Called by God, Supported in Faith
If you’re wondering how to become ordained online, you’re likely sensing a deeper call — not just to serve, but to serve with purpose. Ministry is not a certificate. It’s a calling, rooted in Scripture, lived out in community, and accountable to Christ. Every year, thousands of believers ask how to become ordained and begin exploring their path to spiritual leadership. Whether you feel led to officiate weddings, preach the Gospel, or serve your community through pastoral care, online ordination can open the door to fulfilling your calling — when it’s done the right way.
Since March 26th of 2009, the National Association of Christian Ministers has provided the Body of Christ a path for ordination for ministers online. Our faith is grounded on the authority of scripture, commissioned by the King of Kings, and legally recognized in the United States. Our approach is built on biblical foundations, not quick fixes — equipping you for lasting service in your local church, fellowship group, or ministry outreach.
“And he gave… shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” — Ephesians 4:11–12 (ESV)
Online Ordination for Ministers with Integrity
The phrase “online ordination” can sometimes raise questions. Is it legitimate? Will it be recognized? Can I serve meaningfully if I get ordained online?
The answer is yes — when it’s done through a trusted Christian ministry with integrity and oversight.
At NACM, our online ordination for ministers is not just a formality. It’s a process designed to prepare you spiritually, legally, and practically. We provide accountability, ministerial training, and a community of ordained leaders who support one another in faith and service.
Our ordination is legally recognized in all 50 states and supported by a governing body of credentialed ministers. So whether you’re starting a new ministry, planting a church, or hosting a Bible study, you’ll be ready to serve both in the eyes of God and the law.
Choosing online ordination for ministers isn’t about skipping steps — it’s about stepping forward with guidance, prayer, and fellowship. Our ordination process supports ministers who:
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Serve in local churches or home fellowships
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Share the Gospel in outreach ministries
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Lead Bible studies and teach Scripture
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Provide spiritual leadership with accountability to the Body of Christ
We believe in a ministry model grounded in Scripture and sustained by discipleship, fellowship, and shared burdens — not titles or transactions.
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
— Galatians 6:2 (ESV)
In this guide, you’ll learn:
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What it means to be ordained
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The practical and legal requirements for ordained ministers
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The real steps to become an ordained minister online
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How NACM supports you after ordination
Let’s walk through this together — step by step, and with purpose.
What Does It Mean to Be Ordained?
Ordination is the formal recognition of a person’s calling and spiritual qualification to serve in ministry. It’s both a spiritual affirmation and a legal status that allows you to carry out religious duties. While some denominations require seminary degrees, many independent Christian ministries — including NACM — recognize that God calls people from all walks of life. Our goal is to honor that calling through training, support, and a process of ordination that’s both valid and biblically aligned.
Steps to Become an Ordained Minister
Understanding the steps to become an ordained minister is vital — not just for legal recognition, but for the spiritual weight of ministry itself. For many people, the journey starts with one important question: What are the steps to become an ordained minister? The process should never feel rushed or transactional. At NACM, it’s a relational and thoughtful experience.
Here’s what it looks like:
1. Discern the Call
The call to ministry is not the result of human ambition but a sacred gift, planted by the Spirit deep within a heart willing to serve. Prayer becomes the doorway where this calling is tested, refined, and confirmed, shaping a life that is anchored not in comfort but in obedience. As you seek Him with humility, trust that He who calls you is also faithful to equip you, for as Scripture says, “He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24, ESV). Ordination, then, is not about pursuing a title but surrendering to a greater mission, one that demands a heart molded by Scripture, corrected by grace, and led by Christ. It is the outward testimony of an inward reality: that God has called, and you have answered with your life.
2. Join Ministerial Community
Ministry is never meant to be walked alone. When you step into ordination, you also step into a fellowship of believers who share burdens, rejoice in victories, and stand together in prayer. You’ll be welcomed into a national network of ministers who encourage one another, study God’s Word together, and continually build each other up in faith and service. Through active discussion groups, abundant ministry resources, and opportunities for ongoing biblical education, you will grow not only in knowledge but in Christlike character.
It’s important to understand that within this fellowship, financial solicitation is neither practiced nor permitted. The National Association of Christian Ministers does not request donations from its members, and we expect our members not to seek financial contributions from one another. We recognize that everyone in ministry has financial needs; however, our community is built on the mutual encouragement of faith, not financial opportunity. If you are seeking a platform to raise money, this is not the place for you. As Scripture reminds us, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11, ESV), and we are committed to ensuring that this encouragement remains pure, genuine, and centered in Christ.
3. Submit Your Application for Membership
Through our platform, you’ll share your testimony, statement of faith, and ministry intentions. Every application is prayerfully reviewed. 1) You apply for membership. Requests are typically processed in 72 hours (or less). While you membership is awaiting approval, you will not be able to log in, but 2) you will be permitted to apply for ordination.
When researching ordained minister requirements, most people think of degrees or licenses. At NACM, we believe Scripture defines the core of true ministry:
Spiritual Requirements
We look for:
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A clear testimony of faith in Christ
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Agreement with evangelical doctrine
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A lifestyle of discipleship and personal integrity
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Willingness to serve with humility, not position
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Legal Recognition
Our ordination is recognized across all 50 U.S. states. You’re legally authorized to:
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Teach and preach Scripture
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Conduct baptisms and lead ministry gatherings
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Organize churches, home fellowships, and outreach programs
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“Not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.”
— 1 Peter 5:3 (ESV)
Community Accountability
Ordination is not meant to be walked alone. That’s why we emphasize:
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Spiritual authority and peer accountability
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Encouragement and correction within the Body of Christ
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A safe, supportive network of believers pursuing the same mission
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Upon membership approval, you are welcomed into our national fellowship with access to all of the information and resources we provide.
Upon approval of ordination, you will receive a statement from the NACM authorizing you to minister across all 50 states. You will also have access to our Spirit Shop where you may order items we only offer to members. No order is required, but many find it necessary and useful.
As a minister, it is your responsibility to know the laws in each state and comply accordingly. Ministers who are pastors, evangelists, preachers, teachers, and conduct funerals typically have no problem. There are just a few States which have specific requirements to officiating weddings. While we do acknowledge that ministers are called upon to officiate weddings, it is by far a secondary aspect to ministry. Our first and primary purpose is to answer His call to advance the gospel and unite the body of Christ.
Ultimately a minister can have a card from any credentialing body in the world, but it is their behavior and what they say that will result in validating it. If they do not live your their lives with the integrity a ministers, speak the understanding of core theological Christian doctrines, and are not driven by a real calling of God, they will never make it. Some may fool a few people, but the time always comes when God exposes charlatans.
Gal 6:4-7
(4) Each of you must examine your own actions. Then you can be proud of your own accomplishments without comparing yourself to others.
(5) Assume your own responsibility.
(6) The person who is taught God’s word should share all good things with his teacher.
(7) Make no mistake about this: You can never make a fool out of God. Whatever you plant is what you’ll harvest.
5. Begin Serving
Many ministers serve faithfully in small groups, where lives are changed through the personal ministry of the Word and prayer. Others are called to plant churches, establishing new communities of faith grounded firmly in Scripture and guided by the Holy Spirit. Some dedicate their ministry to teaching the Scriptures, equipping believers to grow in spiritual maturity and biblical understanding. Still others step into the vital work of supporting underserved communities, demonstrating the love of Christ through both word and deed. In every form of service, they labor under biblical accountability, walking in fellowship with others, and bearing one another’s burdens as they advance the Kingdom of God.
“Do not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
— Galatians 6:9 (ESV)
Ready to Answer the Call?
If you’re ready to pursue ordination that’s spiritually sound, legally recognized, and rooted in biblical community, we invite you to begin your journey today.
Confirm our Statement of Faith, and Apply for Membership Now
