Layman Lessons Ministries began in 2000, founded by current “servant director” unpaid volunteer minister Louie Johnston Jr., preceding formal corporate organization as a Tennessee Non Profit corporation, formalized in 2003 as an approved IRS 501c3 Religious and Charitable Organization.

In September 2003, Layman Lessons Inc. acquired a Church in Shelby, NC known as Welcome Baptist Church/Rescue Mission, and merged that Church with existing Layman Lessons Ministries to form Layman Lessons Church, a Tennessee Church also registered with the State of Tennessee as a Non Profit Corporation.

Layman Lessons Ministries in Shelby, NC held regular non-denominational Church services for the public in the Chapel of the Rescue Mission building owned by Layman Lessons since 2003, located at 302 N. Washington Street, where daily meals for the homeless were served.