GET ORDAINED IN ARKANSAS
Are you ready to embark on a fulfilling path of ministry in Arkansas? Becoming an ordained minister opens doors to serve your faith community and officiate sacred ceremonies. Whether your calling is to unite couples in marriage or engage in various ministerial roles, understanding Arkansas’ laws regarding ordination and the resources available to you is essential.
ARKANSAS' STATE LAW
In Arkansas, the process of becoming an ordained minister is guided by state law, which holds significance when it comes to officiating weddings. According to the Arkansas Code, Title 9, Chapter 11, Section 9-11-215, ministers of the gospel, priests, rabbis, or other spiritual leaders who are authorized by their respective religious organizations can solemnize marriages. This includes individuals who have obtained ordination through reputable online ordination programs. Therefore, there is no requirement to register with any government office as a wedding officiant.
As an ordained minister, your responsibility is to complete the marriage license in the presence of the couple and any required witnesses. Additionally, you will guide the couple through the marriage ceremony, ensuring their commitment and intention to marry. After the ceremony, the completed marriage license must be filed with the county clerk’s office within the specified timeframe, usually within 60 days.
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 Arkansas, 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 Arkansas. 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 Arkansas. 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
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
Beyond the realm of wedding officiation, the Christian Leaders Institute (CLI) and Christian Leaders Alliance (CLA) in Arkansas support a wide range of ministerial roles, catering to individuals with diverse commitments, availability, and areas of interest. Let’s explore some of the primary ministerial roles available, inspired by the Word of God:
Wedding Officiant: “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate.” – Matthew 19:6. This introductory role equips you with the skills to confidently guide couples throughout their journey, from the first meeting to their magical wedding day. It serves as the foundation for all other roles and requires approximately 10 hours of study and one recommendation.
Field Minister: “And he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.’” – Mark 16:15. If you have limited study time but an ardent desire to engage in church work, this program is tailored to you. It offers free courses and mini-courses for lay ministers, church elders, and deacons, empowering you to serve your local congregation and community.
Licensed Minister: “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” – Ephesians 4:11-12. This program is perfect for part-time ministers seeking further training. Through 13 study credits and six mini-courses, you’ll enhance your ministerial skills and enrich your service, equipping you to build up the body of Christ.
Licensed Coaching Minister: “Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11. This program provides two free coaching courses for those fascinated by coaching methods and their integration into ministry. Additionally, you’ll embark on a journey of 15 credits and six mini-courses, further empowering your ministerial outreach to encourage and build up others.
Licensed Ministry Chaplain: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” – Matthew 5:9. If you aspire to volunteer as a chaplain in local institutions like fire departments or veteran groups, this program is designed for you. Complete 18 credits and six mini-courses, and step into your valuable role as a ministry chaplain, bringing peace and comfort to those in need.
Ordained Minister: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” – 1 Peter 2:9. Geared towards individuals already involved in ministry work or those seeking comprehensive training and credentials, this program combines 21 credits and seven mini-courses. It provides the ultimate foundation for your ministry journey, equipping you to shepherd and teach God’s people.
Welcome to a transformative journey of ministry in Arkansas! If you feel called to serve and aspire to become an ordained minister, the Christian Leaders Institute and Alliance programs offer a comprehensive pathway to help you fulfill your goals. Enrolling in CLI and completing their courses will equip you with theological knowledge and essential training to serve confidently. You’ll gain the legal authority to officiate weddings and explore diverse ministerial roles within the Christian Leaders Alliance through ordination with CLA. Embrace this transformative journey, impact your faith community meaningfully, and joyfully answer your divine calling to serve others.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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.