How to Get an Online Minister's Certificate

You can get a minister's certificate without leaving home.

Many people want to become an ordained minister but don’t want to go through a degree program. Schools and organizations exist that will give a person a minister’s certificate, which allows him to perform baptisms, weddings and funerals. Some people pursue such a certificate because they want to engage in full-time ministry in a church. Becoming ordained online allows a minister to be independent, rather than affiliated with a particular denomination. For little or no charge, he needs only to fulfill certain administrative requirements to receive an online minister’s certificate.

Instructions

1. Locate an online school or organization that specializes in providing online minister’s certificates. Venues that offer such certificates include the American Fellowship Church and Universal Life Church Monastery.

2. Fill out the application and provide the information necessary to receive the certificate such as your name and contact information.

3. Pay the associated fee, if applicable. Some organizations, like Universal Life Church Monastery offer a minister’s certificate free of charge.

4. Wait for the certificate or card to arrive in the mail confirming that you are officially an ordained minister. Some organizations may allow you to print the certificate online.

Tips & Warnings

• If you plan to use the certificate to perform marriage ceremonies, check your state's laws. Some states don't consider marriages legal if the minister was ordained online.

References

• Wall Street Journal; Chapel Bound: Getting Ordained Online; Jane Hodges
• Degree Directory: How Do I Earn a Minister's License?
• Universal Life Church Monastery: Get Ordained Online