Researched and updated by the ordination experts at the Universal Life Church on
Getting ordained in Michigan has never been simpler! The title of “minister” was once reserved only for those with the resources to pursue it through time-consuming, costly (and for certain people, inaccessible) avenues. But those days are gone: the Universal Life Church Ministries has demolished these traditional barriers by pioneering a new path to ordination that makes it simple for anyone who feels so-called to get ordained online for free.
Did you know that anywhere you stand in Michigan, you're no further than 85 miles from one of the Great Lakes? Here's another fun fact: you're probably even closer to a ULC minister! That's because many Michiganders have taken the step to get ordained online.
Ready to join them? This guide will explain how online ordination works, what legal considerations you ought to make, and, most importantly: how to become a minister in Michigan!
Becoming ordained online with the Universal Life Church Ministries is as simple as filling out a short form on our website. Just input a few basic details to create your account, then hit submit – that’s it! Once your ordination has been processed, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a link to view your official digital ordination certificate on our website. To begin, click the button below!
Our 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 throughout their life. Your faith is your own, 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 arbitrary set of rules laid out by someone else.
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 Michigan.
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 Michigan
Many ordained ministers hope to solemnize wedding ceremonies for their loved ones and congregants. In fact, ULC ministers officiate countless successful wedding ceremonies in Michigan each year! A traditional church wedding in Ann Arbor can be wonderful, but what if a couple just wants a friend to perform a personal wedding ceremony at the University of Michigan campus? Having the freedom to get creative can actualize amazing experiences for all involved.
If you plan to perform a wedding, it’s important to understand that because marriage is a legal ceremony, there are some specific 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 Michigan.
What Can You Do With Your Ordination in Michigan?
Once you are ordained, you’ll have the freedom to choose how you want to put this new status to use. Regardless of where you are in Michigan – from Detroit to Grand Rapids, you can take advantage of your status as a minister in many different ways. As an ordained minister with the ULC, you can:
Officiate a wide variety of other types of ceremonies
Some members of the ULC in Michigan even go on to start their own churches! To learn more about the potential directions you can take and how to study up on these different specialties, visit our Minister Training Center.
What Does it Mean to Be Ordained?
Ordination, as a practice, has been observed by many different religious groups throughout history. Most faiths and denominations have their own method for ordaining members as part of their clergy – processes that can vary quite significantly from one belief system to another. 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 many years of study and the approval of leadership – not to mention the financial backing to attend formal schooling for becoming a minister.
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 Michigan because we know how important it is for Michiganders to be able to make their own decisions about becoming ordained, free from the barriers imposed by conventional religious bodies.
A Universal Life Church Ministries ordination confers all the same rights and privileges enjoyed by members of the clergy ordained through more traditional avenues. ULC ministers are empowered to conduct the same types of duties performed by other clergy members from other faith organizations.
Are ULC Ordinations Valid in Michigan?
As an established religious organization in good standing, ordinations granted by the Universal Life Church are fully recognized in Michigan, and ULC ministers have the authority to perform all normal clergy duties, including solemnizing legal wedding ceremonies.
Is it Legal to Get Ordained Online in Michigan?
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 Michigan. 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 Michigan?
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 Michigan 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 Michigan?
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 Michigan 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 Michigan?
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 Michigan
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.
