Researched and updated by the ordination experts at the Universal Life Church on
Curious how to get ordained in Maine? Well, good news: 1) the process is incredibly simple, and 2) we'll walk you through it step-by-step. There was a time when becoming a minister required thousands of hours (and dollars). Not to mention, candidates had to check certain arbitrary boxes to even be considered for the position.
Thanks to the Universal Life Church, those days are over. The ULC has shattered these institutional barriers and pioneered a brand new system that allows anyone who feels called to ministry to become ordained. Even better: this process is free and can be completed entirely online.
Those in Maine know what it means to do that which is right; from labor to civil rights, Mainers have been fighting hard for the American people for centuries. Folks living in the Pine Tree State appreciate their freedom, which explains why so many have chosen to get ordained with the Universal Life Church.
In this guide, we'll explore what ordination is, explain how it gets issued online, and show you how to become a minister in Maine!
Becoming ordained as a member of the Universal Life Church Ministries couldn't be easier. Just fill out the quick form on our website to create an account, inputting your basic details. When you press submit, allow a few moments for your ordination to be processed. Once that's done, you'll officially be a minister! Please keep an eye out for an email from us confirming your ordination status. You'll also see a link to view your new digital credential and to order any physical documents you might need. To begin, click the button below!
Why do we make ordination so simple? The ease of this process we've designed stems from our belief that every person should be granted the right to chart their own spiritual course in the universe. Each individual has their own unique conception of faith – what it means to them, what aspects are most important, and how best to go about it. As opposed to a traditional institution that sets all manner of rules regarding these questions, the ULC puts that power in the hands of its ministers to decide for themselves. And that empowerment begins with making ordination accessible to all.
2. Get Your Ordination Certificate
After getting ordained online, you should get a physical copy of your credentials. No matter what sorts of ministerial activities you’d like to get involved in, the next step is to ensure you have all the necessary supplies and documents to pursue your goals! Here are some of the most popular items among our ministers in Maine:
If those items don't seem relevant to your goals, not to worry! Feel free to explore our full catalog of ministry supplies.
Become a Wedding Officiant in Maine
One common reason to become a minister online is to gain the power to officiate wedding ceremonies. Did you know that each year, ULC ministers perform myriad wedding ceremonies across the state of Maine? Some people get ordained to perform a wedding for a friend or family member, while others even go on to officiate weddings professionally in Maine!
Feel free to broaden your horizons; a couple may want a Jewish ceremony in Bangor, and you might be their saving grace. A quirky couple may appreciate having a humorous wedding in Bangor, for example.
If performing a wedding is in your future plans, there are a few important things to keep in mind. For one, because weddings are legal ceremonies, ministers must follow specific rules in order for the union to be recognized. These rules are generally set at the state level, but can also vary from county to county within a state. Once you know where the wedding will take place, you'll need to read up on the requirements in that area and make sure you understand how to check all the necessary legal boxes. For more information, please visit our guide on how to perform a wedding in Maine.
What Can You Do With Your Ordination in Maine?
After becoming ordained, you'll have complete freedom to decide how you want to take advantage of this new status. Because ULC ordinations are not tied to your city or state, you are able to preside over services in Augusta, Bar Harbor, or anywhere else.
Officiate a wide variety of other types of ceremonies
Some members of the ULC in Maine even decide to start their own ministries or churches! To read more about these possibilities and learn how to prepare for them, please visit our Minister Training Center.
What Ordination Means in Maine
Ordination is an ancient concept that has been practiced across many different faiths dating back for thousands of years. This act of consecration differs from one belief system to the next, and every faith (and oftentimes each denomination within a larger faith organization) has its own specific practices for ordaining members of the clergy. In the most basic sense, becoming ordained means that the organization confers upon you leadership status and the power to perform certain clergy duties, including presiding over ceremonies.
Historically, the process of becoming ordained was not an easy one. It typically required candidates for clergyhood to undertake years of study, as well as conform to certain standards set by the faith's leadership figures. And one cannot ignore about the financial resources necessary to pursue this formal schooling, either.
In the eyes of the ULC, this institutional path to ordination is exclusionary and unfair. That's why our process looks entirely different; we've created a new ordination model that allows anyone to pursue this route in life.
Best of all, becoming ordained as a member of the Universal Life Church Ministries brings with it equal powers and privileges enjoyed by other clergy members from more traditional faith backgrounds. As is their right under the Constitution, ministers of the ULC in Maine can conduct all the same duties historically performed by institutional members of the clergy from other denominations.
Why ULC Ordinations Are Valid in Maine
The Universal Life Church Ministries is recognized as a religious organization in good standing in Maine. As such, all ordinations issued through the ULC are fully valid in Maine and our ministers are granted the authority to carry out all typical duties of the clergy, which include performing legally-binding marriage ceremonies.
Is it Legal to Get Ordained Online in Maine?
Yes! The First Amendment to the Constitution extends freedom of religion to everyone in the United States, regardless of what their faith is or how they choose to practice it. The ULC has, per its practices, legally ordained thousands of ministers online in Maine. Every day, these intelligent, thoughtful ministers are legally performing services and ceremonies in their communities.
The ULC believes that everyone who feels so-called, regardless of their particular beliefs, should have access to ordination and the ability to captain their own spiritual ship. We ask only that our ministers abide by two tenets:
Do that which is right, and
Every individual is free to practice their religion in the manner of their choosing, so long as that expression does not impinge upon the rights or freedoms of others and is in accordance with the government's laws.
How Long Does it Take to Get Ordained in Maine?
The amount of time it can take to get ordained can vary depending on what avenue you are taking to become an ordained minister. The ULC believes that ordination should be accessible to any individual who feels so-called, so we've created an innovative platform that allows anyone interested in the path of ordination to apply for that online. Properly requested ULC ordinations are granted almost instantaneously, and we've legally ordained thousands of ministers in Maine who are doing amazing work every day.
If you are feeling called to join our community, we'd be happy to welcome you!
How Much Does it Cost to Get Ordained in Maine?
The cost of ordination depends entirely on how and through which institution you choose to become ordained. Going to a traditional seminary or religious graduate program can cost thousands and thousands of dollars in tuition alone. The ULC has worked tirelessly since its founding to ensure that ordination can be made available to anyone who feels so-called, regardless of their economic status. For this reason, among others, online ordination with the Universal Life Church is absolutely free.
This policy has enabled thousands of people who would ordinarily never be able to achieve ordination as a result of their financial limitations to achieve that goal and utilize their new status to improve themselves and their communities. We do ask for a small fee from any minister who chooses to order physical supplies or copies of their credentials to help us cover the cost of those, but the ULC's online ordination itself has no charge and is open to all.
How Can You Get Ordained in Maine for Free?
As noted above, online ordination with the ULC is always free! If you are interested in applying for online ordination and haven't done so already, please just scroll up to step 1 on this page and hit the big blue button to begin your ordination application and the next big adventure in your life!
Do you have to be a resident of Maine?
An online ordination from the ULC is not itself state-specific, meaning that you only need to get ordained once and that ordination itself is valid no matter where in the world you happen to be.
You should be aware that different states do often have different rules and regulations for how certain ceremonies, like weddings, are meant to be performed - so prior to performing any ceremony with legal significance we always suggest that you reach out to the government office that will be overseeing the results of that ceremony ahead of time to ensure that you have all of the paperwork you'll need.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Get Ordained in Maine
The Universal Life Church requires that all those who apply for online ordination be at least 18 years of age or older. This age restriction, along with other policies and procedures related to the ordination process, are made clear as you are completing the application form. Any ordination application that is made under false pretenses or in violation of our terms and conditions will be automatically considered void, and we will not be able to defend the legitimacy of any ordination granted under false pretenses or otherwise in violation of our guidelines.
