- 1). Find at least five programs online that match up with your personal beliefs and provide online classes and ordination training. Some ordinations do not require degrees, so keep this in mind when finding programs that fit your beliefs. Finding five will give you options to choose from and will provide you with programs to fall back on when you discover one or two aren't what they seemed to be at first glance.
- 2). Validate the credentials of the online program. Find out what others have to say about the online degree and ordination program and whether or not other professional ministers in your field find the program valid and trustworthy. Make sure the program has a mailing address, a phone number and email address, since the absence of any of these is a quick way to identify a fraudulent program. Ask questions about the credentials of the online program or university to someone on the staff, and make sure they get back to you in a few business days with confirmation of their program's accreditation before you enroll in their program.
- 3). Take the cost of the ordination into consideration. This shouldn't be the single deciding factor, but it will help give you some clues about the legitimacy of the organization providing the ordinations. Some certificates cost only $30 while other programs and degrees will cost hundreds of dollars if not more. Many times, you get what you pay for, especially when it comes to spiritual education and becoming an ordained minister.
- 4). Complete the course of study and receive your ordination certificate in the mail. If required by your state, register yourself as an ordained minister with your state or county registry. You will need to present your credentials and provide other personal information to become ordained depending on the state.
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