ORDINATION REQUIREMENTS

Important Clarifications Regarding Our 

Open Ordination Policy

Obtain your Ordination HERE

The Ministerial Seminary of America provides and believes in an open ordination policy.  On rare occasion, we receive emails from visitors who are confused regarding this policy.  "Of what value could an ordination certificate be to someone who has not earned it?" they sometimes ask.  Also, "If the credential is given to everyone who requests one, with no educational requirements, it must be worthless."

The following response is intended to help our visitors understand our beliefs regarding ordination.  Our ordination policy is based upon our Biblical understanding that ordination comes from God, not man, in addition to the teachings of A Course in Miracles in that we are all teachers of God with no one teacher being of more value than another.  In both teachings, the common man/woman is called to service.  Jesus did not place educational requirements on his disciples.  He simply said "follow me."  If this were not so, he would have sought out his disciples among the well-educated at the synagogue  rather than among the common fisherman.

We hope you find the following response from Rev. Barbara helpful in providing clarity as to the Seminary's beliefs surrounding the dedication of one to the service of God through ordination.

Dear Visitor,

I understand your discomfort with our practice of offering unconditional ordination.  It is an upside-down concept as compared to the conventional methods that require ordination to be earned through study. And, there are many organizations out there that are just trying to make a buck by selling them. 

However, I do not view ordination as something that can be earned through a particular course of study. If it were, it would be of man, would it not?  Because one of our foundational tenants is based on the Course’s teachings (we are all teachers of God), we cannot offer ordination as an “earned” credential.  Rather, we view ordination as a gift that comes from God (not man) through Grace, and is available to all.

Regarding your question as to of what value an unearned ordination could be, I suggest the following.  An ordination credential earned through a particular course of study can be framed and placed on the wall with honor, knowing that man has viewed the ordinate as worthy.  An unconditional ordination credential can be placed on the wall with honor, knowing that God has viewed the ordinate as worthy.  I do not find either as useless.  Each speaks to the ordinate in a manner appropriate for their learning at that time. 

Consider the possibility that the conventional concepts surrounding ordination causes a light to be shown on the institution rather than the individual, fostering competition and separateness rather than collaboration and unification among the world religions.  The Course, to me, levels the playing field, by making all equal, teaching that we are all one, united in the same Christ Consciousness.  Our ordination policy supports this belief and I would be untrue to my beliefs to change it.

It is true that there are some in the world that may not value our ordinations, but that is not my concern.  It is also true that it would most probably present a much more lucrative business model if study were required prior to ordination,  but that is not my concern either.  My concern is to be true to the answering of my own spiritual calling—to be a spiritual bridge to those who wish to serve all of God’s children regardless of race, culture, educational achievement or spiritual orientation.

I paid particular attention to your use of the word “dangerous,” as though the ordinations granted upon completion of a specific course of study are not dangerous, while those granted prior to a particular course of study are.

I guess if viewed in the light that ordination must be earned upon receiving a passing grade by a conventional institution, I can understand how you would choose that word. However, I believe that a validation of a calling from God that reinforces the equality of all God’s children to the ministry, is not innately dangerous. 

It is true that the world views clergy as individuals of authority, thus granting them the opportunity to practice power over the other, if they choose.  Yet, history has shown us that neither educational level nor religious affiliation protects us from “dangerous” clergy.   One need only take a walk through history to see how conventional religious clergy can run amok.  From the Crusades to the present day struggle with zealots hijacking the foundations of world religions, in addition to the more recent scandal of sexual abuse of children by clergy, one cannot conclude that the actions of clergy members will be virtuous based upon  a course of study, degree or conventional ordination process.

Certifications, by contrast, are earned credentials through the seminary.  As such, they are of man and involve specific course requirements. They are earned through diligent study, reflection and prayer. 

Our students are sincerely interested in learning and bettering themselves by way of education.   Because they have already obtained their ordination, our student’s motives are simply to grow in God.  Students of the seminary come from all walks of life, and include men, women, young, old, and the physically challenged.  Many students have already completed traditional studies and have earned graduate degrees from some of our fine accredited universities and practice as doctors, lawyers, priests, rabbis, university professors and in other professional careers. 

We also have students who have pulled themselves off of streets infested with crime and drug use.  Their call to be of service is no less valid and their desire to gain knowledge through study is supported through the facilitation of their study programs.  The knowledge gained through their life experience cannot be learned in a classroom.  The wisdom that all students have earned and the spirituality that they possess, brings a balance and perspective to our student population. 

I hope that this helps address some of your concerns and adds clarity to the purpose and intent of The Ministerial Seminary of America.   In closing, I will refer to the writings of Thomas Moore in his renowned book, “The Soul’s Religion.”  Moore quotes Rabbi Lawrence Kushner’s blessing:

May your eyes shine with the light of holy words,

And your face reflect the brightness of the heavens. *

Moore expands upon Kushner blessing by adding:

“Notice that the object of learning here is not a new pile of facts or a student able to score well on an exam.  Signs of learning are shining eyes and a bright face made so by holy words and the brightness of the heavens.  Taking these words seriously suggests that spiritual education requires a special vocabulary and style of teaching coupled with the viewpoint of the eternal.  The intention of the instruction is obviously important as well.  The teacher or program of learning that distinguishes between dispensing information and initiating a person into spiritual matters has a chance to transform the learner.”*

* Moore, Thomas, The Soul’s Religion, Creating a Profoundly Spiritual Way of Life, 2002, Harper Collins, Page 257