What Does it Take to Become an Ordained Minister?

A lot of people ask us, "What does it take to get ordained?". Generally speaking, the answer is not immediately obvious. Unlike getting a high school diploma or GED, there is no universally agreed upon criteria to determine what it takes to be ordained.

 

This is because each religious institution determines its own qualifications on what constitutes "ordination" within their organization. For instance, the qualities that the Catholic Church requires for ordination is different than those of the Episcopal Church.

 

In the United States, due to the religious non-establishment clause of the 1st amendment, there are no legal requirements, guidelines, or laws determining how a religious institution administers their ordinations. Each Church determines their own qualifications on what it takes to become ordained.

 

Ordinations conferred by American Marriage Ministries are administered according to the values of our Church. So what does it take to become an ordained minister through American Marriage Ministries? Unlike most other religious institutions we do not demand absolute fealty to a higher power or that you renounce your current beliefs, whatever they may be. Ordination through AMM is not intended to conflict to your existing worldview, but to exist in harmony with what you already believe, and to enable you to better express those values.

 

We are a religious institution with the mission of enabling people to officiate wedding ceremonies. If you agree with our three core tenets and act with honor and integrity in your capacity as an AMM minister, then you meet our qualifications for receiving ordination through AMM. Our three core tenets 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.

 

If you would like to know more about American Marriage  Ministries, our values, and our beliefs, we encourage you to check out our About Us and Theological Doctrine pages.