How to Become a Legally Ordained Minister in Michigan

You can become ordained in Michigan a couple of ways.

Becoming a legally ordained minister in Michigan requires you to either pursue ordination through an online ordination company or to seek ordination through your faith's nearest local church or place of worship. Completing the ordination requirements can take as little as 24 hours to more than two years depending on the faith's requirements. Michigan will recognize any ordained person by any religious organization as long as you can prove your ordination with the proper paperwork.

Things You'll Need

• Bachelor's degree in theology or divinity (optional)

Instructions

Internet Ordination

1. Log on to the Internet and review the different ordination companies that exist online. Some will ordain you for free and others require a monthly fee to maintain membership. Read the site's code of ethics statement, as you will be required to live up to that code of ethics when you become ordained through the organization.

2. Fill out the ordination application. Order any documents you might need to prove you are an ordained minister authorized to perform religious ceremonies in the state of Michigan. These can include a letter of good standing, a licensing document and an ordination certificate.

3. Check your email for your initial confirmation that you are now considered an ordained minister. Wait to receive your documents in the mail proving you are authorized to work as an ordained minister in the state of Michigan.

Local Ordination

1. Contact the nearest local place of worship for your chosen faith. Ask the leadership about the process of becoming ordained in the state of Michigan. You will learn about the faith's requirements, time commitments and any other obligations you may be asked to fulfill during the process.

2. Fill out any applications and background check authorization forms requested. You may need to provide a copy of your resume and or a list of character references. At this time, the place of worship may set up a schedule of various classes or hands-on training.

3. Obtain any outside educational requirements the faith might require, such as a Bachelor's degree in theology or divinity.

4. Present all paperwork to prove you have finished the requirements to become ordained in the state of Michigan to the leadership of the place of worship. The leaders will approve or deny your paperwork. If approved, you will be presented with ordination credentials proving you are able to work as an ordained minister in the state of Michigan.

Tips & Warnings

• Michigan law allows any religious body of any faith to offer legal ordination as long as the religious body or organization itself has a legal status through the IRS. Ask the religious organization for its legal status information.

• Michigan specifically does not allowed individual ministers to be qualified as a nonprofit organization, but instead requires that you must establish yourself as a church. Request or order a "Church Charter" document from the ordination company or local church organization to begin this process.

References

• State of Michigan: Performance of Marriages
• Michigan Legislature: Michigan General Corporation Act