner, Pastor Haines, returned to Temple University where he earned his Master's Degree in Special Education.  This Master's Degree would prove beneficial in Charlotte, as it led to his becoming an Educational Consultant to various schools and institutions and Co-founder and Chairman of a successful Charter School that still thrives today.

In the spring of 1998 Pastor Haines, having graduated with a Master's Degree in Special Education, was fasting for direction while driving to the high school where he served as a history teacher.  He played a tape that had mysteriously found itself on top of his collection and the first song that played was titled, "Move with the Cloud."  At the same time, Elder Haines looked up and the clouds were actually moving and something rang out "it's time!"  Pastor Haines knew that it was time to move to Charlotte to begin a work for the Lord!

Without delay Elder and Sister Haines placed their newly purchased Philadelphia home up for sale, turned in resignation letters and moved to Charlotte, NC on the 4th of July 1998: Independence Day!  After only 11 months of being in existence, the Lord blessed the then named Upper Room Church with a fully functional church sitting on 3 acres of land.