 Johnsen has also had a period of study at the theological study centre for indigenous studies Dr. Jessie Saulteaux Resource Centre, United Church of Canada.Tore Johnsen has previously worked for the Norwegian Mission to the Sami people (1988–1993), Executive Officer for the Sami Church Council (1994–1995), minister in Tana og Nesseby Parish (1998–2005), acting Dean of Sami Ministry in Diocese of Nord-Hålogaland (2003, and 2007–09).He has also been a central person in the completion of a new Sami hymnal book (Sálbmagirjii II)

In 2005 Johnsen received the prestigious St. Olav Scholarship to write a new Sami contextual catechism for youths and young adults.