Researched and updated by the ordination experts at the Universal Life Church on
Getting ordained in Missouri is perhaps simpler today than it ever has been! The title of “minister” was once reserved only for those with the resources to pursue it through time-consuming, expensive (and often discriminatory) avenues. But those days are no longer. The Universal Life Church Ministries has knocked down these historic barriers by pioneering a new path to ordination that makes it simple for anyone who feels so-called to be ordained online for free.
They call Missouri the "Show-Me State", which legend holds is a nickname reflecting the stalward, unique characters of the wonderful people who call Missouri home. It's now wonder that there are so many ULC ministers in the state, and we're glad you're excited to join them by becoming ordained in Missouri!
This guide will explain how online ordination works, what legal realities you should be aware of, and, most importantly: how to become a minister in Missouri!
Getting ordained online with the Universal Life Church Ministries is as straightforward as filling out a quick form on our website. Just input a few standard details to create your account, then press submit – that’s it! Once your ordination has been processed, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to view your official digital ordination credentials on our website. To start, tap the button below!
Our ordination process is simple, 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 expansive waters of the universe. Your faith is your own, and we think it’s important that you be given the ability to pursue your beliefs however is most suitable for you – not according to a set of complicated rules set out by a distant authority.
2. Get Your Ordination Certificate
Once you’ve been ordained online, we highly recommend that you order a physical copy of your minister credentials. As an ordained minister, there are dozens (if not hundreds) of new services and ceremonies you may feel called to perform - and it’s important that you have the full scope of necessary supplies and paperwork to fulfill all of those ambitions! Presented below are some of the items that have proven to be the most popular among our ministers in Missouri.
Should these selections not align with your vision, that’s okay! We have a comprehensive catalog of ministry supplies, offering options for all of your goals, just waiting for you to explore it.
Become a Wedding Officiant in Missouri
One of the things that newly ordained ministers are most excited about is their newfound ability to perform weddings. In fact, ULC ministers perform countless successful wedding ceremonies in Missouri each year! A traditional church ceremony in Jefferson City can be wonderful, but what if a couple just wants a friend to perform a personal wedding ceremony in St. Louis? Having the freedom to go off-script can make for an amazing experience.
If you plan to officiate a wedding, it’s important to understand that because marriage is a legal ceremony, there may be some additional rules you need to consider Each state has its own laws regarding marriages and the process of performing them, so you should do your best to learn and understand what the requirements are in your area. To learn more, please visit our guide on performing weddings in Missouri.
What Can You Do With Your Ordination in Missouri?
Once you become ordained, you’ll have total freedom to choose how you want to put this new status to use. Regardless of where you’re located in the state of Missouri – from Joplin to Kinksville, you can take advantage of your status as a minister in many different ways. As an ordained minister with the ULC, you can:
Perform a wide variety of other types of ceremonies
Some members of the ULC in Missouri even go on to start their own chapels! 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 is a process of consecration that has been practiced across many different religious groups throughout history. Each faith and denomination has its own method for ordaining its members as part of the clergy – processes that can vary drastically from one belief group 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 traditionally a difficult one, requiring many years of study and the approval of church leadership – not to mention the financial backing to attend formal schooling for becoming a minister.
The ULC believes such historic 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 Missouri because we know how important it is for Missourians to be able to make their own decisions about becoming ordained, free from the barriers imposed by conventional religious bodies.
Ordination through the Universal Life Church Ministries confers all the same rights and privileges enjoyed by members of the clergy ordained through more traditional avenues. ULC ministers are entitled to conduct the same types of duties performed by other clergy members from other churches.
Are ULC Ordinations Valid in Missouri?
As an established religious organization in good standing, ordinations conferred by the Universal Life Church are fully recognized in Missouri, and ULC ministers have the ability to perform all normal clergy duties, including officiating legal wedding ceremonies.
Is it Legal to Get Ordained Online in Missouri?
Yes! The First Amendment of the Constitution grants the freedom of religion to all individuals throughout the United States, regardless of their faith or chosen modes of worship. Following its established procedures, the ULC has legally ordained thousands of ministers online in Missouri. These diligent and compassionate ministers actively engage in conducting various services and ceremonies within their communities on a regular basis.
The ULC firmly believes that everyone who feels spiritually called, regardless of their specific beliefs, should have the opportunity for ordination and the autonomy to navigate their spiritual journey. We merely require our ministers to abide by two core 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 Missouri?
The time required to attain ordination may vary depending on the chosen route. At the ULC, our core objective is to ensure ordination accessibility to all individuals hearing a calling toward that. To facilitate this, we've built an advanced online platform for ordination applications. Ordinations appropriately requested through the ULC are promptly processed, often resulting in immediate approval. Consequently, we have officially ordained thousands of ministers in Missouri who contribute greatly to their communities daily.
If you feel inclined to join our community, we extend a warm invitation to you.
How Much Does it Cost to Get Ordained in Missouri?
The avenue through which you pursue ordination significantly impacts the financial commitments involved. Attending a traditional seminary or religious graduate program often comes with hefty tuition fees, which can amount to thousands of dollars. Since its inception, the Universal Life Church (ULC) has been committed to ensuring that ordination remains accessible to all individuals, regardless of their financial status. This commitment arises from our belief in providing equal opportunities to anyone who feels called to serve. Consequently, online ordination through the ULC comes at no cost whatsoever.
This inclusive approach has empowered numerous individuals who may have otherwise been barred by financial constraints to pursue ordination and make meaningful contributions to themselves and their communities. While a modest fee is requested from ministers opting for physical supplies or credential copies to offset the associated expenses, the online ordination process itself is free of charge and open to all.
How Can You Get Ordained in Missouri for Free?
As we clarified above, online ordination with the ULC is always free of cost! If you have felt called toward the prospect of online ordination and haven't started that process, please just scroll up to step 1 on this page and hit the big blue button to initiate your short ordination application and the next great chapter in your life!
Do you have to be a resident of Missouri?
An online ordination from the ULC is not itself dependent on your area, 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 different states do sometimes have different rules and procedures for how certain ceremonies, like weddings, are meant 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 overseeing 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 Missouri
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.
