How to Become a Minister Via Pastor Ordination

Many become ministers through ordination in order to perform wedding ceremonies.

While most people who become ministers in traditional religions do so through seminary study or other traditional methods, many these days choose to become a minister through simple pastor ordination. A number of non-traditional churches allow one to become an ordained minister online or via mail. Most of these non-traditional organizations have no specific requirements to become a minister beyond a desire to do so.

Instructions

1. Determine why you want to become a minister. Remember that different churches have different rules as far as who can become an ordained minister in their organization; your reasons for becoming ordained will play a key role in choosing the church that you wish to join.

2. Research different churches online. Make sure you read about their beliefs as well as their requirements for ordainment so that you not only find a church that will ordain you, but one which makes a good fit for your goals and beliefs.

3. Learn about the process to become a minister through pastor ordination in the church that you choose; some churches will require something to be mailed to them for their records while many of these non-traditional churches offer online ordination. Ensure you follow the directions closely to make sure that they process your ordainment correctly and legally.

4. Order any credentials that you want to have on hand if the church does not provide them for you following your ordainment. Remember that while simply being on record with the church is sufficient for legal ordainment in most jurisdictions, to perform many functions of the ministry you will need a certificate or other form of proof of your ordainment.

Tips & Warnings

• While many of the non-traditional churches that offer ordainment don't require any study, most of them offer programs that can help increase your knowledge of the ministry; you should consider using these to your advantage after you become a minister.

• In some jurisdictions you must be on record with the state or county before you can perform some legal actions like performing a wedding. Make sure you research the requirements in your area before you attempt to perform any legal function.

• Always include only factual information when becoming an ordained minister. Submitting someone else's name or a false name is considered fraud.

References

• Universal Life Church: Become Ordained
• American Fellowship Church: How to Become a Legally Ordained Minister