Researched and updated by the ordination experts at the Universal Life Church on
Curious how to get ordained in South Carolina? 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.
One of South Carolina's mottos is "Dum Spiro Spero", meaning "While I Breathe I Hope". It's a beautiful motto, and one that aligns well with the mission of the ULC to achieve a world where all are recognized equally as children of the same universe through the good works of our members. It's no wonder why so many of hopeful South Carolinians, then, have chosen to become ordained by the ULC to empower themselves to do good in their own communities and perform beautiful ceremonies for their loved ones.
In this guide, we'll explore what ordination is, explain how it gets issued online, and show you how to become a minister in South Carolina!
1. Fill Out Your South Carolina Ordination Application
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
Once you’ve been ordained online, we highly recommend that you order a physical copy of your minister credentials. As an ordained minister, there are dozens (if not hundreds) of new services and ceremonies you may feel called to perform - and it’s important that you have the full scope of necessary supplies and paperwork to fulfill all of those ambitions! Presented below are some of the items that have proven to be the most popular among our ministers in South Carolina.
Should these selections not align with your vision, that’s okay! We have a comprehensive catalog of ministry supplies, offering options for all of your goals, just waiting for you to explore it.
Become a Wedding Officiant in South Carolina
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 South Carolina? Some people get ordained to perform a wedding for a friend or family member, while others even go on to officiate weddings professionally in South Carolina!
There are so many beautiful areas of South Carolina that you could find yourself called to act as a ULC minister - you could even find yourself in whimsical Murrells Inlet performing a quirky wedding ceremony. Or perhaps you will find yourself hosting a romantic garden wedding ceremony at the beautiful Brookgreen Gardens.
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 South Carolina.
What Can You Do With Your Ordination in South Carolina?
After becoming ordained, you'll have complete freedom to decide how you want to take advantage of this new status. Your ordination is valid throughout South Carolina, from Summerville to Mt. Pleasant, allowing you to do beautiful works of ministry like marrying both the young and young at heart.
Officiate a wide variety of other types of ceremonies
Some members of the ULC in South Carolina 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 South Carolina
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 South Carolina can conduct all the same duties historically performed by institutional members of the clergy from other denominations.
Why ULC Ordinations Are Valid in South Carolina
The Universal Life Church Ministries is recognized as a religious organization in good standing in South Carolina. As such, all ordinations issued through the ULC are fully valid in South Carolina 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 South Carolina?
Yes! The First Amendment of the Constitution grants the freedom of religion to all individuals throughout the United States, regardless of their faith or chosen modes of worship. Following its established procedures, the ULC has legally ordained thousands of ministers online in South Carolina. These diligent and compassionate ministers actively engage in conducting various services and ceremonies within their communities on a regular basis.
The ULC firmly believes that everyone who feels spiritually called, regardless of their specific beliefs, should have the opportunity for ordination and the autonomy to navigate their spiritual journey. We merely require our ministers to abide by two core principles:
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 South Carolina?
The time required to attain ordination may vary depending on the chosen route. At the ULC, our core objective is to ensure ordination accessibility to all individuals hearing a calling toward that. To facilitate this, we've built an advanced online platform for ordination applications. Ordinations appropriately requested through the ULC are promptly processed, often resulting in immediate approval. Consequently, we have officially ordained thousands of ministers in South Carolina who contribute greatly to their communities daily.
If you feel inclined to join our community, we extend a warm invitation to you.
How Much Does it Cost to Get Ordained in South Carolina?
The avenue through which you pursue ordination significantly impacts the financial commitments involved. Attending a traditional seminary or religious graduate program often comes with hefty tuition fees, which can amount to thousands of dollars. Since its inception, the Universal Life Church (ULC) has been committed to ensuring that ordination remains accessible to all individuals, regardless of their financial status. This commitment arises from our belief in providing equal opportunities to anyone who feels called to serve. Consequently, online ordination through the ULC comes at no cost whatsoever.
This inclusive approach has empowered numerous individuals who may have otherwise been barred by financial constraints to pursue ordination and make meaningful contributions to themselves and their communities. While a modest fee is requested from ministers opting for physical supplies or credential copies to offset the associated expenses, the online ordination process itself is free of charge and open to all.
How Can You Get Ordained in South Carolina for Free?
As we clarified above, online ordination with the ULC is always free of cost! If you have felt called toward the prospect of online ordination and haven't started that process, please just scroll up to step 1 on this page and hit the big blue button to initiate your short ordination application and the next great chapter in your life!
Do you have to be a resident of South Carolina?
An online ordination from the ULC is not itself dependent on your area, meaning that you only need to get ordained once and that ordination itself is valid no matter where you are located.
You should be aware that different states do sometimes have different rules and procedures 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 South Carolina
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.
Interested in Performing a South Carolina wedding?
