Eric Michel Ministries International
222 Smit Street
Braamfontein
Johannesburg
2000
South Africa

Eric Michel Ministries International is expanding into South Africa, and we are seeking four mature, dedicated Elder-Founding Partners to help plant our sacramental, Independent Catholic movement in Johannesburg and beyond.

We are an autocephalous, inclusive movement grounded in the Catholic Tradition and affirming the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds. We fully embrace the ordination of women, affirm the LGBTQ+ community, and welcome those who have experienced divorce or exclusion from mainstream liturgical churches due to gender, sexuality, race, or theology.

Role Overview

As an Elder-Founding Partner, you will serve as a fiduciary founding member and spiritual leader under the direction of the Archbishop, playing a central role in governing, shepherding, and growing the local congregation.

• Position Status: Full-Time
• Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
• Governance: Voluntary Association (Common-Law Constitution)
• Reports To: The Archbishop

Key Requirements & Investment

• Community Grounding: You must have a baseline of at least 20 supportive followers to ensure active engagement.
• Documentation: Certified copy of South African ID (must be independent office-bearers not closely related to other founders).
• Financial Contribution: Elders contribute to the operational startup capital. A full launch budget is estimated at R20,000 (divided into 5 equal shares of R3,992.66 / ~$346 CAD per partner). Note: Security deposits for leases/equipment are held separately in trust as collateral and do not count as capital contributions.
• Spiritual Commitment: Active Christian walk, commitment to the teachings of Jesus Christ, and demonstrated leadership skills in past congregational life.

Because a security deposit is a separate amount held in trust/escrow as performance collateral rather than a partner capital contribution, its exact cost depends entirely on the commercial terms you negotiate with landlords and equipment suppliers.

Typical Security Deposit Estimates in South Africa (ZAR)

• Venue Rental Deposit: Landlords typically require 1 to 2 months’ rent upfront as a refundable deposit. For a modest community hall or venue in Johannesburg, the cost usually ranges from R2,000 to R10,000.
• AV / Equipment Rental Deposit: Rental companies generally charge a flat, refundable damage deposit ranging from R1,000 to R3,000 (or a small percentage of the total equipment replacement value).
• Estimated Total Range: Expect to hold approximately R3,000 to R13,000 in trust or escrow to cover venue and equipment security deposits.

Because this money serves as collateral for damages or a default, it remains the property of the ministry or its partners until it is returned at the end of the partnership contract, provided all contract terms are fulfilled.

Core Responsibilities

• Pastoral & Shepherding: Oversee an assigned “flock” of members, offer spiritual support, visit the homebound with communion, and monitor congregational care.
• Sacramental Leadership: Prepare communion meditations, offer prayers, preside at the communion table as congregation representative, and assist or lead services in the Pastor’s absence.
• Governance & Education: Attend monthly Elders’ meetings, participate in retreats/workshops, lead Christian education classes, and counsel leadership on spiritual growth.

How to Apply

If you have been searching for an inclusive, sacramental home where you can serve the poorest of the poor and lead a vibrant community, we want to hear from you.\

📩 Contact Us: Reach out via direct message at emmi@ericmichelministries.org or at african.harvestime@gmail.com