The Ministerial Seminary of America
Supporting Independent Ministers
Through Education, Training and Ordinaiton
How to Get Ordained
(301)529-2895
The Ministerial Seminary of America
12154 Darnestown Road
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
info@ministerialseminary.com
How to Get Ordained
Everything You Need to Know
to Obtain a Legal Ordination
There are a lot of "get ordained now" websites on the internet these days. It can be confusing to try to figure out which ones are legitimate and which are scams. Some make it look so simple. But are they legit?
Here is a simple check list to use when trying to decide which online site you should use to obtain your online ordination.
Whether you want to perform a single wedding or begin your new ministry, you want your credentials to be legal. You want them to be honored. You want them to be valid. Following the simple check list below could help you avoid a scam operation, and provide a way for you to feel confident in the credentials you receive.
ORDINATION SITE CHECK LIST
Use this checklist for any organization that you are considering receiving ordination credentials through. (The answers should be "yes" for every question listed below)
- Does the organization have a phone number readily visible on the site that you can call?
- If you call the number, do they answer the phone or call you back within a reasonable period of time (at least three business days)?
- Does the organization list the names of its members or board members?
- Does the organization have an email address or contact form for your use? Do they respond?
- Does the organization have a physical address?
- Does the organization offer other supports for its clergy?
- Is the organization incorporated?
- Is the organization in alignment with your belief system?
- Does the organization send a "hard copy" of your certificate to you through the mail?
- Does the "hard copy" have an original signature and seal of the organization?
- Is the site secure for purchases?
If the answers to these questions are yes, this checklist can help you obtain an ordination from an organization that is dedicated to supporting your desire to get ordained. Such organizations will make themselves available to you. They will be willing to speak with you by phone to answer your questions and to try to direct you to the best of their abilities. They will offer supports to you that validate your association with their organization.
ONLINE ORDINATION "DON'TS"
(Things to be sure not to do)
- Don't be scammed. Look for a phone number, an address, or an email address on the site and use them. See if the organization gets back to you within a few days. If not, do not order your credentials through them.
- Don't be swayed because they quote the sacred text in a way that speaks to you. Make sure they walk the talk and that you can "speak" to them by phone to be assured they really exists. If there is no way to contact the organization, use another site.
- Don't obtain a "free" ordination unless you also receive a "hard copy" of a certificate. Hard copies will not be free, but you will want to keep one for your records. While some states do not require you show your credentials to perform a wedding, having a hard copy will protect you if the organization ever closes its doors and you are asked to validate your ordination for a service your performed while on their records.
- Don't rely on emailed credentials. Emailed credentials are fine if you do not have to validate your ordination in your state for the performance of a wedding. However, some individuals may challenge a credential that does not have an official signature and seal of the organization. Go the extra mile and get a signed and sealed credential.
- Don't obtain credentials from an organization that you cannot contact by phone. If you cannot speak to someone by phone, it is a pretty good indication that you will not be able to reach them if you need assistance from them in the future or if there is a problem (such as an error) with your credentials.
- Don't obtain credentials from an organization that does not have a physical or mailing address that is visible on their site.
- Online churches are legal, but tend to come and go rather quickly. Find out if the organization has a physical address. This further validates its authenticity.
- Don't rely on online interpretations regarding the legalities of performing weddings in your state. Do contact the county, or the secretary of state's office to find out what the requirements are.
Have questions?
Feel free to use the contact form below!