How to Get a Minister License
The first step is to decide why you want to get a minister license. States like Illinois only require you to be licensed to perform weddings. It's not necessary to secure a minister license to start a religious community such as a church, though some potential members of your congregation may ask if you are indeed licensed.
Next, research churches that appeal to you that allow licensure without attending a formal seminary program. Just a few of the options include American Fellowship Church, World Christianship Ministries and Universal Life Church. Remember that keeping it non-denominational may appeal to a wider range of spiritual seekers if your aim is to build a church community.
If your heart tells you to pursue a more traditional ordination path, then enroll in a Bible college or seminary program. This will take at least a few years to complete, but can give you the satisfaction of knowing you finished a traditional spiritual education program.
The final steps are to first fill out any required form, whether you are pursuing a minister license online or through a brick-and-mortar seminary program. Most applications ask you to provide your full name, address, date of birth, educational and spiritual background and why you wish to become a preacher.
Then you'll have to pay any required minister license application fees, which can often be paid online by credit card. Finally, wait to receive your minister license and ordination documents in the mail, whether you opted to complete seminary and pursue membership in a large church body or chose to find an online non-denominational opportunity to become a minister. Once you receive these documents, you have the legal evidence needed to perform services such as weddings in your state. Keep in mind you usually don't need a minister license to conduct funerals.
References:
"Southern Illinois University School of Law: Self-Help Legal Center." http://www.law.siu.edu/selfhelp/newsletter/62.htm
American Fellowship Church: http://www.amfellow.org/
World Christianship Ministries: http://www.wcm.org/
Universal Life Church: http://www.themonastery.org/
Published by Stephanie Mojica
I have published over 4,600 articles and am the author of "How One Writer Shifted from Settling for $12 an Hour to Prospering at Over $90 an Hour." I have also been a staff writer for papers like The Virgini... View profile
- Wedding Information: How to Get Legally Married in HawaiiLooking for a special place to get married at? Why not Hawaii? Read this informative article and find out what you need to know to legally get married in the state of Hawaii!
- Cyber Marriage: How to Get Married on the InternetCan someone get married over the internet? If so, would the marriage be legal?
- Grace Fellowship Church in Mokena, ILGrace Fellowship Church is a community of Christians that are everyday and ORDINARY people who have experienced an EXTRA-ORDINARY God!
- John Edwards' Barn-Storming Tour: Democratic Underdog Takes to the Turf to Get the...John Edwards is engaged in a barnstorming tour to get his message out to the American people. Edwards has been facing a virtual blackout from the mass media as it focuses on the two front-runners, Hillary Clinton & Ba...
- How to Plan a Cheap Wedding in Eight WeeksHaving a cheap wedding, will help to ensure that your marriage starts on a strong financial base and provide you with the peace of mind knowing that you did not start your lives towards with a loan over your heads.
- How to Get Married in Los Angeles County, California
- It's Easy to Become a Preacher
- License to Wed is Saved by the Stylings of Robin Williams: Review of License to Wed
- Real Life Special Agents: A non-fiction License to Kill
- The American Empire: An Unholy Alliance Between Church and State
- What Canadians Want Obama to Know
- Great Reasons to Marry in Las Vegas
2 Comments
Post a CommentPlease do not mistake this Universal (Life) Church incorporated by Kirby Hensley in 1962 and who ordains satanists for the original Church and who holds proprietary rights to the name. The original Church was founded in the 2nd Century and would become the Roman Church, following the Edict of Milan in 312 CE and the birth of Christianity in 313 CE it would become the Catholic Church. Universal comes from the Greeks and means Catholic. Interfaith ordination as provided by Hensley's spin-off only provides individuals the right to perform as officiants for weddings, baptisms and funerals. For more information, which includes a more extensive ordination based on the doctrine of our founding Church, go to: http://www.ulcnetwork.com Brother Michael is the only baptized and Christian ordained leader associated with the Universal (Life) Church. Please refer to the website for information on how to become ordained legitimately as a non-denominational minister.
This is a great help my friend. I had no idea you could obtain a Ministers license. I have been a church planter, on pastoral search committee and been a Sunday school teacher for 30 plus years & have a BA in history, education & minor in theology. I have been told over the last several years that you would make an excellent pastor in the way that I try and counsel (Have an SRS Case Management Certificate) but I always tried to say, no, its just not possible. Well, maybe I was wrong (not the first time). I am also a Christian author (3 books) with Christian Theological content (links under "Affiliate" on my Contributors Page here at AC) & this is exciting. Perhaps I was meant to read this. Thank you so much. Well done Stephanie. Blessings. : - )