Researched and updated by the ordination experts at the Universal Life Church on
Getting ordained in Ohio is more possible today than ever before! The title of “minister” was once reserved only for those with the resources to pursue it through time-consuming, costly (and sometimes judgmental) avenues. But those days are no longer. The Universal Life Church Ministries has knocked down these barriers by engineering a new path to ordination that makes it easier for anyone who feels so-called to get ordained online for free.
Ohio is known for producing leaders, including a record eight U.S. presidents! It's not surprising, then, that so many Ohioans have proudly accepted the title of "minister."
Are you ready to follow the same path? This page will explain how online ordination works, what legal aspects you should be aware of, and, most importantly: how to become a minister in Ohio!
Getting ordained online with the Universal Life Church Ministries starts with filling out a short form on our website. Just input a few basic details to create your account, then press 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 direct 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 appropriate for you – not according to some arbitrary set of rules laid out by distant outsiders.
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 Ohio.
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 Ohio
Many folks who are ordained by the ULC hope to perform wedding ceremonies as part of their ministry. ULC ministers perform countless successful wedding ceremonies in Ohio each year! A traditional church ceremony in Cleveland can be wonderful, but what if a couple just wants a friend to perform a fast and fun wedding on the shores of Lake Erie? Having the ability to go off-script can make for an extra-memorable experience.
If you plan to officiate a wedding, it’s vital 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 Ohio.
What Can You Do With Your Ordination in Ohio?
Once you become ordained, you’ll have total freedom to choose how you want to put this new status to use. Regardless of where in Ohio you call home – from Dayton to Akron, you can take advantage of your title of "ordained minister" in many meaningful ways. As an ordained minister with the ULC, you can:
Some members of the ULC in Ohio even go on to begin their own churches! To learn more about the many 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 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 church 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 avenue in Ohio because we know how important it is for Buckeyes 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 empowered to conduct the same types of duties performed by other clergy members from other organizations and denominations.
Are ULC Ordinations Valid in Ohio?
As an established religious organization in good standing, ordinations conferred by the Universal Life Church are fully recognized in Ohio, 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 Ohio?
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 Ohio. 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 Ohio?
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 Ohio 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 Ohio?
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 Ohio 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 Ohio?
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 Ohio
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.
