Researched and updated by the ordination experts at the Universal Life Church on
The process to get ordained in Pennsylvania has perhaps never been easier! 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 old barriers by pioneering a new path to ordination that makes it simple for anyone who feels so-called to become ordained online for free.
Pennsylvania is home to a deep and fascinating history of religious freedom and standing up to antiquated norms in the name of improving the collective human experience. In modern times, many Pennsylvanians have continued this rich tradition by getting ordained through the ULC!
This guide will explain how online ordination works, what legal aspects you should be aware of, and, most importantly: how to become a minister in Pennsylvania!
1. Fill Out Your Pennsylvania Ordination Application
Getting ordained online with the Universal Life Church Ministries is as easy as 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 digital ordination certificate on our website. To begin, tap the button below!
Our ordination process is straightforward, fast, and free of cost. Why? Because we believe everyone has the right to captain their own spiritual ship and chart their own course through the universe. Your faith is your own, and we think it’s vital that you be given the ability to pursue your beliefs however is most right for you – not according to some arbitrary set of rules laid out by an outside governing body.
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 Pennsylvania.
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 Pennsylvania
Many of those who become ordained by the ULC go on to perform ceremonies like marriages! In fact, ULC ministers perform many successful wedding ceremonies in Pennsylvania each year! A traditional church ceremony in Philadelphia can be wonderful, but what if the couple would rather plan a simpler outdoor wedding with a sand ceremony at Valley Forge National Historic Park? Having the freedom to break the mold can create amazing experiences for the couple and officiant alike.
If you plan to officiate a wedding, it’s important to understand that marriage is a legal ceremony, so there are additional rules that apply. Each state has its own laws regarding marriages and the process of solemizing those, 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 Pennsylvania.
What Can You Do With Your Ordination in Pennsylvania?
Once you become ordained, you’ll have the freedom to choose how you want to put this new status to use. Regardless of where you’re located in the state of Pennsylvania – from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia, you can take advantage of your status as a minister in many different ways. As an ordained minister with the ULC, you may have the opportunity to:
Conduct a wide variety of other types of ceremonies
Some members of the ULC in Pennsylvania 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 is a tradition of consecration that has been practiced across many faith groups throughout history. Each religion 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 like performing ceremonies.
The road to ordination was traditionally a difficult one to travel, requiring many years of study and the green light of church leadership – not to mention the financial resources needed to attend formal schooling for becoming a minister.
The ULC believes these traditional routes are too 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 Pennsylvania because we know how important it is for Pennsylvanians to have the freedom to make their own decisions about becoming ordained, unconstrained by the barriers imposed by more conventional religious bodies.
Ordination through the Universal Life Church Ministries confers all of the same rights and privileges enjoyed by members of the clergy ordained by more traditional churches. 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 Pennsylvania?
As an established religious organization in good standing, ordinations conferred by the Universal Life Church are fully recognized in Pennsylvania, and ULC ministers have the authority to perform all regular clergy duties, including officiating legal wedding ceremonies.
Is it Legal to Get Ordained Online in Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania. 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 Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania
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.
