How to Become an Ordained Minister in the State of Oregon

Dozens of non-denominational churches offer people the opportunity to become ordained ministers in Oregon.

Ordained ministers have the power to officiate weddings and funerals in the state of Oregon. The path to becoming an ordained minister changed dramatically with the evolution of the Internet. It used to be that people who wanted to be ordained had to attend seminary school and complete a certain level of training before a church would ordain them. Now the Internet has made it possible to obtain an official Oregon state license in a non-denominational faith by simply filling out a form online and ordering a license.

Instructions

1. Navigate to the website of a church that offers online ordination recognized by the State of Oregon (see References).

2. Read the information about being ordained through each program before proceeding. Most churches that offer online ordination have open ordination policies that allow anyone to join. However, some have requirements to keep the license current, and others offer training on how to become a better minister.

3. Click on the link to open the ordination form for the chosen church. Fill out the form, and provide a valid Oregon address. Most churches require applicants to agree to the terms and conditions associated with becoming an ordained member of the organization. Choose a valid payment option, and submit the form for processing. You will receive an official document naming you an ordained minister of the organization via regular mail or email. Some churches also send you a minister's license for an extra fee.

4. Begin practicing as an ordained minister. Oregon law does not require that you register with any state organizations, or show any proof of ordination to officiate a wedding or funeral. However, you must send a copy of a marriage certificate for any services you perform to the county clerk within 30 days of officiating a wedding for it to be legally recognized. The county clerk may ask for proof of your ordination, along with the address or telephone number of the ordaining church. Check with your county clerk for specific laws pertaining to ordained ministers and their powers in your particular county.

References

• Universal Life Church: Wedding Laws By State
• Northernway: Marriage Ceremony Officiating Requirements by State
• Ministerial Seminary: Ordination Requirements
• American Fellowship Church: How to Become a Legally Ordained Minister in Oregon

Resources

• Universal Life Church: Become Ordained
• Ministerial Seminary: Get Ordained Now
• American Fellowship Church: Ordination and ID Cards
• First Nation Ministry: Complete Oregon Wedding Minister Ordination