How to Become Ordained in Tennessee

In 1997, Tennessee's attorney general, Knox Walkup challenged the validity of "mail order ministers" ordained by the Internet-based Universal Life Church. Numerous couples were concerned that their unions weren't legal before being grandfathered in by the government. The law was modified in 1998 and states ministers who officiate marriage ceremonies must be ordained in a "considered, deliberate, and responsible act." Ordained ministers age 18 and older are recognized by the state upon completion of an approved online process or formal theological-based programs across the state.

Instructions

  1. Online

    • 1

      Become ordained through the Northern Way organization online. Following a short application process with the Esoteric Theological Seminary, you will receive a certificate as a minister from the Esoteric Interfaith Church, Inc.

      Author on dream interpretation, Dr. Lauri Loewenberg, who's been featured on CNN, Good Morning America and The View, was ordained as an Interfaith Minister to officiate her sister's Tennessee wedding through the organization.

    • 2

      Submit a biography of your spiritual history dating from childhood to the present day to the Northern Way Esoteric Theological Seminary via email at [email protected]. It must be a page or longer.

    • 3

      Write a couple of paragraphs describing what you currently do as a non-ordained person and what ordination would help you do in the future. Send it to the Seminary via email at [email protected]

    • 4

      Complete the application form titled the "Ordained Minister's Petition" provided in the Resources below.

    • 5

      Pay for your Seminary tuition fee, certificate and shipping of $156 via PayPal. Checks and credit cards are accepted. An interfaith minister's manual is available for $31 (as of April 2010). You will be notified immediately upon acceptance, and a certificate will be sent via U.S. Mail. Manuals are sent from Amazon.com and arrive in four to six weeks.

    Religious Study

    • 6

      Enroll in a four-year program at Lee University, the Church of God International's biggest and oldest Christian school. Students can be ordained by the Church of God International through participation in one of over 30 bachelor's degree programs focused on Christian ministry and leadership.

      Lee University
      1120 North Ocoee St.
      Cleveland, TN 37320
      800-LEE-9930
      leeuniversity.edu

    • 7

      Attend the Temple Baptist Seminary at the Tennessee Temple University. The school offers residency, distance and modular-type education programs from two 24-hour certificate programs-Bible studies and Christian ministries, plus 20 different master's degree concentrations and four PhD degrees. Students can participate in ministries and be ordained through Highland Park Baptist Church as part of their studies.

      Temple Baptist Seminary
      Tennessee Temple University
      1815 Union Ave.
      Chattanooga, TN 37404
      800-557-6148
      tntemple.edu

    • 8

      Become a student at the Protestant Memphis Theological Seminary. The school's roots can be traced to 1852 in Lebanon, Tennessee, and opened in its current Memphis location in 1964. The school is situated on a five-acre campus with housing for 16 students. Degree programs include masters of divinity or arts in religion and doctor of ministry. Students can be ordained while studying at the Christian seminary.

      Memphis Seminary
      168 East Parkway South
      Memphis, TN 38104
      901-458-8232
      memphisseminary.edu

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