Mel Chapman

I originally pursued online ordination in preparation to assist with a friend's non-church wedding. Beyond that, an unanswered calling toward ministry has been present within me for a long time. The ability to pursue a "traditional" ordination process required being deemed by a local diocese to be "accepted" for seminary and ordination. In other words, being acceptable to the local theocratic bureaucracy. The first Christian leaders were not formally ordained by man. They were ordained first, or only, by the Spirit in their zeal to preach and lead a faith community. Similarly non-Christian traditions often require some program of study and an intent on the part of the individual to lead a faith community. ULC has offered a wonderful path for people interested in ordination to pursue this path, whether for a one time need, or to pursue a life-time passion. ULC gives us the ability to be present and assist a couple or a family who might otherwise be uncomfortable with traditional "church" during the special or difficult times of life, creating a heart-felt experience that fits their personal values and needs.

I am originally from central NY, but have had the good fortune to live in many parts of the USA; and blessed with the opportunity to travel throughout North America as well as several other countries. This has allowed me to appreciate a wide variety of traditions and I bring that respect into my personal ministry.