How to Become an Ordained Minister in Pennsylvania

Choose a path to ordination. In Pennsylvania, there are three : mail-order, online and traditional seminary school combined with the requirements of each denomination.

World Christian Ministries saysthe online ordination process is quick and easy. The Universal Life Church points out, though, that online ordination does not gaurantee that you can perform weddings in Pennsylvania.

The traditional path to ordination requires seminary school combined with the requiremens of each denomination. This requires an investment of time and money, but may be better suited to those seeking careers as religious professionals.

Research popular online ordination organizations, which include the Universal Life Church, World Christian Ministries, The Ministerial Seminary of America, and Spiritual Humanism.

Select an online ordination organization that reflects you and follow its application process.

Online ordination organizations differ on philosophy. Some, like the Universal Life Church, require those seeking ordination to pledge to do “only what is right.” Others like World Christianship Ministries, require an acceptance of Christian ideals. Some, like the Ministerial Seminary of America, offer online courses to supplement their ordination.

Once you select an organization, follow its online application process or print out forms to apply by mail.

Obtain a Masters of Divinity degree and complete the requirements of a selected denomination if you want to follow a traditional path to ordination.

This route combines formal education with the requirements of a denomination. For example, according to the United Methodist Church Board of Higher Education and Ministry, those seeking ordination must also provide written responses to specific ministry questions and pass a psychological assessmen and credit and criminal background checks.

According to Drew University, most religious professionals obtain a Masters of Divinity degree, a prerequisite for ordination in most mainline Christian denominations. In most cases, you need a bachelor's degree before you can pursue a Masters of Divinity. According to U.S. College Search, 108 Pennsylvania colleges offer divinity programs.