Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming Ordained as A Minister or Pastor

Here are some of the Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming Ordained as A Minister or Pastor.

Our goal at HowToBecomeAPastor.com is to be the #1 resource on the internet for individuals looking to become a Pastor, Minister or become ordained. We get a lot of questions via our contact form located here. If you have a question for us please use that form.

Having said that, we have posted below some of the more frequents questions we receive.

Question #1: Are there any requirements to becoming a Pastor or Christian Minister ?

Answer #1: While there isn’t an official list of requirements, there are certain beliefs or traits you must have, they include:

– You must believe in God and believe that he is the one and only true God.

– You must accept Jesus Christ as our true and holy savior.

– You must pray for the forgiveness of your sins.

Obviously there is more to it than just that, but those 3 are a must!

 

Question #2: Do I need a college degree or a degree in theology in order to become ordained ?

Answer #2: NO! These are 2 completely different things. A theology degree is a degree from a college or university
similar to a degree in philosophy but instead majoring in Christian studies. A theology degree is more often obtained if you desire to be a teacher of theology. On the other hand, becoming ordained simply requires you to demonstrate your commitment to the Church, and is provided to you to acknowledge that commitment, and recognize in the Church’s eye that commitment.

Ordination is generally accepted on a widespread basis the minimum training needed to perform ALL religious ceremonies, including weddings.

 

Question #3: If I become ordained, will I be legally authorized to perform weddings in my state ?

Answer #3: A Minister Ordination Certificate fulfills the spiritual requirement to perform religions ceremonies, including weddings. For most states, no additional actions will be needed on your part after you have received your certificate.

There are a few states where newly ordained ministers mus register with the county clerk, and provide a copy of their ordination certificate and pay a small fee. You will need to inquire with your county clerk if you will be required to do that in your area.

Always remember, we live in the most amazing country in the world. The founding fathers of our country guaranteed us the right to religious freedom in the United States Constitution. You can not be discriminated against based on your religious beliefs or the way in which you practice your faith. Your ordination cannot be treated any differently whether it was obtained online, in a house of worship, temple, cathedral, church, or any other religious or educational venue.

 

Question #4: My life up until now has been a life lived full of sin. Am I still able to become a Pastor or Minister ?

Answer #4: Of Course! All of us are sinners. God is already aware of that. That is why before you become a minister,
it is essential that you pray for forgiveness of all of your sins.

 

Question #5: After I become an Ordained minister, is it actually possible for me to start my own church ?

Answer #5: YES! Absolutely! It is essential that we have as many places of worship as possible. If you feel strongly
about it, pray to god about it. There is nothing that make God happier than to help you achieve your desire in this regard. It won’t be easy, and you will be faced with many challenges, however, with God on your side he will lead you and you will never be alone.

 

Question #6: Will people “tease me” or “make fun of me” when I tell them I obtained my ordination online ?

Answer #6: Please do not be afraid of what people might say or think about your ordination, and always remember that God will be there by your side to keep you strong and provide you guidance. People also may not understand exactly what ordination really means. As a minister one of your roles is to educate and teach those people. You play an important part in God’s plans, and do not let fear stop you from obtaining your important calling.

 

Question #7: What religions are online ordinations typically registered as ?

Answer #7: The majority of online ordination registrations are known as “non-denominational Christian minister” (aka pastor).  This is neither good nor bad, but it actually gives you the option to choose and practice your faith according to any denominational or Christian teachings you prefer to follow.

 

Question #8: Do you recommend any books or other training materials to help me become a Pastor ?

Answer #8: Yes, Simply go here and you will see some suggested materials for you to get started. In addition, our site
http://www.howtobecomeapastor.com offers a ton of free resources as well.

If you are looking to become a “Wedding Officiant” and/or perform baptisms, our Guide xxxxx is an excellent place to start and is very affordable. In it you will find specific instructions on how to obtain your ordination, obtain the proper state licenses, and detailed instructions on how to prepare and perform the actual wedding ceremony.

We are constantly adding to our list of resources including online articles, videos, and other materials.

 

Question #9: Do I need to get baptized before I get Ordained ?

Answer #9: Baptism is not a necessity or required item to become ordained, however, if you have never been baptized then we highly recommend you do so.

Baptism is an important step in demonstrating your commitment to God so if you are considering ordination it is a good idea.

 

Question #10: Does my ordination have an expiration date or do I need to renew it ?

Answer #10: NO! Your ordination does not have an expiration date, nor does it need to be renewed. Your Ordination, like your commitment to God is for your lifetime and thus never expires.

 

Question #11: After ordination, what types of services can I provide in my community ?

Answers #11: Great Question! Besides performing Wedding Ceremonies & Baptisms, you can provide a variety of other services and activities in your community. Some examples include:

– Hospital Visits
– In home visits to the elderly
– Nursing Home Visits
– Bible Study

These activities will help build a good Christian Neighborhood, help instill Christian beliefs in others, provide much needed companionship & hope.

 

Question #12: Will ordination help me obtain a closer relationship to God ?

Answer #12: If you take your ordination seriously, is should and will lead you closer to god. If you have a strong faith in God and are a devoted Christian (As you should be if you desire to become ordained) you will naturally become closer to god and you will be filled with joy and love. He will guide you on your new journey.

 

Question #13: How can A Church be “Online” ?

Answer #13: Easy, a church does not have to be a physical building or place. Church is a community of believers. Church is a group of people who have faith. Church is a group with a relationship to God. The internet is simply a means to connect them. It allows them to communicate and to share those beliefs and faith. It connects long distances. Technology is an important part of modern society and as such is an integral part of modern day Christianity.

 

Question #14: What exactly does it mean to become a Pastor or Minister ?

Answer #14: It’s hard to answer that in simple terms since it is very complex and different for each person. The bottom line is Pastor’s have a deep connection with God. That connection helps guide them on a day to day basis. With their deep connection with guide they ask on a daily basis for blessing & guidance for themselves and others. That deep connection keeps them closer to god than the average person. They are also leaders in the community and the christian community. That brings certain responsibilities – they are looked upon as role models, teachers, and help lead others to Christ.

We hope you have enjoyed this article and have found it to be helpful.  If you still have an unanswered question about becoming ordained, or becoming a minister or pastor please Click Here to submit your question.