Charissa Haines was born May 24, 1951 in Pratt, Kansas. Her father, Carroll, was serving in the Korean conflict at the time which was why her mother, Carmen was staying with her parents in Kansas. The family moved to Denver when Charissa was 3 months old, so she considers herself a native of Colorado. She graduated South High School in 1969 and because of her desire to act, she chose an acting/modeling school rather than college. Finding that world did not agree with who she was, she got a job with Denver University in their typography department. That began a career in the graphic arts field that lasted over 30 years, including managerial and computer systems positions.

Charissa received Jesus as her savior at an early age. Her family attended the Free Methodist Church in Englewood, and after a “hell-fire” message, went weeping to the altar at age 7. By age 12 she was playing the piano for congregational worship. Teenage years became a struggle to remain faithful to God. She rebelled and followed the way of her peers. It was not until 1974, after the birth of her son, Spencer, that she began to return to God. It took 3 years and a divorce to fully turn her around. After reading Beyond Christianity (which her mother gave her), and seeing how Jesus forgave the adulteress in John, chapter 2, she cried out to Him and gave her life fully to Yeshua.

From that point on she was called to serve Him in every area of her life. In 1982 she began working full time as a secretary & print shop manager at Praise Center Church. Her experiences there included leading a single’s group, directing Children’s Church, Events Coordinator, youth group leader, drama director, and various other leadership positions. She met her husband, Ernie (given name Gary) in her single’s group. They were married 5 weeks later and began serving God as a team. They continued to work in leadership positions at Praise Center for a short time, and then went to Ernie’s previous church, Chapel of Praise, where they also served as leaders. After about 5 years, they returned to Praise Center, served, and were licensed as ministers. At that time they owned a print shop, named His Glory Graphics.

In 1991, Ernie began seeking a congregation with small groups. He found the Harvest, where Pastor Craig Hill was senior pastor. Charissa & Ernie knew Craig from doing business with him through their print shop. Through various struggles as a couple, their family ended up at The Harvest and began serving there. After Mark McLellan was installed as senior pastor, the Harvest began its Messianic journey, and Ernie & Charissa followed. Ernie was ordained in 1998 and after completing the Leadership Training School (Phase 1 & 2) in two years, Charissa was licensed. She began working as the Administrator in 2003 and was ordained in 2005.