How to Become a Minister: Online Ordination

Online ordination makes the benefits of ordination available to individuals outside traditional churches.

Traditionally, becoming a minister and seeking ordination could only be pursued through a traditional place of worship. But with the advent of the Internet, anyone who wishes to pursue a sacred calling can enjoy the benefits of ordination, no matter what their place of service may be. Online ordination confers not only status in the eyes of many ministry-oriented organizations, but it also confers important tax benefits for those who engaged in full- or part-time ministry.

Instructions

1. Visit the website for an online ordaining church body such as Universal Ministries, the Universal Life Church, the American Fellowship Church or others. Choose the ordaining body that most closely matches your own convictions regarding faith and spirituality.

2. Complete your chosen organization's online application form. While some questions may differ, most sites will ask you for your name, address, telephone number and date of birth, as well as a user name and password for accessing your registration online.

3. Select the ordination "package" that best matches your needs. Ordination packages vary from single documents attesting to your ordination to complete kits with marriage and funeral documents, personal identification card, letters of good standing and certificates of ordination. Prices vary from $15.00 to $200.00 depending upon the organization you're ordained with and the package of documents that you request.

4. Pay the fees associated with your ordination package. Most online ordination organizations accept all major credit cards.

5. Print out your online ordination record if provided; otherwise, you'll receive your ordination documentation in the mail in a few days.

References

• New York Times: Great Wedding! But Was It Legal?

Resources

• Universal Ministries: Home Page
• Universal Life Church: Home Page
• American Church Fellowship: Home Page