Researched and updated by the ordination experts at the Universal Life Church on
Looking to get ordained in Georgia? In this guide, we'll walk you through each step of the process and talk about the many advantages of being an ordained minister. As you probably know, it wasn't so long ago that becoming a minister meant a lengthy formal schooling process (which didn't come cheap, by the way). Not only that, but certain segments of the population were frequently excluded due to their immutable characteristics.
But online ordination with the Universal Life Church flipped that script on its head. The ULC has proudly dismantled those historic barriers to participation in ministry by pioneering a new online model for ordination that allows anyone who feels so-called to get ordained. And the best part? Ordination is free, and the process can be done 100% online.
Residents of Georgia are known for their belief that equality and kindness are instrumental to a successful society. Based on those values, it's no surprise that so many Georgians have decided to become ordained with the ULC.
Below, we'll explain how online ordination works, the different ways it can be put to use, and (of course) show you have to become a minister in Georgia!
Getting ordained with the Universal Life Church Ministries is a straightforward process. All that's needed is to fill out a brief form on our website, press submit, and your ordination will be instantly processed. Once you see your digital ordination credentials pop up, it's official: you're now a minister! You'll also get an email from us confirming your ordination, so keep an eye on your inbox. When you're ready to get started, hit the button below!
You might be thinking: "why is ULC ordination this simple?" The answer stems from our guiding philosophy: that everyone should have the opportunity to follow their own spiritual path, wherever that may lead. Faith is inherently unique to each individual – and because it's so personal, it can mean different things to different people. Unlike traditional religious organizations that impose their views top-down on members, the ULC takes a different approach. We believe that anyone who feels so-called should be able to pursue their faith journey in the way that makes the most sense to them. And empowering folks to do this begins with an ordination process that is accessible to everyone.
2. What You Can Do With Your Ordination in Georgia
Getting ordained is only the beginning of this journey! Once your ordination is confirmed, you will have all types of doors open to you. From the city of Atlanta to the border of Alabama, your ordination gives you the power to practice your faith in those places and everywhere in between.
As a ULC ordained minister, you can:
Officiate weddings
Perform baptisms
Hold funeral and memorial services
Preside over many other types of ceremonies
We've heard from many of our members in Georgia who have even proceeded to start their own churches! To learn more about the possibilities available to ULC ministers, please visit the Minister Training Center.
3. What Ordination Means in Georgia
The concept of ordination exists across many different belief systems, and has been practiced for centuries. This formal act of consecration confers upon individuals the power of leadership status within a religious organization. With this status typically comes the authority to perform clergy duties, such as performing ceremonies.
The process itself can differ markedly from one religious tradition to another, but every faith system has its own specific methods for ordaining members. Historically, there were plenty of barriers to becoming ordained. To even be considered for clergyhood, members typically had to study for years, pay for expensive schooling, and pass numerous tests. Ordination also meant conforming to the standards set by church, no matter how strict or how well they aligned with one's personal identity or views.
The ULC views this traditional style of ordination as archaic, unfair, and most of all, exclusionary. That's why we've reimagined the ordination process from the ground up, pioneering a new online model that allows anyone who feels so-called to become a minister.
Furthermore, getting ordained via the Universal Life Church Ministries bestows upon you the same authority and rights under the law that apply to ministers of more traditional faith backgrounds. With the power of the Constitution at their side, ULC ministers in Georgia have the privilege of performing duties that were historically reserved only for members of the clergy from traditional faith institutions.
4. What You Need to Be Ordained in Georgia
Once you have a clearer picture of the types of ministerial activities you'd like to pursue, make sure you have everything you need to fulfill your goals! Our online catalog features a wide variety of documents, apparel, and other items you might find useful. Some of the most popular things among our ministers in Georgia are:
No matter what path you're planning to travel, we've got the resources to help you proceed confidently!
5. How to Get Ordained to Perform a Wedding in Georgia
Among the many reasons that people choose to get ordained online is to officiate legal wedding ceremonies. Every year, ULC ministers perform scores of successful wedding ceremonies all across Georgia. Some people become a minister just to perform a wedding for a friend or family member, but many members of the ULC have gone on to start careers as professional wedding officiants in Georgia!
Many weddings in Georgia go the traditional route, but as the officiant you should be prepared for whatever! For example, you might find a couple planning a large standard wedding in Athens. However, you might also run into a more adventurous couple that wants to elope by the Chattahoochee River.
If you think officiating a wedding could be in your future, you'll want to get up to speed on the rules and requirements for doing so in Georgia. As marriages are legal ceremonies, it's important to follow the correct processes in order for the wedding to be recognized.
As these rules vary from place to place, once you know where the ceremony will be held, you should read up on the requirements in that area to make sure you know what's required to officiate. To learn more, check out our step-by-step guide on how to perform a wedding in Georgia.
Why ULC Ordinations Are Valid in Georgia
The Universal Life Church Ministries is an established organization in good standing in Georgia, meaning that all ordinations conferred by the ULC are valid there. Our ministers enjoy the authority to carry out all the duties performed by other clergy members, including the power to officiate legal wedding ceremonies.
