Ernie Haines was born in Hampton, Virginia on September 20, 1942. His given name is Gary. He received the nickname “Ernie” while playing high school baseball. Ernie grew up in Akron, Ohio until his family moved to southern California, where he spent his high school years. After graduating from La Habra High School, he went to Fullerton Junior College.

Ernie attended an Episcopal church from the 4th grade until his junior year in high school. He accepted Yeshua as his savior in 1968 at the age of 25. From that time on, Ernie knew he was called to serve the Lord full time.

He served in various congregations as a deacon and an elder for many years. Ernie and Charissa married in 1984 and they served the Lord together in two different congregations until joining the Harvest in 1992. Under the leadership of Pastor Mark McLellan, they began the journey of discovering their biblical Hebrew roots.

Ernie was licensed and ordained at the Harvest in 1998 and retired in 2009 after eleven faithful years of service. Ernie continues as a volunteer, serving the Harvest as a Board of Director, Elder and as the Life-Cycle Event Director. His wife, Charissa, was licensed in 2003 and ordained as the Administrative Minister in 2005.

Ernie and Charissa live in Federal Heights, Colorado and have 5 children, who are all married. They have 7 grandchildren (and a dog they consider a "child" named Jacob).