How To Become An Ordained Minister For Free
There are many people who would like to become ordained ministers. The first step is to understand what it means to be ordained. Becoming ordained requires that you have a religious education and training, but it also requires that you be committed to your faith. Once you have decided that this is something you want to do, there are several steps that you should take to become ordained.
The first thing that you need to do is contact your local church or synagogue and find out if they will allow you to become ordained within their organization. If they say yes, then you can start the process by requesting some information about becoming an ordained minister from them. They may also provide some sample documents for your reference as well as any other materials that might be helpful in making this decision.
Once your local church or synagogue has agreed that they will offer ordination services, they will send out an application form which must be filled out completely and submitted back with all required documentation before they can process it further. In most cases, this involves submitting proof of age (birth certificate or passport), proof of citizenship (driver’s license), proof of residence (utility bill), photo ID.
How To Become An Ordained Minister For Free
Ordination is typically the final step in a long and often expensive process that includes dedicating one’s life to ministry, completing a bachelor’s and/or master’s degree and fulfilling the requirements for your religion or faith tradition. However, becoming a legally ordained minister is also required, in some cases, for starting a church, serving as a minister in a nursing home or other residential institution, and conducting weddings and funerals. Those who seek ordination for engaging in these activities, or for personal spiritual reasons, may be able to become legally ordained ministers for free through online ordination organizations.
Clarify Reasons for Ordination
List the reasons why you want to become a legally ordained minister. Although the law recognizes ordinations from a variety of organizations and faiths, your denomination may not. If you have the goal of working with a specific denomination or faith, ask your minister about the ordination process before you begin. Keep your list of reasons with you as you research free ordination opportunities. It will help you narrow down your options.
Research Free Online Ordination Organizations
Research free online ordination opportunities. A variety of faith-specific, interfaith and non-faith-based organizations offer free online ordination with very few stipulations. For example, World Christianship Ministries offers free legal ordination for Christians, while the Church of Spiritual Humanism grants ordination to members of all faiths. The Universal Life Church is open to anyone and the online application form takes about one minute.
Evaluate each organization’s professionalism, support, requirements and statement of faith. Ensure that your values allow you to abide by the rules established by the organization you choose.
Avoid Scams
Request your minister’s license. Most organizations simply require that you fill out and submit an online form. Some websites will ask that you support the church granting you ordination with a donation or by purchasing a handbook. Do so if you desire, but first check to make sure the church is not a total scam by contacting others ordained by the church or visiting websites like Scam Busters or Scam.com and online religious communities before making a purchase and providing your banking or credit card information.
Other Considerations
Some organizations offering free ordination also offer free training classes for ministers. Take advantage of them if you want to serve in a ministry role in a church or other community, like a hospital or prison. If you are becoming ordained to perform a wedding or funeral ceremony, check your state’s laws about who can officiate in these services before seeking your free ordination.
Some states allow anyone to perform these ceremonies, while others require the person to be a government official or leader of a church or religious community who was formally ordained by their religious organization. Tennessee, for example, does not consider a couple legally married if the wedding ceremony was performed by an online officiant who got their credentials through the Internet or mail order service, explains ACLU Tennessee.
Your wedding really only needs three things: you, the person you are head over heels in love with and the perfect person to marry you. Many couples have their church ministers officiate their marriage, but don’t fret if that’s just not your style. Nowadays, aunts, uncles, friends, and siblings are uniting couples in holy matrimony more often because it’s another way to get the most important people in your life together involved in your union. If you want a loved one or a close friend as your wedding officiant, but he or she isn’t ordained, here’s what you need to know to make that happen. You and your soon-to-be-minister will be pleasantly surprised at how ridiculously easy and inexpensive it is to become a wedding officiant. Sign, sealed, delivered.
The Basics
If your friend or loved one is genuinely wishing to become a legit minister (i.e. start a congregation), then getting ordained online is probably not the best option. In fact, some states (and countries) do not recognize online ordinations, so a more traditional route of attending a seminary or obtaining a degree in theology or ministry is a much better option for the minister-hopeful. On the other hand, if the person is simply wants to act as your wedding officiant for the big day, then getting ordained online is the perfect option.
(Note: If your friend will be required to become ordained under a different religion to officiate your wedding, then have your friend verify with his/her clergy/church as to whether or not it is permitted, because some religions consider this grounds for excommunication.)
Getting Ordained Online
Becoming an ordained wedding officiant online is almost embarrassingly easy.
- Grab a device that connects to the Internet (e.g. a smartphone or a computer)
- Go to an online non-denominational ministry’s website, such as The Universal Life Church Ministries or Open Ministry.
- Click on “Get Ordained” or something to that effect.
- Fill out the form.
- Pay the nominal online ordination fee, if any. (Most are free of charge but accept donations.)
- Check your email for confirmation.
Depending on what ministry ordains you, you may have to wait up to two weeks to receive your official documents as an ordained minister, so allot enough time for that process. It is highly suggested that your minister verify with the county clerk to ensure that his or her appointment is recognized and legal before the wedding day. If he or she is turned down by the county clerk, it is advised that your friend or loved one contact the ministry that gave the ordination for further guidance.
Once you’ve figured out the ordination process, check out our guide to how to officiate a wedding.
Becoming a wedding officiant is a piece of cake, really—weirdly easy, if you think about it. Now your wedding will be complete with all the fixings for an absolutely perfect day, including that special someone to have the power invested in them to pronounce you, husband and wife!
