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Get Ordained in Missouri

Has someone seen the calling of ministry in you? Has someone asked you to conduct their wedding ceremony?

Becoming an ordained minister in Missouri can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience for individuals looking to serve their faith community and officiate sacred ceremonies.

Many individuals are called upon to officiate weddings.

What is the law in Missouri?

In Missouri, individuals ordained by a religious organization can perform wedding ceremonies. This includes those ordained through online ordination programs. Registering with any government office as a wedding officiant is not required.

The only requirement is that the officiant completes the marriage license in the presence of the couple and any required witnesses. The officiant must also ensure the couple declares their intent to enter the marriage voluntarily.

The completed marriage license must be returned to the county register of deeds within ten days of the ceremony.

NOT AN ONLINE-ONLY ORDINATION

Most online search ordinations are online-only. They are transactions that include little or no study. They have little or no distinctive Christian worldviews. This ordination is not online only.

The program offered by Christian Leaders Institute requires approximately 10 hours of study with quiz questions. This program requires a local endorsement that will be submitted to the Christian Leaders Alliance affirming that you are a Christian called to serve in this ministry. This process helps establish your confidence, competency, and credibility.

The Christian Leaders Institute and the Christian Leaders Alliance have partnered to help you get ordained online in Missouri through a study program and local endorsement. This program allows you to explore additional areas of ministry beyond officiating weddings if you feel called to do so.

In this article, we will explore the process of getting ordained in Missouri, with a specific focus on the Christian Leaders Institute (CLI) and the Christian Leaders Alliance (CLA) partnering program. These programs provide a pathway to ordination and various ministerial roles. Whether you aspire to officiate weddings or engage in other ministerial duties, CLI and CLA can offer the necessary resources and support.

The Christian Leaders Institute (CLI): The Christian Leaders Institute is an online educational institution that offers free ministry training and ordination programs. CLI provides accessible theological education to individuals from all walks of life, empowering them to deepen their understanding of Christianity and prepare for ministry roles. CLI offers a wide range of courses, including biblical studies, theology, church history, leadership, and pastoral care.

The Christian Leaders Alliance (CLA) Program: The Christian Leaders Alliance is an ordination program that collaborates with the Christian Leaders Institute. CLA offers a formal recognition and authorization process for individuals who have completed CLI’s courses and training. Through CLA, individuals can become ordained ministers and gain legal authorization to perform weddings and other religious ceremonies in Missouri.

TO ENROLL IN THE PROGRAM, FOLLOW THESE STEPS:

  1. Create a free study account with the Christian Leaders Institute and get familiar with the Study.christianleaders.org platform.  
  2. Enroll in the Christian Wedding Officiant Skills course and commence your training.
  3. After completing the Skills course, you will enroll in Licensed Christian Wedding Officiant Recognition Class. This class recognizes your online training and completes your ordination into a local geographic endorsement-based ordination credential. You will be listed in the Christian Leaders Alliance Directory, and you may order your ordination credentials. You are eligible to register a local ministry at a Soul Center. 

While the state does not set mandatory criteria for ordination, most religious organizations and denominations have their own prerequisites. For those seeking ordination through CLI and CLA, the following steps are involved:

a. Education and Training: Enroll in the Christian Leaders Institute and complete the required courses and training modules to establish a solid foundation in ministry. CLI’s online programs allow for flexible independent study.

b. Ordination Process: Individuals can apply for ordination through the Christian Leaders Alliance after completing the necessary education and training.

c. Marriage Officiant Authorization: Individuals can apply for authorization as wedding officiants in Missouri once ordained through CLA. This process involves registering with the county register of deeds where the ceremony will occur, providing proof of ordination, and paying any applicable fees.

Get Ordained in Missouri Core Minister Roles

Ministerial Roles with Christian Leaders Alliance: What minister roles do the Christian Leaders Institute and Christian Leaders Alliance support?

Wedding Officiant: This introductory minister role focuses on learning to confidently and effectively lead a couple from the initial meeting to their wedding day. This program requires approximately 10 hours of study and requires one recommendation.

Field Minister: This program is designed for individuals with limited study time but a strong desire to engage in church work. It offers free courses and mini-courses for lay ministers, church elders, and deacons.

Licensed Minister: This program is tailored for part-time ministers seeking additional training. It includes 13 study credits and six mini-courses to enhance ministry skills.

Coaching Minister: This program is designed for individuals interested in incorporating coaching methods into their ministry. It includes two free coaching courses and requires the completion of 15 credits and six mini-courses.

Licensed Ministry Chaplain: This program suits volunteer chaplains in local settings such as fire departments or veteran groups. It requires 18 credits and six mini-courses. Ordained Minister: This program is ideal for individuals already involved in ministry work or those seeking comprehensive training and credentials. It includes 21 credits and seven mini-courses.

Conclusion: If you feel called to ministry and aspire to become an ordained minister in Missouri, the Christian Leaders Institute and Alliance programs offer a comprehensive pathway to help you achieve your goals. By enrolling in CLI and completing their courses, you can gain theological knowledge and training to serve effectively. Through ordination with CLA, you can become authorized to officiate weddings and explore various ministerial roles within the Christian Leaders Alliance.

Embark on this transformative journey and make a meaningful impact within your faith community.

I am Terry Black from Missouri.

Through the years, I have served in many different capacities in the church. I have been a Worship Leader, Finance Committee Chairman, Youth Leader, and Deacon. This has led to me having opportunities to lead and/or participate in funerals or weddings.

Recently, a friend asked me if I would officiate her wedding. I said, I would be privileged to do that and set off to learn about the licensing and requirements for my state (Missouri) to officiate a wedding. While I looked at many different sites where I could obtain an officiant certificate, I wanted more than that. I wanted to ensure I had training in the logistical aspects of conducting a wedding and the spiritual understanding to guide the couple through this wonderful rite of passage in becoming one as a couple.

I found that the program at Christian Leader Alliance provides the correct balance and tools to allow me confidently to perform the wedding and provide a basic foundation of counseling to the couple.

Suggested Link

Get Ordained Online – Check out the issues related to online ordination and the complete ordination program at Christian Leaders. Click here.

Chaplain Ordination – Are you interested in ministry chaplaincy? Click here

Free Bible School Courses – Are you interested in free bible School Courses? Click here. 

Become a Christian Minister– Are you interested in becoming a Clergy member?