Layman Lessons Church

I have been serving with Layman Lessons for the past two months. I am very grateful for the work which Karen and her crew do for the homeless and those who might be on the verge of homelessness. Thanks to everyone who contributes to this great cause!

With no paid staff Layman Lessons does a fantastic job feeding the homeless as well as providing clothes and basic necessities. They pack “boxes of love” filled with nonperishable food & drinks. They have a bus that has been converted into mobile showers and laundry units so the homeless can take a nice hot shower and wash their clothes… So important to basic hygiene. They also try to find permanent housing when possible. I cannot say enough about this wonderful all volunteer ministry!

Recovery Church Nashville has been blessed to partner with Layman's Lessons on several occasions. We return after an evening of filling boxes or distribution on Saturday with the joy of the Lord!!! It is difficult, at times, to see people who are living in difficult circumstances but knowing you may have helped in some small way is rewarding.

I love volunteering for this organization on Tuesday nights from 5 to 7 we pack the boxes of food and on Saturday mornings we deliver the boxes of food to different homeless camps across Nashville. Showing the homeless God's love and praying with them. It's such a blessing to be part of this organization.

A friend Invited me to help pack food boxes on a Tues night for delivery on Saturday to homeless camps all over the city. I did both and liked the attitude in this Layman Lessons team . They pray with the folks before passing out the boxes.. and know some of their names. The team also helps some with references to agencies for housing, medical attention, bus passes etc.
But it's special when the debriefing takes place after the deliveries and encounters in a dozen or so locations, and through tears a report is given about a certain situation ..particular hardship or even death.. of one individual befriended in these visits.. by these true servants extending Jesus love for the broken.
SO... I continue to pack and drive and pray and deliver food, water, blankets, etc with this genuine diverse group manifesting compassion. As a Layman, I learn lessons each time I go.

This organization is the best example of God loving His children through His children. Showing love through caring and providing for the downtrodden and lost is just what is done here. Nothing is wasted. You can be assured that if you donate here that any contribution will be completely utilized for the mission of sharing God's love through Christ by providing food and life saving articles to the homeless with the focus of returning them to stability and to move them forward in their lives.

We use to be served by laymans lessons 1 yr ago or more .they were all so nice and overhelpful.even carrying heavy supplies back down the trail for disabled , or elderly. I moved away for awhile .when my husband passed my disability and soc.sec .chks were frozen .soc.sec. Closed for covid.next phone appt .to apply for spousal benifits is july 12th. In the meantime we had a flash flood at camp. 3 people besides myself were caught in flood.I was the lone survivor .by climbing on top of my hitop van in and sitting in top of 14 ft of water with dogs for 3 hrs. I have no place else to go.w 2 surviving dogs.Im here where my friends died.there are outreach here but the food deliveries have stopped. I left a message for laymans lessons today.I know they will come.again.Im prayin for it.thats why I survived the flood , I prayed for it. God bless

Layman Lessons is the most amazing, blessed; and divinely appointed ministry EVER. Serving with them has opened my eyes to the world that needs Jesus so desperately. Thanks to Layman Lessons, I discovered my purpose on earth is to be the hands and feet of Jesus and I’m grateful to serve with the most loving and kind-hearted friends ever.

My Church, Global Vision Bible Church has worked with Layman Lessons ministries to help the many homeless In Nashville and surrounding areas.

This is the TRUE 100% all resources go to homeless charity. I had been searching for a place like this my whole life. Can not say enough good things about pastor Louie and his wife Karen. Blessed to be a part of it!

Layman's Lessons ministers to those who are homeless and are overlooked by other ministries. These are the hidden homeless!

Layman Lessons is dedicated to providing food, clothing, and the Love and Spirit of the Lord for the homeless. They make their round in all kinds of weather because they know that these people depend on them to be there and they do not let them down. The mini-sermons, prayer requests, and personal prayers they provide for the homeless to let them know that they are loved by the people that come out each week. And by the Lord that makes possible all the donations, and volunteer work of all the wonderful Laymen Lessons brothers and sister who assist each week to make things happen. Louie and Karen Johnston work relentlessly making contact with the homeless to provide special needs items when possible as well as medical help. They also organize each team that goes out to the homeless camps to make sure everyone follows the safety rules that are provided.
Bill Shepherd

Layman Lessons is an outstanding ministry centered around helping homeless people receive essential items, such as clothes, food, and shelter. All the people associated with this ministry love God and love His people, no matter their circumstances. It is a true blessing to be part of such a wonderful organization!

Our church has been partnering with Layman Lessons for over 2 years now with monetary support and on site missionary work. This top notch organization is the real deal. Unlike other non-profits, over 99% of the donations go to directly help feed, clothe and minister to the homeless in the Nashville and surrounding areas. Personally I am shocked that more churches do not utilize this as a mission opportunity. I have personally been in many of these homeless camp and observed the compassion and genuine love the dedicated volunteers have for these unfortunate souls. And the most humbling aspect is seeing these homeless folks spirit light up when they see these volunteers coming. Their positive attitude simply amazes me and most importantly, many want to hear the Word of God spoken and to be prayed over. This is certainly a place where the modern day Beattitudes can be observed. Thank you Layman Lessons for fulfilling God's mission.

In-action and on the ground. I have never seen any organization mobilize a more massive deployment of resources to the needy with less overhead. What they do with no paid staff, would dwarf organizations 10 times their size. I and some of my friends have helped unload massive semi loads of food to assist in creating "boxes of love" for the homeless. They have helping and heart down to a science.

This wonderful ministry provides boxes of food to the homeless along with clothes, necessary living items (sleeping bags, etc) and Lots of LOVE on a weekly basis. They are literally saving lives, physically, emotionally and spiritually. There are NO PAID STAFF—everyone is a volunteer. Money goes ONLY for the needs of the homeless.

I know the founder/leader of this vey essential ministry to the homeless in Nashville. LL ministry embodies the love and care of it's leader to the least of these in our city. I am very familiar with their mission of clothing, feeding and supporting our homeless. LL leads the effort in our county by far to seek out those who have only the most meager of shelters to protect themselves from the elements. The passion that has driven this ministry to care for the homeless is demonstrated by the volume of food brought in and given out to the needy.

I have had the honor of serving the homeless population of Nashville through Layman Lessons. This is a truly service oriented, Christ honoring organization that is 100% volunteer.

Layman Lessons is Christ centered organization meeting the basic human needs of Nashville's homeless population. Our volunteers come from various parts of the city, some working in the tithe barn receiving shipments and organizing supplies throughout the week, while others meet Saturday mornings to deliver food, water and donated clothing to the homeless camps. In addition to delivering supplies, volunteers pray with the homeless sharing the love of Christ. I would encourage anyone interested to volunteer, it will open your eyes and provide a different perspective on our homeless brothers and sisters.

I love the fact this charity operates with no paid staff. They provide food, drinks, shelter, and clothing to the homeless. Superb ministry, superb leader ship, Caring and compassionate hearts.

A wonderful organization headed by a great leader !!!

I have had the pleasure of knowing Louie for many years. He has done his best to follow our Lord Jesus Christ in every way of his life. This is especially true of his work.

The impact that this ministry has on the homeless community, Nashville, and the souls of men and women is immeasurable!

Awesome all-volunteer ministry helping so many in need with no paid staff!

Layman Lessons Ministry is an amazing ministry and does a lot of good for a lot of people.

This is the best nonprofit I’ve ever been involved with as in my life.

I have been a part of Layman Lessons for about 8-9 years now and I believe they are the only non-profit ministry that feeds and clothes the hungry and needy, where 99.9% of every dollar donated goes directly to those in need. That is unheard of. There is no paid staff, it's all volunteers coming together to go out on the front lines meeting the needs of the people who really need it, including praying for them. With the mobile RV unit now available, Layman Lessons are able to provide showers and laundry service for those on the streets, helping restore their dignity. Truly a God-centered church charity.

Layman lessons ministry is a superb organization that provides food, clothing, and basic necessities to the homeless. They have no paid staff so 100% of donations go directly to those in need. I cannot recommend them highly enough as I have never seen a more effective and efficient army of volunteers!

I have worked with the homeless for years, but I always worked in shelters or churches where they came to me. Working with Layman Ministries gives me the opportunity to go into their hidden camps and see personally the hardships and trials they encounter on a daily basis.
What a blessing this has been for me, it has profoundly changed my life. Seeing their needs has brought me to my knees asking God to forgive me for my selfishness and pride. My greatest joy is visiting with them each Saturday and watching the joy in their eyes as we provide their basic needs.
And I know every dollar that is given goes directly to provide those needs, no one is paid to do this work, it's a heart thing!

Layman Lessons ministry does amazing work serving the homeless population. They maximize their donations to change lives every day. I highly recommend this ministry and fully support giving and serving alongside their efforts.

You can count on your donation going to feed the hungry with Layman Lesson Church Ministries.

The Layman Lessons Ministry is such a blessing, not only to the people we serve, but the volunteers that serve as well!
We deliver food, clothes and other donated items right to the people where they live. In the tent camps, in the woods, under bridges (most of the camps we go to remind me of the poor third world areas I have visited on mission trips.) We are able to spend time getting to know them and show them that we care.
We are also able to misister to them spiritually and leave tracks and Bibles and we always take time to pray together. It is awsome and humbling to have a homless person want to pray for us and then pray right there on the spot!

The work that this ministry does to serve the homeless population of Nashville is unbelievable. I have had the opportunity to witness first hand the compassion that is shown through food, clothing, survival essentials and relationship building with this underserved population of people. God is good!

Laymen Lessons is a ministry that I fully trust to use 100% of donations for the homeless in Middle Tennessee. They are a God driven ministry and have helped many people through their work. They are very organized and always coming up with a new way to help those in need.

Layman Lessons is a wonderful ministry to volunteer with if you want to find a place to serve and be the hands and feet of Jesus to those that are so often forgotten. I have been a donor/volunteer for 8 years. Every dime that comes into this ministry goes directly to meet the needs of the homeless, poor and needy with needed food, clothing, etc. Not only are their physical needs met, but also their spiritual needs too, with volunteers sharing God's Word and praying over each one giving them hope and encouragement. Matthew 25:40 "Truly I tell you whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine you did for me."

God is definitely working in this ministry! It has been a privilege to serve the people of Nashville whom are without homes. Please continue to pray for financial support to keep the ministry running smoothly as all of God’s servants are volunteers only and the provisions that are handed out to those in need have to come from somewhere. More importantly, please pray for souls to be saved and God’s love to be shared!

Selfless, Christ-centered, compassionate, committed, are all words to describe this group and their leader, Louie Johnston. I'm proud to help out and proud to know this guy!

This is an outstanding ministry that serves the homeless by providing food, clothing, shelter and most importantly ministering to those that are in difficult circumstances. All this is being provided by 100% volunteers with no paid staff. This is very rare in today's world.

Since 2001, Layman Lessons has been selflessly serving the homeless in the Music City community. Through the tireless leadership and dedication of Louie Johnston, humble volunteers and donations, they've lovingly touched so many who desperately need hope, understanding, support, food, clothing, basic necessities and the love of God shared with, and shown to them. While their mission is simple, " to serve as the hands of feet of Jesus", their reach is profound, as they relentlessly minister in a myriad of ways to thousands who feel forgotten and forsaken.

This is an absolutely wonderful ministry that does so much good for so many who are truly in need. I am honored to be a volunteer for such an amazing ministry!

I am pastor of the First Christian Church in Linden, Tennessee. We recently chose to support this ministry, both with monthly financial support and periodic hands on support with packaging and distributing food. We particularly like the fact that there is no paid staff and all our money goes to those in need.

Our church attended packing the food boxes 2 weeks ago, what an awesome experience it was! A warehouse truly filled with LOVEfor our God & Love for our fellow man! We worked, we prayed & we praised our precious Lord!

Great ministry to donate to. 100% goes to charity & feeds physically & spiritually. SAVE SOULS. donate today

Our church volunteered to help pack boxes for the Layman Lessons ministry. And WOW! What an amazing opportunity that was. My heart was truly touched that day. Not only was this the most organized ministry I've ever been a part of, but it also dontates 100% of its proceeds to the homeless community of middle Tennessee. I can't speak highly enough of Layman Lessons.

The morning went better than expected. Items were in a good location. Assembly line was set up and groups were assigned task to accomplish the the end game. The work being done is a great service to the community.

This ministry has been instrumental in helping to feed the people at Sophias Heart which is a ministry that helps homeless families get jobs and get established so that they can get on their feet.

I have been involved with Layman Lessons for the past year. During this time I have found this organization to be totally trustworthy and reliable. The volunteers and organization administrators are totally committed to helping needy people, Their attitude and dedication are commendable. I would have never became involved and or given to this organization otherwise. I know without a doubt every dime I can give will be used to assist and help those in need. God bless this organization. Daniel Williams

Layman Lessons Church Ministries is ALL about helping those who need it the most. At the helm is Louie who has given all he has to help the homeless people find hope and be fed and clothed. His mission is single-focused: to glorify Jesus with his life by helping those that others choose not to see.

Louie Johnston is a true Patriot not only fighting for what's right out there for America but working hard in the trenches. Gorilla warfare each day trying to save just one off the streets!

I am so impressed by this charity that has ZERO overhead costs, and 100% of donations go to charity. There is such a need to feed the homeless and this charity takes it directly to the streets with no intermediary.

I have worked with Layman Lessons for approximately 12 years as a volunteer/board member on projects such as Campus for Human Development, creating boxes of love, feeding homeless on the streets of Nashville, and serving Thanksgiving dinners for the homeless. Louie Johnston does an outstanding job with limited resources to offer a compassionate hand to many of the down trodden people in the Nashville community.

I have worked alongside Louie Johnston and Layman Lessons since 2008 and have seen the tremendous impact on the lives of the poor and needy in Middle Tennessee. The organization has no paid staff and depends on volunteers so the dollars donated truly go to those in need.

Layman Lessons feeds the hungry with NO PAID STAFF. 100% of donations goes to feed hungry bellies and clothe cold bodies. I highly recommend this ministry!

I've watched Louie Johnston, Jr. of Laymen Lessons work tirelessly over the ten + years that I've known him to make sure the homeless have food, shelter, warm blankets and spiritual healing. I've attended dinners where we serve the homeless, charitable events to raise money to carry on the work of Laymen Lessons. I've been particularly impressed that there are no paid staff members or federal funds supporting this charity. Of all the charities I've worked with out there, there's not one that accomplishes the magnitude of support for the homeless as Layman Lessons under the leadership of Louie Johnston, Jr.

I came to Layman's Lessons as a volunteer. In 2014. All I did was help to serve the homeless for Thanksgiving as well as Christmas. The grateful glow in our homeless guests eyes and the humble humility they expressed as we served them still touches my heart today. My simple smile and God Bless you for every guest I served just seemed to warm these people.

The founder and CEO of Layman's lessons, Louie Johnston gave up his personal Fortune entirely in order to give back to the people on the street as well as and including homeless veterans.

In 2015 Louie Johnston asked me to join Layman's lessons in the women's ministry. I have been blessed to be able to give counsel to homeless women facing many heart rending challenges. I interview these women to determine how best to assist them and their children by gathering facts about their lives including job skills, what they like to do and how they got where they are and what they are willing to do to prevent being in the situation again.

Sometimes I have to be pretty frank and upfront but we always begin and end with prayer. All of the candidates are advised Layman's Lessons is a Christian organization and if the applicant is willing to follow biblical procedures; we will do everything we can to help with food, clothing, shelter and even rehabilitation though we will not guide them to a detox facility because detox is a quick fix with only a 15% success rate.

There are those who believe that is harsh but Layman's Lessons is a hands up organization. Not a hand out organization. We provide food, water, clothing and cold weather survival gear for the lost souls on the street.

I will continue to help Laymans lessons in any way that I can. The other Ministry that I was a part of turned out to be a false Ministry. There was personal gain and profit for many of the people who were on staff. Volunteers were ill treated and contracts and promises were broken with little regard to the volunteers.

However; Layman's Lessons is strictly volunteer labor with no pay or compensation to any of the members including Louie Johnston the founder and CEO of laymans lessons. Louie gave up his personal fortune in order to give back to the people on the street.

I love working with Louie and his other volunteers. I will do so as long as I am needed. Louie gave up millions, won't you help by giving a little of your time or money?

God Bless you all,

Freida Warren

The Layman Ministry has helped & helps so many. Louie Johnston, Jr. Is a true follower & believer in our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you, Louie, for all you do for Nashville Homeless.

I have been dealing with Mr. Johnston for many years, at least twenty and in all that time I have found him with a heart for those who have found themselves down. Mr. Johnston has always used the power of GOD'S word in everything his organization does. I encourage anyone to support his efforts. GOD BLESS: KEN BINKLEY

Laymen Lessons is an awesome ministry that serves a much-needed area in the community.

#LaymanLessonsChurchMinistries is a blessing to those in need of food, clothing, blankets, water and many other needs. This is a great "#volunteer" ministry where all the staff are strictly volunteers that do NOT get paid. God has richly blessed this ministry to help thousands of people. They go above and beyond and love what they do and are called to do.

My daughter has been a volunteer with Layman Lessons for a few years now. I always enjoy hearing her tell how God is moving in the lives of the people this ministry serves and how they provide food, clothing, bottled water and also rescue blankets to the homeless and the needy. I highly recommend anyone looking for a ministry to serve in to consider Layman Lessons. You will be blessed!

I have volunteered with Layman Lessons for about 4 years now. I enjoy serving those less fortunate and seeing their smiles and gratitude for the food and clothing they receive through this ministry. I highly recommend Layman Lessons to anyone looking for a place to serve.

Many people just talking about their passion, Layman Lessons Church Ministries is doing it. Furthermore, they are doing it continuously with the same passion. It desires 6 starts.

Layman Lessons has NO paid staff--strictly volunteers. They feed the hungry, provide shelter and clothing, and even help people get the mental health help they need. Great organization!

I have worked first hand as a board member with layman lessons and have witnessed the blessing that they have been to numerous people that society has forgotten about. They have a great mission and are changing lives.

Hi, I'm Stevie Hewgley, a college senior in a human services & counseling program. All my life I have wanted to help people. I found Layman Lessons when looking for an organization to work with for my second internship. I fell in love with everything they do to help the homeless, poor & needy. I couldn't believe I had never heard of them before! The founder & director is also an awesome, selfless man who truly wants to help people. I wanted to help in all the ways I could. I am currently working as a Volunteer Coordinator & Board Member for Layman Lessons and I love helping this organization!

-Stevie, Volunteer Coordinator & Board Member

Facebook.com/laymanlessons

My name is Ken Jakes and I am a Board Member of Layman Lessons. I own Jakes Produce and have donated millions of pounds of fruits and vegetables to Layman Lessons over the years. I know that every apple, orange, potato, etc. is going to help the homeless and needy. With Louis Johnston's leadership, I know that God's work is being done daily.

Been working with Layman Lessons for over five years. Layman's Lessons is 100% about helping the down and out. Few ministries achieve as much for zero compensation. Faith walk from A to Z. The need is out there. This nonprofit is getting the job done. Day in and day out providing food to the homeless and hurting.

We have been impressed by the strength of conviction in each volunteer and in the leadership. It's amazing how faithful this team and it's helpers have been week after week, rain or shine. They provide a spiritual connection for men and women who don't always get the opportunity to connect with God with others. The leadership welcomes new volunteers at any time and is determined that each person sees how integral their part was to the whole work. I don't know many organizations led by someone who actually sold their earthly possessions to go help the poor. This is one. I'm thankful they are part of our community.

Layman Lessons, Inc. is led by one of the most in-tune, in-touch and informed individuals I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Louie Johnston's personal crusade has evolved into a thriving outreach which ministers to Music City's homeless in a myriad of pivotal ways. Through Layman Lessons and Louie's many friends and crucial sponsors, 100s of the streets' homeless and hopeless have been clothed, fed hot meals and received much-needed encouragement and Christian counsel. The homeless who are touched by the Layman Lessons experience, consistently witness, and have the opportunity to receive, the love of Jesus Christ through Louie and the many mentors, volunteers and donors who ensure Layman Lessons' Saturday services are a weekly reality.

I am a donor as well as I have been a volunteer with Layman Lessons, Inc. As a volunteer I worked with Louie Johnston on Saturday's as his group ministered to the homeless or street people. They were fed, clothed and ministered to no matter what their circumstances with no questions asked and nothing required except to be respectful of those around them during the service. Louie has a passion for the work and a love for his fellow man as he serves with tireless energy everyday to make their life a little better than he found it.

This is a great organization and I have been able to be apart of the great work Mr. Louie is doing with Laymens Lessons in Nashville. They feed the men good food every week and clothe them. It doesn't get any better than that.

A few years ago, I went with the church I was attending and we took bottles of water and shoes to Layman Lessons Ministries. I never thought that helping the homeless would be what I would enjoy doing. I thought that I was going to be blessing these people. Before my time was even over serving that morning, I realized I was the one being blessed, it was my life being changed. Now, I go as often as I can and this ministry is simply beautiful. Not only are they given a cold cup of water, a hot cup of coffee and a hot meal.. but a sack lunch to go, clothes from the clothing bus, the word of God and the feeling of knowing that they matter to someone! Mr. Louie Johnston has put his everything into this ministry for almost the last eight years. The ministry has been ran solely on donations, which are scare. Rain, shine, snow... Louie is operating this mobile homeless ministry on Saturday mornings and every other day of the week he is training men to become self sufficient. The ones that stay with the program are learning living skills, and holding jobs. It has been such an honor to volunteer with this ministry.

I have had the privilege of being involved with Laymen Lessons, Inc. since 2003. I serve on the board and for 4 years was involved in the day to day ministry with the homeless in the streets of Nashville. Louie Johnston and his team of tireless volunteers give of themselves physically, spiritually and financially to meet the physical and spiritual needs of the homeless of Nashville. From feeding them a hot meal, providing clothing and sharing the free gift of salvation every Saturday morning year round whether blazing hot or freezing cold, sack lunches to get them through another hungry night, bottled water to quench their physical thirst, to providing a home for those who choose to start a new life with job training, life skills and learning to live as a contributing member of society, Laymen Lessons provides all this and more. Noone, including the director are paid workers. All contributions are turned right around and used to feed, clothe and shelter the homeless. Giving to this ministry could help save a life! If you are in the Nashville area, I encourage you to stop down at the parking lot some Saturday morning and see Christianity in action. Your life will be changed! I watched my 12 year old daughter take off her shoes and give them to a lady who could barely walk because her feet were so swollen and infected from walking because she had no shoes. What an incredible moment to see my little girl be Jesus in the life of someone else.

Layman Lessons is a ministry that helps to feed and clothe the poor right here in Nashville Tennessee. I have been involved with the ministry over the past year and really believe what they are doing. By feeding the poor and homeless six days a week and distributing clothing they have made life a little bit easier for those less fortunate.

Layman Lessons of Nashville has been a blessing to 1000s of homeless men and women over the 9 years they have operated in Nashville. I have volunteered each Saturday for 3 years to work with this ministry to serve the homeless. We provide them a wonderful hot meal, clothing and message of hope through the Gospel each Saturday. I have had the men and women come to me after we are done and thank me for a wonderful meal and church service. I have counseled men who responded to the church message and watched them express concerns and hopes for the future. The message they give me usually revolves around wanting to re-unite with family; stop an addiction; or find a job. We pray together and then sit them down so we can serve them a hot meal. It is important to understand that during the 3 hours they are with us we serve them, they stay seated, enjoy the music or mediate and we bring them water, coffee and their meal, they do not wait in line, we want to show them respect and appreciation for them being with us.

I became a volunteer for Laymen Lessons back in Nov of 2009. Louie and his dedicated group of weekly volunteers love and care for the homeless community. They are an inspiration to all of us. Giving of their time and resources and praying, knowing that God will take care of their need to keep this ministry going. I am so blessed to have a small part in making this dream a reality for the Nashville community. Thank you, Amber Frizzell