“How do I get ordained?” A quick introduction to online ordination, and what it means for you.

In this series of articles, we’re answering questions about what we do here at American Marriage Ministries, and the role that online churches play in the wedding industry.

 

A lot of people want to know how to become ordained online, and what it actually means. Since there are so many options, it can be hard to sift through the different beliefs and guidelines. 

 

So why do people get ordained?

Becoming an ordained minister online is the easiest way for most people to officiate weddings for friends and family members. (If you've been asked to officiate a wedding, this is probably the best option for you, too!)

 

Webster’s Dictionary defines ordination as:

 

 “To invest officially with ministerial or priestly authority.”

 

This means granting someone with the authority to lead a spiritual ceremony as a representative of the church. It’s similar to giving someone the power of attorney (and also very different, but we aren’t lawyers).

 

Every state has different rules about who can officiate weddings, and every state allows ordained ministers to do this task. 

 

Here at American Marriage Ministries, when we ordain someone, we are deputizing them to act as ministers of our church in the capacity of a wedding officiant. We’re saying, “you can officiate weddings as one of our ministers.”

 

As a Federally Recognized 501(c)3 Church, when we ordain someone it carries legal weight because our ordained ministers represent a nationally recognized church. 

 

Famous and influential figures like Lisa Vanderpump get ordained - and you can, too!

 

Getting ordained with us doesn’t mean that you are an employee. It doesn’t mean that you need to give us money every year. (FYI: Our ordination also happens to be free.) You don’t have to attend meetings. All we ask is that you agree with our core beliefs of marriage equality and freedom. The three tenets upon which we're founded are:

 

1. All people, regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation, have the right to marry.
2. It is the right of every couple to choose who will solemnize their marriage.
3. All people have the right to solemnize marriage.

 

Once you agree to these tenets and complete the form, then you, too, will become an ordained minister and have the authority to officiate weddings!

 

---

 

If you want to know more about American Marriage Ministries and the work we do both nationally and in our local communities, you can learn more here.

Do not hesitate to contact us at any time. We’re always happy to hear from you, and find ways to work together to celebrate love and progress.