Researched and updated by the ordination experts at the Universal Life Church on
Curious how to get ordained in West Virginia? 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 state of West Virginia is known for its caring values, which align well with the tenets of the ULC. That also explains why so many people from the Mountain State are flocking to get ordained and perform all sorts of ceremonies.
In this guide, we'll explore what ordination is, explain how it gets issued online, and show you how to become a minister in West Virginia!
1. Fill Out Your West Virginia 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
Once you have your online ordination, securing a physical copy of your credentials is recommended. No matter what services or ceremonies you hope to perform as a minister, it's crucial to gather all the requisite materials and paperwork to ensure that you are prepared for anything! Here are the items we see requested most-often by our ministers in West Virginia.
If these selections don't align with your goals, don’t worry! You're welcome to browse through our comprehensive inventory of ministry essentials to find exactly what you need.
Become a Wedding Officiant in West Virginia
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 West Virginia? Some people get ordained to perform a wedding for a friend or family member, while others even go on to officiate weddings professionally in West Virginia!
Officiating a wedding is an experience in itself and you should be prepared for whatever gets thrown at you. For example, you might be asked to perform a photogenic wedding at Lindy Point. Or the couple may want to take advantage of the different winter scenery West Virginia has to offer and host a winter solstice wedding ceremony at Blackwater Falls state park.
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 West Virginia.
What Can You Do With Your Ordination in West Virginia?
After becoming ordained, you'll have complete freedom to decide how you want to take advantage of this new status. You could be performing a baptism in Ripley one week and a house blessing in Elkins the next week thanks to your ULC ordination, which is recognized all over West Virginia!
Officiate a wide variety of other types of ceremonies
Some members of the ULC in West Virginia 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 West Virginia
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 West Virginia can conduct all the same duties historically performed by institutional members of the clergy from other denominations.
Why ULC Ordinations Are Valid in West Virginia
The Universal Life Church Ministries is recognized as a religious organization in good standing in West Virginia. As such, all ordinations issued through the ULC are fully valid in West Virginia 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 West Virginia?
Yes! Ensuring the protection of religious freedom for all individuals, the First Amendment of the Constitution guarantees this right throughout the United States, irrespective of one's faith or manner of observance. As per its procedures, the ULC has legally ordained thousands of ministers online in West Virginia. These conscientious and insightful ministers actively engage in conducting various services and ceremonies within their local communities on a regular basis.
The ULC advocates for the belief that anyone who feels a spiritual calling, regardless of their specific beliefs, should have the opportunity to access ordination and the ability to navigate their own spiritual path. We simply require our ministers to adhere to two guiding 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 West Virginia?
Wondering about the timeline for becoming ordained? Well, it hinges on the avenue you opt for. At the ULC, we are committed to making ordination easily attainable for those who feel called toward that rite. Hence, we've developed a user-friendly online platform for ordination applications. Ordinations appropriately sought through the ULC are promptly reviewed, often leading to swift approval. As a result, we have officially ordained thousands of ministers in West Virginia who make noteworthy contributions to their communities every day.
If you're contemplating joining our community, we'd be delighted to welcome you aboard.
How Much Does it Cost to Get Ordained in West Virginia?
The avenue you select for ordination dictates the financial obligations involved. Enrolling in a traditional seminary or religious graduate program often demands significant tuition fees, running into thousands of dollars. From its inception, the Universal Life Church (ULC) has been steadfast in its commitment to ensuring ordination remains accessible to all, irrespective of financial circumstances. This commitment stems from our belief in providing equal opportunities to individuals answering the call to serve. Consequently, online ordination through the ULC is entirely cost-free.
This inclusive approach has empowered numerous individuals, who may have otherwise been deterred by financial constraints, to pursue ordination and make meaningful contributions to themselves and their communities. While a small fee is requested from ministers opting for physical supplies or credential copies to offset associated costs, the online ordination process itself carries no charges and is open to everyone.
How Can You Get Ordained in West Virginia for Free?
As stated above, online ordination with the ULC is always free of charge! If you are feeling called toward online ordination and haven't started that process just yet, please just scroll up to the first step on this page and tap the big blue button to start your ordination application and the next big journey in your life!
Do you have to be a resident of West Virginia?
An online minister ordination from the ULC is not itself tied to any one state, meaning that you only need to get ordained once and that ordination itself is valid no matter where in the country you happen to be.
You should be aware that different states do sometimes have different regulations for how certain ceremonies, like weddings, are meant to be performed - so prior to performing any ceremony with legal importance we always suggest that you contact the government office that will be implementing 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 West Virginia
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.
