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How to Become a Minister in MA

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An outline of MA with the ULC logo

Here's something not many people realize: becoming ordained in Massachusetts is quite easy! Sure, there was a time when becoming a minister was both time-intensive and expensive (seminary school isn't cheap). This selective process meant that the title of "minister" was reserved only for those fortunate enough to have the time and money to pursue ministerial work as a career.

Get Ordained™ is focused on breaking down such systemic barriers and granting the opportunity to anyone who feels so-called to become an ordained minister. To help pave this path, we have developed an online ordination model that is easy to navigate, takes only minutes to complete, and – best of all – is free to use!

Massachusetts is filled with history that reaches as far back as before the foundation of the nation; it's no wonder people from here know to do that which is right. It should come as no surprise that so many in the Old Colony State choose the ULC when it comes to becoming ordained.

In the guide below, we'll explain how the process of online ordination works, talk through the legal aspects that are important to understand, and give you specific steps for how to be ordained in Massachusetts.

1. Become a Minister in Massachusetts

Receiving ordination credentials via Get Ordained™ first requires completing the ordination application here on our website. This no-frills form asks you to input some basic information in order to create an account and register your ordination.

After pressing submit, your application will be processed by our system. In just moments, you'll receive confirmation of your ordination and see a digital version of your ordination credential certified by the Universal Life Church Ministries. That's all – you're now an ordained minister! Click the button below to get started!

Begin Your Ordination

You might be thinking: why do we make ordination so simple? Well, the Universal Life Church Ministries was founded on the notion that each individual's faith journey is unique and that fulfilling one's spiritual destiny requires the opportunity to chart one's own path through the universe. In our view, creating barriers and restrictive rules for who can – and cannot – participate in the benefits of clergyhood is antithetical to progress.

We believe that everyone has a right to pursue this path, regardless of what they believe or how they identify. Creating an easy, open process means that anyone can participate in ministry, and they can do so in the way that makes the most sense to them.

2. Using Your Ordination in Massachusetts

The great part about becoming a minister with Get Ordained™ is that after signing up, you'll have total freedom to choose how to leverage your new status as a member of the clergy. From Williamstown to Nantucket and everywhere in between, ministers ordained through ULC have the freedom to officiate wherever they please.

As an ordained minister, you can:

  • Officiate legal weddings
  • Carry out vow renewals
  • Preside over funerals & baptisms
  • Perform many other types of ceremonies

In fact, some inspired Get Ordained™ ministers in your state of Massachusetts have even taken it upon themselves to form their own ministries and churches! To read more about the wide range of options available to you, visit our Minister Training Center.

3. Ordination in Massachusetts

Ordination is far more than a piece of paper, it's a tradition that spans across both faiths and centuries. Every religious body has its own process, rules (and even names) for ordination, but the concept remains consistent. In the most basic sense, ordination is the method for consecrating an individual as a member of the clergy in a particular faith system, an honor typically conferred by members of church leadership. Put in simple terms, becoming ordained distinguishes a member of the faith and grants them the authority to perform official clergy duties, such as presiding over weddings and other ceremonies.

Historically, this path was a challenging one to walk. For one, depending on the faith system, becoming ordained also might require years of dedication and study to even qualify. Not to mention that half the population was generally disqualified from the start; in most religious bodies, this opportunity was offered only to men.

As pioneers of an open, online ordination model, Get Ordained™ views such restrictions as unnecessary and elitist. For that reason, we're proud to offer ordination to anyone who feels so-called, free of any barriers or difficult rules. We firmly believe that the people of Massachusetts deserve the chance to pursue their faith convictions in whatever way they best see fit, including becoming ordained!

The best part? Ordination provided through Get Ordained™ offers all the same powers and rights enjoyed by clergy members of other religious groups. Members of the ULC are therefore granted the ability to perform any duty typically carried out by a minister of a more traditional religious denomination.

4. Ordination Supplies You'll Need in Massachusetts

Regardless of what ministerial duties you plan to get involved in, it's important to make sure you have all the documents and supplies necessary to pursue your goals! Among our ministers in Massachusetts, the items below have consistently proven the most popular:

If those items don't seem relevant to your goals, not to worry! Feel free to explore our full catalog of ministry supplies.

5. Become Ordained to Officiate a Wedding in Massachusetts

People choose to become ministers for all manner of reasons, and once ordained, they have the freedom to choose what directions to move in. One of the most common ways that new ministers look to get involved is by performing ceremonies like weddings.

Officiating a wedding can be an adventure in itself; you may be asked to perform a non-denominational ceremony in the heart of downtown Boston, for example. You may even find yourself being asked to preside over a Humanist wedding in a city like Springfield.

If you expect that performing a wedding is in your future, it’s crucial to do your homework to understand the wedding laws in the area where you plan to officiate. Because the rules for officiating a wedding often vary from state to state (and even county to county) learning the process is important to ensure the wedding you perform is legally recognized. Please visit our guide to performing a wedding in Massachusetts to get started.

Online Ordination in Massachusetts

The Universal Life Church Ministries is an official religious organization in good standing in Massachusetts. Therefore, ordinations provided by the ULCM via Get Ordained™ are fully recognized and valid. Ministers ordained online are treated the same as any other clergy member, and as the laws of Massachusetts explain, certified ministers are granted the ability to perform duties such as officiating legal wedding ceremonies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our innovative use of the internet may make us look different from other organizations, but the ordinations provided by GetOrdained are as legally valid as those from any other church. We believe, and the law says, that you have the right to practice your faith in Massachusetts how you want, including as a minister of the ULC!

Time requirements associated with becoming an ordained minister are determined by the religious organization performing the ordination. At GetOrdained we choose to provide instant online ordination per our belief that all people in Massachusetts who feel called toward ordination should have easy access to that special role.

We believe that anyone in Massachusetts who feels called to ordination should have access to it, so we make it free! There is no cost associated with online ordination with GetOrdained. Depending on your plans, you may be required by the government in your area to provide proof of ordination, which we offer for a small fee.

At GetOrdained we require that a person be at least 18 years of age in order to apply for online ordination. It’s also important to keep in mind that if you are planning on performing a legal ceremony like a wedding, your town or county in Massachusetts may have a separate age requirement for officiants - be sure to check!

Learn How to Perform a Wedding in Massachusetts

Perform a MA Wedding

How Do you Legally Perform a Wedding in Massachusetts?

See the MA Marriage Code

Become an Ordained Minister Today

Be Ordained Now