How to Become an Ordained Minister Online

Last Updated: September 21, 2022 References Approved

Getting ordained online is often as easy as signing up for an account and paying a small fee. As an ordained minister, you can officiate wedding ceremonies, funerals, and other important ceremonies. Some states don't legally recognized online ordinations, so be sure to check the laws where you live before performing a ceremony.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Researching Ordination

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Find out if you can legally be a minister in your county. If you're getting ordained to perform a wedding, this step is essential.^{[1]
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Research source} Some states recognize online ordinations as legal, while others only consider you a minister if you have a congregation. Look up your state's laws, or call your county clerk for more information. Some states require minister licensing, which is the process of registering as clergy with the state. Here are some general guidelines^{[2]
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- The legality of online ordination has been the subject of recent court cases in a variety of states. Laws regarding this issue are constantly evolving, so it's important to have up-to-the minute information about whether you'll be able to legally perform different ceremonies where you live. ^{[3]
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- Organizations such as prisons and hospitals that allow outside ministers to visit and minister to their clients, inmates, and patients have the right to refuse recognition to certain ministers. Many federal institutions, especially those addressing the needs of veterans and the military, do not recognize online ordinations no matter how legal they may be.
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Find out how becoming a minister online will impact your religious standing. If you aren't already a member of a church, this isn't something to worry about. However, if you are a member of a church, getting ordained online could affect your standing. If you want to perform a wedding for a friend but you already belong to a different religion, investigate whether becoming ordained online could get you excommunicated.
- Some churches, such as the Catholic Church and the LDS Church, may consider becoming a minister in another religion apostasy,^{[4]
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  Research source} and grounds for immediate excommunication.
- If you're unsure, ask your local clergy for guidance.
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Consider the online option carefully if you truly want to be a minister. Getting ordained online offers an alternative to traditional ordination routes. If you feel you've been called to serve as a minister, you might find it more fulfilling to undergo formal training. That being said, attending seminary school does require time and money. Getting ordained online tends to be relatively inexpensive, and will allow you to perform weddings and other ceremonies. However, each denomination has their own requirements, so online ordination doesn't guarantee you will be eligible to serve as a pastor in every traditional church. If this is your goal, you may use your online ordination to begin your own church or consider looking into seminary programs that may better suit your needs.
- Some online churches are non-denominational or interfaith and open to people of any religious background. If you are actively involved in another religion, be sure to check that becoming a non-denominational minister will not affect your standing in your religion.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Getting Ordained

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Find an organization that suits your needs and your beliefs. Do some research to find an online ministry you can see yourself joining. Some organizations simply send you ordination papers, while, others provide training as to how to perform weddings and other ceremonies. Make sure that whatever you choose is an incorporated and legitimate service.^{[5]
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- Some sites are quite religious, while others are purposely unaffiliated with any particular religion.
- Choose a service that will send you a hard copy of your credentials, with an original signature and a seal. Additionally, find out if they'll send a letter of good standing or a wallet card. ^{[6]
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  Research source} Free ordinations will usually provide a certificate to be printed from your browser. A higher-quality version, often with a gold seal will normally have to be ordered for a nominal fee.
- Don’t be fooled by sites that say a church must be a tax-exempt organization to be valid. This is not true. It is totally up to the organization to decide if they wish to apply to the IRS for tax-exempt status. Some organizations choose to keep government out of religion through the payment of taxes.
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Contact prospective ministries via phone or email. If you'd like to find out more information about the process, as well as whether your ordination will be sufficient to perform any ceremonies you're interested in doing, contact the ministry. While you're at it, you can ask if they know anything about acting as a minster in your particular state.
- Avoid organizations that do not list their contact information on their site or do not respond to your attempts to contact them.
- Know that your ordination may or may not allow you to perform weddings in your state. You must check the state requirements by calling the clerk in the county in which the wedding is going to be performed.
- Find out about renewal fees. Some ministries will ordain you for life, while others will only ordain you for a year.
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Submit your personal information online. Most online ordination services require you to fill out a short form with your personal information. Every church has different requirements for the ordination process, but most require the following:
- Full legal name
- Mailing address
- Valid email address
- A fee, usually about $50.00
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Receive your official ordination paperwork in the mail. After you submit your information and pay for the services you requested, all you have to do is wait to receive your paperwork. Processing your request should take no more than two weeks. If you still have not received your official certificate and letter of good standing by then, contact the ministry.

Community Q&A

Question

Do I have to renew my license if I'm an ordained minister?

Community Answer

Some ministries will ordain you for life, while others may only ordain you for a year before requiring a renewal.
Question

Does South Carolina recognize online ordained ministers?

Community Answer

Yes, but you must be over 18 and file with the government.
Question

I just want to get married to the woman I love. Can our friend marry us?

Community Answer

If your friend is an officially ordained minister, then yes he can. Make sure to check your state laws, since not every state allows online-ordained ministers to legally perform marriages.

Warnings

Most online sites have learned that they can break down their ordination into categories. Mainstream churches have ordained laity, deacons, and priests. The sites are paralleling this tier system with partial ordinations. Only the higher level ordinations are authorized to officiate sacraments. If such a person signs a license, and the licensing board checks the ordination, the license is illegal, and there are serious legal consequences. This includes marriage licenses, and other recordings into vital records, such as baptism and funerals.

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