Bishop Dr. Malachi Haines, Sr. is a man of unwavering faith, vision, and obedience. As a freshman at Temple University, he made a life-changing decision to forgo a promising basketball career and multiple scholarships to pursue the call of God—setting the course for a lifetime of impactful ministry.

In 1995, Pastor Haines felt led to begin a work in Charlotte, North Carolina. As he prepared to plant a church, the Lord spoke clearly: “WAIT.” In obedience, he and his wife, Lady Gwendolyn Haines, along with their children, Malachi Jr. and Brooke Monet, served pastors within the Northern District of the Greater Highway Churches of Christ.

During this season, he earned a Master’s Degree in Special Education, becoming an Educational Consultant and co-founding a successful K–12 charter school. Later, he pursued his long-standing interest in law and graduated from SMU Dedman School of Law in 2012. Shortly after, he founded Malachi Law Group, PLLC, where he continues to serve as Managing Attorney.

In July 1998, he planted The Upper Room Greater Highway Church of Christ in Marvin, NC. After 11 years of fruitful ministry, Pastor Haines once again stepped out in faith, relocating with his congregation to Dallas, Texas, and launching Word Aflame Church in 2009. More than 16 years later, the ministry continues to thrive!

In October 2017, Bishop Haines was appointed as the  Presiding Bishop of the Greater Highway Churches of Christ by the organization’s founder, Bishop R. F. Davis, Sr. He leads the over 70-year-old movement with humility, strength, and a firm belief in Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Bishop Haines has been joyfully married to Lady Gwendolyn Haines since June 25, 1994. They are the proud parents of Malachi Jr. (married to Thuy Tien Doan-Haines) and Brooke Monet Haines.

From Charlotte to Dallas and beyond, Bishop Haines remains committed to walking by faith, leading with wisdom, and fulfilling the vision God has placed in his heart.