We had the good fortune of connecting with Erskine C. Johnson III and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erskine C., what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My decision to start this business had nothing to do with money, fame, or the desire to be my own boss. It was birthed from a deep sense of purpose—a need I saw that was going unmet.

Everything shifted after I fully committed my life to Jesus. About a year into discipleship, I was invited to speak at a theater conference to share my experience as a successful actor. While I was there to talk about my career, I knew I had to share the real reason behind the transformation in my life: Jesus. To my surprise, that moment of obedience didn’t just impact me—it began to change the lives of others as well.

That step of faith led to an unexpected honor: I was inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame. But more importantly, it marked the birth of M2TI—Ministry 2 The Industry.

From there, the vision grew. I began encountering others across different spheres of influence—education, entertainment, and extracurricular activities—who were also in need of the same spiritual transformation to truly flourish. It became clear that this wasn’t just a personal mission; it was a movement. And we knew: we had to make it happen.

What should our readers know about your business?
M2TI-Ministry 2 The Industry, exists to bring spiritual solutions into secular spaces through transformative conversations, consulting, and coaching. Our mission is to witness individuals in education, entertainment, and extracurricular industries to operate in anointed alignment with biblical principles—resulting in transformation within their fields.

What sets us apart is our approach: while many organizations build spaces for people to come to them, we are built to go out—meeting people exactly where they are. We’re answering a call that has often gone untouched, bringing ministry beyond traditional walls and into everyday environments that desperately need light and truth.

In just one year, I’m incredibly proud to say we’ve reached countless lives—locally and globally—with the message of Jesus Christ. We’ve helped people understand how practical and powerful the Word can be, applying what they learn on a Sunday to the realities they face Monday through Saturday. We’ve impacted athletes from middle school to the professional level, aspiring artists to household names, and educators who are shaping the next generation.

This ministry has been a long-held dream of mine. But I knew I had to be equipped first—so I spent 10 years serving in ministry at every level, learning how to shepherd people and build systems of discipleship. Over time, my passion for reaching people outside the church walls only intensified. Eventually, God called me to step out full-time into this new season. It wasn’t easy—leaving something I had done well and stepping into the unknown—but growth often requires discomfort.

One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is this: obedience is key. The path we try to plan may not be the one God has written for us. Even when I resisted this call, I knew something greater awaited on the other side of obedience—something more fulfilling and aligned with my true purpose. Once I said yes, God provided in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

M2TI is rooted in every phase of my journey—from student to D1 athlete, professional actor to pastor and now entrepreneur. Each season shaped me to pour into others from a place of understanding and wisdom. Now, I help others steward their influence well—discipling people who will, in turn, go out and disciple others. That’s how transformation multiplies. We are called to live lives that overflow—until all have heard. And it only takes one obedient “yes” to start a ripple effect that changes everything.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Hosting someone for a whole week? Whew—it’s a lot! 
But here’s how I’d lay it out to make it fun, balanced, and full of Atlanta flavor (if we don’t just end up staying in the house lol) :

Sunday:
We’re kicking things off right with a powerful word at 2819 Church. After that, we’ll grab brunch—thinking Toast on Lenox or Barney’s for some solid vibes and good food.

During the Week:
We’ll take in the city—hit up Downtown, Ponce City Market, and Atlantic Station for that ATL energy.
Gotta pick a day to hit the golf course—maybe Bobby Jones or East Lake depending on the mood.

Entertainment:
We’ll catch a movie at iPic on Peachtree and grab a bite at Colony Square afterward.
If a game is on, we’re there—Falcons, Hawks, Dream, or Braves, depending on the season.

Switching It Up:
We’ll throw in some touristy stuff too—Zoo Atlanta and the Georgia Aquarium and The World of Coke are always cool, especially if they haven’t been before.
Definitely carving out time to visit the MLK National Park and The King Center—powerful history everyone should experience.

Relax & Recharge:
We’ll slow it down with a walk through Piedmont Park—great spot to chill and catch our breath mid-week.

Eats Along the Way:
* Hal’s for a proper steak night
* SriThai if we’re craving sushi
* Hungry AF for some good wings
* Ray’s in the City when we want seafood
* Pour Calvin’s to end a night with a full vibe

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people I can credit for my success, but most importantly, I give all glory to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who wrote my story long before I ever stepped into it.

I’m deeply grateful to my Grandma Gladys for instilling substance in me long before I even knew how to use it. To my Inner Circle and Big 3—thank you for always having my back and being incredible sources of accountability in my life.

And to Victory Church, thank you for helping build the foundation and shaping me into the disciple-maker I am today—one who is committed to making disciples.

Website: https://www.m2ti.org

Instagram: @iamecj3

Twitter: @iamecj3

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamecj3

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@iamecj3

Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8203606/

Image Credits
Ira Carmicheal, Royce Dates,Daron Cooper, and Anthony Daniels

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