Researched and updated by the ordination experts at the Universal Life Church on
Curious how to get ordained in New Mexico? Well, good news: 1) the process is incredibly simple, and 2) we'll walk you through it step-by-step. There was a time when becoming a minister required thousands of hours (and dollars). Not to mention, candidates had to check certain arbitrary boxes to even be considered for the position.
Thanks to the Universal Life Church, those days are over. The ULC has shattered these institutional barriers and pioneered a brand new system that allows anyone who feels called to ministry to become ordained. Even better: this process is free and can be completed entirely online.
The people of New Mexico's love for the outdoors and for nature finds a close parallel with the ULC's official motto: "we are all children of the same universe." The natural beauty of New Mexico draws people from all sorts of backgrounds, including many who get ordained to become more spiritually connected to the landscape.
In this guide, we'll explore what ordination is, explain how it gets issued online, and show you how to become a minister in New Mexico!
1. Fill Out Your New Mexico Ordination Application
Becoming ordained as a member of the Universal Life Church Ministries couldn't be easier. Just fill out the quick form on our website to create an account, inputting your basic details. When you press submit, allow a few moments for your ordination to be processed. Once that's done, you'll officially be a minister! Please keep an eye out for an email from us confirming your ordination status. You'll also see a link to view your new digital credential and to order any physical documents you might need. To begin, click the button below!
Why do we make ordination so simple? The ease of this process we've designed stems from our belief that every person should be granted the right to chart their own spiritual course in the universe. Each individual has their own unique conception of faith – what it means to them, what aspects are most important, and how best to go about it. As opposed to a traditional institution that sets all manner of rules regarding these questions, the ULC puts that power in the hands of its ministers to decide for themselves. And that empowerment begins with making ordination accessible to all.
2. Get Your Ordination Certificate
Upon receiving your online ordination, we advise that you get to work on obtaining a copy of your credentials. Regardless of what you plan to do as a minister, and what ceremonies you hope to perform, it's vital that you gather all the supplies and documentation you’ll need so that you don’t encounter any roadblocks. We’ve ordained quite a few ministers in New Mexico, and these are the supplies they indicate have been the most helpful:
No matter what path you take with your ordination, please rest assured that we're committed to facilitating your access to the religious resources required for your journey ahead!
Become a Wedding Officiant in New Mexico
One common reason to become a minister online is to gain the power to officiate wedding ceremonies. Did you know that each year, ULC ministers perform myriad wedding ceremonies across the state of New Mexico? Some people get ordained to perform a wedding for a friend or family member, while others even go on to officiate weddings professionally in New Mexico!
Be prepared to officiate any type of ceremony, as every couple will have their own preference. For example, you may find yourself asked to perform a fast and fun wedding ceremony in Los Lunas. Your next couple might be looking for a romantic wedding ceremony performed in the basket of one of Albuquerque's iconic hot air balloons!
If performing a wedding is in your future plans, there are a few important things to keep in mind. For one, because weddings are legal ceremonies, ministers must follow specific rules in order for the union to be recognized. These rules are generally set at the state level, but can also vary from county to county within a state. Once you know where the wedding will take place, you'll need to read up on the requirements in that area and make sure you understand how to check all the necessary legal boxes. For more information, please visit our guide on how to perform a wedding in New Mexico.
What Can You Do With Your Ordination in New Mexico?
After becoming ordained, you'll have complete freedom to decide how you want to take advantage of this new status. By getting ordained, ministers have the right to perform a wide range of ceremonies anywhere in New Mexico, whether they're in Roswell or Farmington!
Officiate a wide variety of other types of ceremonies
Some members of the ULC in New Mexico even decide to start their own ministries or churches! To read more about these possibilities and learn how to prepare for them, please visit our Minister Training Center.
What Ordination Means in New Mexico
Ordination is an ancient concept that has been practiced across many different faiths dating back for thousands of years. This act of consecration differs from one belief system to the next, and every faith (and oftentimes each denomination within a larger faith organization) has its own specific practices for ordaining members of the clergy. In the most basic sense, becoming ordained means that the organization confers upon you leadership status and the power to perform certain clergy duties, including presiding over ceremonies.
Historically, the process of becoming ordained was not an easy one. It typically required candidates for clergyhood to undertake years of study, as well as conform to certain standards set by the faith's leadership figures. And one cannot ignore about the financial resources necessary to pursue this formal schooling, either.
In the eyes of the ULC, this institutional path to ordination is exclusionary and unfair. That's why our process looks entirely different; we've created a new ordination model that allows anyone to pursue this route in life.
Best of all, becoming ordained as a member of the Universal Life Church Ministries brings with it equal powers and privileges enjoyed by other clergy members from more traditional faith backgrounds. As is their right under the Constitution, ministers of the ULC in New Mexico can conduct all the same duties historically performed by institutional members of the clergy from other denominations.
Why ULC Ordinations Are Valid in New Mexico
The Universal Life Church Ministries is recognized as a religious organization in good standing in New Mexico. As such, all ordinations issued through the ULC are fully valid in New Mexico and our ministers are granted the authority to carry out all typical duties of the clergy, which include performing legally-binding marriage ceremonies.
Is it Legal to Get Ordained Online in New Mexico?
Yes! The First Amendment of the Constitution extends the invaluable freedom of religion to every individual across the United States, regardless of their personal beliefs or chosen forms of worship. In accordance with its protocols, the ULC has duly ordained thousands of ministers online in New Mexico. These wise and compassionate ministers actively conduct a myriad of services and ceremonies within their respective communities on a daily basis.
The ULC firmly advocates that anyone who feels compelled to pursue a spiritual calling, regardless of their specific beliefs, should have the opportunity for ordination and the liberty to navigate their spiritual journey. We only require our ministers to uphold two fundamental tenets:
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 New Mexico?
Ever wondered how long it takes to get ordained? Well, it depends on the pathway you select. At the ULC, our primary focus is on ensuring ordination accessibility for all who feel called. To facilitate this, we've established an innovative online platform for ordination applications. Ordinations that are properly requested through the ULC are swiftly reviewed, typically resulting in near-immediate approval. As a result, we have officially ordained thousands of ministers in New Mexico who actively contribute to their communities daily.
If you're considering joining our community, we extend a sincere welcome to you.
How Much Does it Cost to Get Ordained in New Mexico?
The method you choose for ordination significantly influences the financial commitments involved. Attending a traditional seminary or religious graduate program often entails substantial tuition expenses, which can amount to thousands of dollars. Since its beginning, the Universal Life Church (ULC) has been dedicated to ensuring that ordination remains accessible to all individuals, regardless of their financial circumstances. This dedication stems from our belief in providing equal opportunities to anyone who feels compelled to serve. As a result, online ordination through the ULC is completely free of charge.
This inclusive approach has empowered countless individuals who may have otherwise been blocked by financial limitations to pursue ordination and positively impact both themselves and their communities. While a nominal fee is requested from ministers opting for physical supplies or credential copies to cover the associated costs, the online ordination process itself is free of charges and is open to all.
How Can You Get Ordained in New Mexico for Free?
As noted above, online ordination with the ULC is always free! If you are interested in applying for online ordination and haven't done so already, please just scroll up to step 1 on this page and hit the big blue button to begin your ordination application and the next amazing adventure in your life!
Do you have to be a resident of New Mexico?
An online ordination from the ULC is not itself location-specific, meaning that you only need to get ordained one time and that ordination itself is valid no matter where in the universe you happen to be located.
You ought to be aware that different locations do sometimes have different rules and procedures for how certain ceremonies, like weddings, are meant to be performed - so prior to performing any ceremony or service with legal implications we always suggest that you reach out to the governmental office that will be overseeing 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 New Mexico
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.
