Pastor M.L. Johnson founded the Tabernacle of Mercy (Ministry of Jesus Christ) in August 1996. Prior to that, he served in the United States Air Force for 23 and a half years. While in the Air Force he worked as a management analyst and crypto electronics technician. During his last two years, he worked as Chaplain for the Gospel Service at Columbus AFB, Mississippi.

The attributes that best describe Pastor M.L. Johnson as a pastor/teacher is his strong teaching abilities, leadership skills and counseling abilities. His desire is to ensure every soul is equipped with sound biblical teaching.   His biblical understanding is embraced by many who care about the needs of those around them and want to connect others to the body of Christ.  Pastor Johnson takes worship and teaching very seriously, spending the first hours of his day focused on Bible study and how he can help people to better understand the scriptures.

Pastor Johnson graduated from Wayland Baptist University with a bachelor's degree in business management.  Pastor Johnson also has a bachelor's degree in biblical studies from Aspen Christian College in Denver, Colorado and a Certificate in Interdenominational Theology, received across the stage of Moore House College in Atlanta Georgia.

He is a member of the Creflo Dollar Ministerial Association (CDMA) and Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).  He has launched a new program called Mentoring Young Men for Success that benefits young men who are without a father.

Pastor Johnson has been married for 42 years to his wife Sharon.  They have 3 Children, 4 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.