What is an Ordained Minister?
If you are considering a career in ministry, you may be wondering how to become an ordained minister. Being ordained as a minister is a requirement for many church denominations. Ordained ministers provide spiritual leadership to religious congregations as pastors and within institutions as chaplains. Typical duties for clergy include providing spiritual counseling, preaching for and leading worship services and officiating at community rituals such as weddings and funerals. The responsibilities of guiding parishioners in both their spiritual and personal lives may be stressful for some individuals. In addition, ministers must sometimes deal with difficult or demanding church members who may hold positions of high esteem within the church.
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The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a median annual salary of $50,400 for all clergy in May 2019.
Requirements to Become an Ordained Minister
In many cases the requirements to become an ordained minister include completion of a degree. It's common for an ordained minister to have a master's degree in divinity or ministry, but an undergraduate degree may be accepted. You will have to meet ordination credentials issued by either a congregation or denomination. You also need to have good judgement, strong speaking skills, and good listening skills.
Steps to Become an Ordained Minister
Do you want to know how to be an ordained minister? Let's see what steps you'll need to take if you want to become an ordained minister.
Step 1: Research Denominational Requirements
There is no one set of rules for ordination, so it's important that you research your own church or denomination's requirements for ordination. Usually, the best way to get started is to talk to the minister who serves the church. He or she can discuss how to become ordained. The minister can explain the ordination process, requirements, and assist the inquirer in beginning the process of candidacy.
- Visit the official denominational website. Denominational websites usually include information on the ordination process. Large denominations may direct inquirers to a regional website, as some regional governing bodies may have different processes than others.
Step 2: Begin Candidacy Process to Be Ordained as a Pastor
The process of candidacy to become ordained often begins with meeting a committee from the church. The committee and you will work together to determine whether you have the spiritual and personal qualities necessary for ordained ministry. In some denominations, you will meet the denominational officials and may begin a formal application process to be acknowledged as a ministerial candidate.
Step 3: Choose a School and Complete a Ministry Degree
Most, though not all, denominations require clergy to complete an educational program as a condition of ordination. Many people get their ministry education by enrolling in a Master of Divinity degree program at a theological seminary, though some denominations also recognize bachelor's degrees or other types of educational credentials earned at undergraduate schools or Bible institutes.
- Consider a school sponsored by one's own denomination. Many denominations require ministry candidates to complete coursework in denominational policy and it is usually easiest to find these courses at an affiliated school.
- Complete internships, field education or clinical pastoral education (CPE). Depending on school and denominational policy as well as your own career plans, you may serve as an intern or student minister in a church while completing your degree program. Those wishing to specialize in pastoral counseling or work as chaplains often complete CPE by working in a chaplaincy department at a local hospital.
Step 4: Attend Pastoral Interviews and Complete Ministry Evaluations
During the candidacy process, you may be asked to complete several interviews and evaluations. In addition to undergoing a background check, you may be required to undergo a psychological evaluation and even be required to provide the denomination with a credit report. You may also be expected to meet with one or more committees to discuss your theology, faith journey, doctrine and plans for future ministry.
Step 5: Become Ordained
If you meet the qualifications necessary for being ordained as a pastor, you will be able to schedule an ordination ceremony. These ceremonies vary significantly according to the denominational or church policies. This is a Typically, a senior clergy person, bishop or denominational official conducts the ceremony, which affirms the ministerial call and gifts of the person being ordained.
Step 6: Seek Placement as an Ordained Minister
If you are not already serving in a ministry role, you should begin looking for a job. In some denominations, a bishop or denominational official will place you in a church or ministry setting while other denominations require clergy to find their own jobs by making contact with congregations or institutions who are seeking a minister.
To become an ordained minister, you must meet the requirements set forth by your church, which may include attending interviews and evaluations and earning a college degree before you can become ordained through the church.
How to Become Ordained Online
You may be interested in officiating a wedding for a friend or relative and may be wondering if there are ways to get ordained online. Multiple organizations exist that offer the opportunity to become ordained online. These organizations include:
- Christian Global Outreach Ministries
- Universal Life Church
- United National Ministry
- American Fellowship Church
- Christian Harvest Church
The online ordination process can often be completed quickly; often during the same day. The steps involved in the process vary depending upon the specific organization. The costs for getting ordained online range from free to several hundred dollars. If you are looking to become an ordained minister online and officiate weddings, you will want to research the wedding laws in your state to see if your ordination is considered valid. You also may need to register and get a license to legally officiate weddings in your state, county or town.