Get Ordained in Indiana

GET ORDAINED IN INDIANA

Becoming ordained can be a deeply rewarding and fulfilling journey for individuals seeking to serve their faith community and officiate sacred ceremonies. If you’re looking to officiate weddings or engage in other ministerial duties in the state, it’s important to understand the process of getting ordained and the resources available.

INDIANA'S STATE LAW

In Indiana, the process of becoming an ordained minister is governed by state law. According to the Indiana Code 31-11-6-1, any person ordained or designated as a church or religious organization leader is authorized to solemnize marriages. This includes individuals who have been ordained through online ordination programs. Therefore, 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. Additionally, the officiant must read the Declaration of Intent to the couple, which confirms their voluntary entrance into the marriage. After the ceremony, the completed marriage license must be returned to the county recorder’s office within a specified timeframe, typically within a few days.

While Indiana does not have specific state-mandated criteria for ordination, individual religious organizations and denominations often have their own requirements. 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 gain a solid foundation in ministry. CLI offers flexible online programs that accommodate individuals’ schedules and preferences.

b. Ordination Process: Individuals can apply for ordination through the Christian Leaders Alliance after completing the necessary education and training. This process involves providing a local endorsement and completing a minister profile.

c. Wedding Officiant Authorization: Individuals can legally perform weddings in Indiana once ordained through CLA. It is advisable to consult with the county clerk’s office in the county where the ceremony will take place to understand any additional local requirements or registration procedures.

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 Indiana, 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 Indiana. 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 Indiana. 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

Ministerial Roles with Christian Leaders Alliance: The Christian Leaders Institute and Christian Leaders Alliance support various ministerial roles beyond wedding officiation. These roles cater to individuals with different levels of commitment, time availability, and areas of interest. Here are the core minister roles. All these roles can be specialized. There are over 30 specializations – Click here.

Wedding Officiant: The introductory minister role equips individuals with the necessary skills to confidently lead couples from the initial meeting to their wedding day. The program typically requires around 10 hours of study and the provision of one recommendation. This role is the foundation for all other roles.
Field Minister: Designed for individuals with limited study time but a strong desire to engage in church work, this program offers free courses and mini-courses for lay ministers, church elders, and deacons.
Licensed Minister: Tailored for part-time ministers seeking further training, this program includes 13 study credits and six mini-courses aimed at enhancing ministerial skills.
Coaching Minister: For those interested in incorporating coaching methods into their ministry, this program provides two free coaching courses, 15 credits, and six mini-courses.
Licensed Ministry Chaplain: This program is designed for volunteer chaplains in local institutions like fire departments or veteran groups. It requires 18 credits and six mini-courses to complete.
Ordained Minister: Geared towards individuals already involved in ministry work or those seeking comprehensive training and credentials, this program consists of 21 credits and seven mini-courses.

If you feel called to ministry and aspire to become an ordained minister in Indiana, 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 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, impact your faith community meaningfully, and fulfill your calling to serve others.

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.