How to Get Ordained in California

GET ORDAINED IN CALIFORNIA

Becoming an ordained minister in California can be an enriching and fulfilling journey for individuals seeking to serve their faith community and officiate sacred ceremonies.

CALIFORNIA'S STATE LAW

Anyone ordained by a religious organization in California can perform a wedding ceremony. This includes “online-only” ordinations. Registering with any government office as a wedding officiant is unnecessary.

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 read the Declaration of Intent to the couple, which is a statement that they are entering into the marriage voluntarily.

The marriage license must be returned to the county recorder’s office within ten days of the ceremony.

a. Education and Training: Enroll in the Christian Leaders Institute and complete the required courses and training modules to gain a solid foundation in ministry. CLI offers flexible online programs, allowing individuals to study independently.

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

c. Marriage Officiant Authorization: Once ordained through CLA, individuals can apply for authorization as wedding officiant in California. This involves registering with the County Clerk’s office in the county where the ceremony will take place, providing proof of ordination, and paying any applicable fees.

EXPAND YOUR MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY

The Christian Leaders Institute (CLI):

We are thrilled to introduce the Christian Leaders Institute, a warm and welcoming online educational platform that provides free ministry and ordination training programs. Our mission is to make theological education accessible to individuals from all backgrounds, empowering them to deepen their understanding of Christianity and prepare for various ministry roles. Our comprehensive courses cover a wide range of subjects, including biblical studies, theology, church history, leadership, and pastoral care.

The Christian Leaders Alliance (CLA):

Through our partnership with the Christian Leaders Alliance, we offer an ordination program for individuals who have completed CLI’s training and courses. The Christian Leaders Alliance has been empowering ministers since 2014 and has ordained thousands of individuals. By joining CLA, you will receive formal recognition and authorization as an ordained minister, allowing you to perform weddings and other religious ceremonies in California, in accordance with state law.

By enrolling in the Christian Leaders Institute and participating in the Christian Leaders Alliance program, you will join a vibrant and compassionate community of fellow ministers. We are here to support, encourage, and walk alongside you on your ministry journey in California. Our warm and inclusive atmosphere will ensure that you feel welcomed and valued as you pursue your calling.

Together, let’s embrace the beauty of serving others in the great state of California. Take the first step towards ordination and expand your ministry opportunities by joining the Christian Leaders Institute and Christian Leaders Alliance today.

GET STARTED AT CLI

To enroll in the program, follow these steps:

Create a free study account with the Christian Leaders Institute and get familiar with the Study.christianleaders.org platform.
Enroll in the Christian Wedding Officiant Skills course and commence your training.
After completing the Skills course, you will enroll in the 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.

VARIOUS OPPORTUNITIES

Whether your passion lies in becoming a wedding officiant or exploring other ministerial roles, the Christian Leaders Institute (CLI) and Christian Leaders Alliance (CLA) are here to support you on your path to ordination and the development of your ministry skills. Let’s explore the exciting primary “Diakonos” possibilities available to you:

Wedding Officiant: This is our introductory minister role. You learn how to confidently and completely lead a couple from a first meeting to their wedding day. This program takes about 10 hours of study. You must provide one recommendation.
Field Minister: This is for people with less time to study but a strong desire to do church work. The program offers free courses and mini-courses for lay ministers, church elders, and deacons.
Licensed Minister: This is for part-time ministers who want more training. The program includes 13 study credits and six mini-courses to improve your skills.
Coaching Minister: This is for people who want to use coaching methods in their ministry. This program has two free coaching courses. You’ll need to finish 15 credits and six mini-courses.
Licensed Ministry Chaplain: This is for volunteer chaplains in local places like fire departments or veteran groups. This program requires 18 credits and six mini-courses.
Ordained Minister: This is for people already doing ministry work or those who want complete training and credentials. This program includes 21 credits and seven mini-courses.

If you have a calling to ministry and aspire to become an ordained minister in California, the Christian Leaders Institute and Alliance programs offer a comprehensive pathway to achieve your goals. By enrolling in CLI and completing their courses, you can gain the theological knowledge and training necessary 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.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How is the Christian Leaders Institute funded? Christian Leaders Institute is funded through a “Give It Forward” Approach. Click here to read more.

Can I register my church or religious society under the banner of Christian Leaders Alliance? Yes. Locally registered Soul Centers are being register all over the world. Click here to read more.

Can I receive a College degree after I enroll at Christian Leaders Institute?

At Christian Leaders Institute, our college degrees are offered through our Leadership Excellence School. We provide access to both Associate Degrees and Bachelor Degrees. To begin our degree program, you must first enroll as a student in our School of Christian Development. Every student starts by creating a study account at the Christian Development school. Once you complete the “Getting Started” class, you can proceed to enroll in our Leadership Excellence School, where our degree programs are hosted.. Click here to set up you account.

This degree is ideal for those who desire to pursue their Master’s Degree with one of our partner Seminaries like North Point Bible College and Seminary, Kairos University, Calvin, Western, Northern, and more.

Christian Leaders Institute is your access or gateway many professional ministry opportunity.