Researched and updated by the ordination experts at the Universal Life Church on
Looking to get ordained in Minnesota? In this guide, we'll walk you through each step of the process and talk about the many advantages of being an ordained minister. As you probably know, it wasn't so long ago that becoming a minister meant a lengthy formal schooling process (which didn't come cheap, by the way). Not only that, but certain segments of the population were frequently excluded due to their immutable characteristics.
But online ordination with the Universal Life Church flipped that script on its head. The ULC has proudly dismantled those historic barriers to participation in ministry by pioneering a new online model for ordination that allows anyone who feels so-called to get ordained. And the best part? Ordination is free, and the process can be done 100% online.
With a long history of fighting for social justice, Minnesotans truly live up to the ideals doing that which is right. Because of this, it makes sense that those in the land of ten thousand lakes choose the Universal Life Church when it comes to getting ordained online.
Below, we'll explain how online ordination works, the different ways it can be put to use, and (of course) show you have to become a minister in Minnesota!
Getting ordained with the Universal Life Church Ministries is a straightforward process. All that's needed is to fill out a brief form on our website, press submit, and your ordination will be instantly processed. Once you see your digital ordination credentials pop up, it's official: you're now a minister! You'll also get an email from us confirming your ordination, so keep an eye on your inbox. When you're ready to get started, hit the button below!
You might be thinking: "why is ULC ordination this simple?" The answer stems from our guiding philosophy: that everyone should have the opportunity to follow their own spiritual path, wherever that may lead. Faith is inherently unique to each individual – and because it's so personal, it can mean different things to different people. Unlike traditional religious organizations that impose their views top-down on members, the ULC takes a different approach. We believe that anyone who feels so-called should be able to pursue their faith journey in the way that makes the most sense to them. And empowering folks to do this begins with an ordination process that is accessible to everyone.
2. Get Your Ordination Certificate
Following your online ordination, you should obtain a hard copy of your credentials. Regardless of the ministerial endeavors you undertake, it's important to equip yourself with the essential supplies and paperwork to aid you moving forward! Below are some of the frequently sought-after items among our ministers in Minnesota.
No matter how you choose to use your ordination, know that we're committed to help you obtain whatever minister supplies you might need to take your next steps with confidence!
Become a Wedding Officiant in Minnesota
Among the many reasons that people choose to get ordained online is to officiate legal wedding ceremonies. Every year, ULC ministers perform scores of successful wedding ceremonies all across Minnesota. Some people become a minister just to perform a wedding for a friend or family member, but many members of the ULC have gone on to start careers as professional wedding officiants in Minnesota!
A lot of fun can be had with an ordination from ULC; you may get the opportunity to officiate a humorous wedding ceremony in International Falls. In fact, you may even be requested to preside over a funny wedding ceremony in the promenade of the Mall of America.
If you think officiating a wedding could be in your future, you'll want to get up to speed on the rules and requirements for doing so in Minnesota. As marriages are legal ceremonies, it's important to follow the correct processes in order for the wedding to be recognized.
As these rules vary from place to place, once you know where the ceremony will be held, you should read up on the requirements in that area to make sure you know what's required to officiate. To learn more, check out our step-by-step guide on how to perform a wedding in Minnesota.
What Can You Do With Your Ordination in Minnesota?
Getting ordained is only the beginning of this journey! Once your ordination is confirmed, you will have all types of doors open to you. Work with an ordination from ULC can take you from busy cities like St. Paul, to towns off the beaten path, such as Littlefork.
We've heard from many of our members in Minnesota who have even proceeded to start their own churches! To learn more about the possibilities available to ULC ministers, please visit the Minister Training Center.
What Ordination Means in Minnesota
The concept of ordination exists across many different belief systems, and has been practiced for centuries. This formal act of consecration confers upon individuals the power of leadership status within a religious organization. With this status typically comes the authority to perform clergy duties, such as performing ceremonies.
The process itself can differ markedly from one religious tradition to another, but every faith system has its own specific methods for ordaining members. Historically, there were plenty of barriers to becoming ordained. To even be considered for clergyhood, members typically had to study for years, pay for expensive schooling, and pass numerous tests. Ordination also meant conforming to the standards set by church, no matter how strict or how well they aligned with one's personal identity or views.
The ULC views this traditional style of ordination as archaic, unfair, and most of all, exclusionary. That's why we've reimagined the ordination process from the ground up, pioneering a new online model that allows anyone who feels so-called to become a minister.
Furthermore, getting ordained via the Universal Life Church Ministries bestows upon you the same authority and rights under the law that apply to ministers of more traditional faith backgrounds. With the power of the Constitution at their side, ULC ministers in Minnesota have the privilege of performing duties that were historically reserved only for members of the clergy from traditional faith institutions.
Why ULC Ordinations Are Valid in Minnesota
The Universal Life Church Ministries is an established organization in good standing in Minnesota, meaning that all ordinations conferred by the ULC are valid there. Our ministers enjoy the authority to carry out all the duties performed by other clergy members, including the power to officiate legal wedding ceremonies.
Is it Legal to Get Ordained Online in Minnesota?
Yes! The First Amendment of the Constitution generously extends the freedom of religion to all individuals across the United States, irrespective of their religious affiliations or modes of observance. In accordance with its practices, the ULC has duly ordained thousands of ministers online in Minnesota. These diligent and insightful ministers dutifully conduct various services and ceremonies within their communities on a daily basis.
The ULC firmly asserts that anyone who feels the calling, regardless of their specific beliefs, should be granted the opportunity for ordination and the autonomy to navigate their spiritual journey. We only require our ministers to uphold two fundamental 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 Minnesota?
The time it takes to achieve ordination depends on the specific path you choose. At the ULC, our mission is to ensure that ordination is accessible to all who feel the calling. To this end, we have established an efficient online platform for ordination applications. Ordinations properly requested through the ULC are typically processed promptly, often resulting in immediate approval. Consequently, we have legally ordained thousands of ministers in Minnesota who contribute significantly to their communities daily.
If you are considering joining our community, we extend a warm invitation to you.
How Much Does it Cost to Get Ordained in Minnesota?
The path you take to become ordained greatly influences the costs involved. Attending a traditional seminary or religious graduate program can incur hefty tuition fees, often running into thousands of dollars. The Universal Life Church (ULC) has been steadfast since its start in ensuring that ordination remains accessible to all, regardless of financial means. One of the significant reasons behind this commitment is our belief in providing equal opportunities to anyone who feels called to serve. Hence, online ordination through the ULC comes at absolutely no cost.
This approach has empowered countless individuals, who might otherwise have been deterred by financial constraints, to pursue ordination and contribute positively to both themselves and their communities. While we do request a nominal fee from ministers opting for physical supplies or credential copies to help us cover the associated expenses, the online ordination process itself incurs no charges and is open to everyone.
How Can You Get Ordained in Minnesota for Free?
As indicated earlier, online ordination with the ULC is always free! If you are interested seeking online ordination and haven't done so yet, please just scroll up to step 1 on this page and hit the big blue button to start your ordination application and the next great adventure in your life!
Do you have to be a resident of Minnesota?
An online ordination from the ULC is not itself state-specific, meaning that you only need to get ordained once and that ordination itself is valid no matter where you are located.
You should be aware that differing states do sometimes have differing rules and procedures for how ceremonies, like weddings, are supposed to be performed - so prior to performing any ceremony with legal significance we always suggest that you reach out to the government office that will be governing the results of that ceremony ahead of time to ensure that you have all of the documentation you'll need.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Get Ordained in Minnesota
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.
