Researched and updated by the ordination experts at the Universal Life Church on
Becoming ordained in Arizona has never been easier! The title of “minister” was once set aside only for those with the resources to pursue it through time-consuming, costly (and rather judgmental) avenues. But those days are no longer. The Universal Life Church Ministries has toppled these old barriers by pioneering a new path to ordination that makes it easier for anyone who feels so-called to get ordained online for free.
Arizona has a long and rich history of playing host to and celebrating many different faiths, including ULC Ministers. By getting ordained in Arizona, you'll play an integral role in that vibrant tapestry.
This guide will explain how online ordination works, the legal facts you should be aware of, and, most importantly: how to become a minister in Arizona!
Becoming ordained online with the Universal Life Church Ministries is as simple as filling out a small form on our website. Just enter a few details to create an account, then hit submit – that’s all! Once your ordination has been processed, you’ll receive an email including a link to view your official digital ordination certificate on the website. To begin, click the button below!
The ordination process is straightforward, fast, and entirely free. Why? Because we believe everyone has the right to captain their own spiritual ship and chart their own course through the universe. Faith is personal, and we think it’s important that you be given the ability to pursue your beliefs however is most appropriate for you – not according to some complex set of rules handed down by a distant governing body.
2. Get Your Ordination Certificate
Once you have your online ordination, securing a physical copy of your credentials is recommended. No matter what services or ceremonies you hope to perform as a minister, it's crucial to gather all the requisite materials and paperwork to ensure that you are prepared for anything! Here are the items we see requested most-often by our ministers in Arizona.
If these selections don't align with your goals, don’t worry! You're welcome to browse through our comprehensive inventory of ministry essentials to find exactly what you need.
Become a Wedding Officiant in Arizona
Many ULC ministers perform wedding ceremonies as a part of their ministries. In fact, ULC ministers have performed thousands of successful wedding ceremonies in Arizona over the years! A traditional church ceremony in Tempe can be wonderful, but what if a couple just wants a friend to perform a Fast and Fun Wedding Ceremony in Phoenix? Having the freedom to go off-script can make for a deeply personal experience.
If you plan to officiate a wedding, it’s important to understand that because marriage is a legal ceremony, there are additional rules that apply. Each state has its own laws regarding marriages and the process of performing them, so you’ll need to know about the requirements that apply in your area. To learn more, please visit our guide on performing weddings in Arizona.
What Can You Do With Your Ordination in Arizona?
Once you are ordained, you’ll have the freedom to decide how you want to put this new status to use. Regardless of where you’re located in the state of Arizona – from Sierra Vista to Lake Powell, you can take advantage of your status as a minister in many different ways. As an ordained minister with the ULC, you can:
Some ministers of the ULC in Arizona even go on to form their own ministires! To learn more about the different directions you can take and how to study these varying specialties, visit our Minister Training Center.
What Does it Mean to Be Ordained?
Ordination is a consecration ceremony that has been adapted across many different religious groups through all of history. Every faith and denomination has its own method for ordaining members to be clergy – processes that can vary quite a lot from one belief system to the next. In the simplest sense, getting ordained indicates that powers have been vested in you by a higher authority to become a minister and carry out duties such as performing ceremonies.
The path to ordination was historically a difficult one, requiring several years of study and the approval of leadership – not to mention the financial resources needed to attend formal minister schooling.
The ULC believes such traditional routes are unnecessarily restrictive, which is why we’ve opened the doors of ordination to all those who seek it through a unique online model. We offer this option in Arizona because we know how important it is for Arizonans to be able to make their own decisions about becoming ordained, free from the barriers imposed by more traditional religious bodies.
Ordination through the Universal Life Church Ministries confers all of the same rights and privileges enjoyed by members of the clergy ordained via other routes. ULC ministers are empowered to conduct the same types of duties performed by other clergy members from other organizations and denominations.
Are ULC Ordinations Valid in Arizona?
As an established religious organization in good standing, ordinations conferred by the Universal Life Church are fully recognized in Arizona, and ULC ministers have the authority to perform all normal clergy duties, including officiating legal wedding ceremonies.
Is it Legal to Get Ordained Online in Arizona?
Yes! Ensuring the protection of religious freedom for all individuals, the First Amendment of the Constitution guarantees this right throughout the United States, irrespective of one's faith or manner of observance. As per its procedures, the ULC has legally ordained thousands of ministers online in Arizona. These conscientious and insightful ministers actively engage in conducting various services and ceremonies within their local communities on a regular basis.
The ULC advocates for the belief that anyone who feels a spiritual calling, regardless of their specific beliefs, should have the opportunity to access ordination and the ability to navigate their own spiritual path. We simply require our ministers to adhere to two guiding principles:
Do that which is right, and
Every individual is free to practice their religion in the manner of their choosing, so long as that expression does not impinge upon the rights or freedoms of others and is in accordance with the government's laws.
How Long Does it Take to Get Ordained in Arizona?
Wondering about the timeline for becoming ordained? Well, it hinges on the avenue you opt for. At the ULC, we are committed to making ordination easily attainable for those who feel called toward that rite. Hence, we've developed a user-friendly online platform for ordination applications. Ordinations appropriately sought through the ULC are promptly reviewed, often leading to swift approval. As a result, we have officially ordained thousands of ministers in Arizona who make noteworthy contributions to their communities every day.
If you're contemplating joining our community, we'd be delighted to welcome you aboard.
How Much Does it Cost to Get Ordained in Arizona?
The avenue you select for ordination dictates the financial obligations involved. Enrolling in a traditional seminary or religious graduate program often demands significant tuition fees, running into thousands of dollars. From its inception, the Universal Life Church (ULC) has been steadfast in its commitment to ensuring ordination remains accessible to all, irrespective of financial circumstances. This commitment stems from our belief in providing equal opportunities to individuals answering the call to serve. Consequently, online ordination through the ULC is entirely cost-free.
This inclusive approach has empowered numerous individuals, who may have otherwise been deterred by financial constraints, to pursue ordination and make meaningful contributions to themselves and their communities. While a small fee is requested from ministers opting for physical supplies or credential copies to offset associated costs, the online ordination process itself carries no charges and is open to everyone.
How Can You Get Ordained in Arizona for Free?
As stated above, online ordination with the ULC is always free of charge! If you are feeling called toward online ordination and haven't started that process just yet, please just scroll up to the first step on this page and tap the big blue button to start your ordination application and the next big journey in your life!
Do you have to be a resident of Arizona?
An online minister ordination from the ULC is not itself tied to any one state, meaning that you only need to get ordained once and that ordination itself is valid no matter where in the country you happen to be.
You should be aware that different states do sometimes have different regulations for how certain ceremonies, like weddings, are meant to be performed - so prior to performing any ceremony with legal importance we always suggest that you contact the government office that will be implementing the results of that ceremony ahead of time to ensure that you have all of the paperwork you'll need.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Get Ordained in Arizona
The Universal Life Church requires that all those who apply for online ordination be at least 18 years of age or older. This age restriction, along with other policies and procedures related to the ordination process, are made clear as you are completing the application form. Any ordination application that is made under false pretenses or in violation of our terms and conditions will be automatically considered void, and we will not be able to defend the legitimacy of any ordination granted under false pretenses or otherwise in violation of our guidelines.
