Researched and updated by the ordination experts at the Universal Life Church on

An outline of Tennessee with the ULC logo

Curious how to get ordained in Tennessee? 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.

The people of Tennessee are famously good and kind and willing to lend a hand to those in need - they certainly live up to their state's nickname as "The Volunteer State". That urge to help their brothers and sisters is a match made in heaven when held alongside the values of the Universal Life Church. So it's no surprise that so many kind-hearted Big Benders have chosen to become ordained ministers to empower themselves to do that which is right in their community.

In this guide, we'll explore what ordination is, explain how it gets issued online, and show you how to become a minister in Tennessee!

1. Fill Out Your Tennessee 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 have a better idea what types of clergy duties you'd like to take on, your next move will be to ensure you have all the necessary documents and other supplies to pursue these goals! Some of the most popular items for our ministers in Tennessee are:

Regardless of where you've set your sights, know that we're ready to help you get your ministry off to a great start!

Become a Wedding Officiant in Tennessee

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 Tennessee? Some people get ordained to perform a wedding for a friend or family member, while others even go on to officiate weddings professionally in Tennessee!

Scenic cities like Columbus are home to so many stunning natural settings and beautiful venues that would be perfect for just about any type of ceremony you are asked to perform. Perhaps you'll even have the opportunity to take a stroll down historic Beale Street after officiating over a fast and fun wedding ceremony downtown, even if it's purely a symbolic ceremony!

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 Tennessee.

What Can You Do With Your Ordination in Tennessee?

After becoming ordained, you'll have complete freedom to decide how you want to take advantage of this new status. Don't be shocked to find your minister status called into action anywhere in Tennessee, from Smyrna to Johnson City, you'll find people in-need!

As a ULC ordained minister, you can:

  • Perform weddings
  • Preside over baptisms
  • Lead funeral and memorial services
  • Officiate a wide variety of other types of ceremonies

Some members of the ULC in Tennessee 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 Tennessee

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 Tennessee can conduct all the same duties historically performed by institutional members of the clergy from other denominations.

More Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to get ordained online in Tennessee?
Yes! The Constitution specifies that everyone has the right to practice their own religion. By pioneering the use of technology to communicate and ordain, we may look different from the more traditional churches you might be used to, but as a ULC minister in Tennessee you have the same protections as all other ministers.
How long does it take to get ordained in Tennessee?
The amount of time required to get ordained depends on which religious organization is ordaining you. The Universal Life Church has deliberately made ordination available almost instantaneously online because we believe that everyone in Tennessee who feels so-called has the right to captain their own faith journey.
How much does it cost to get ordained in Tennessee?
Ordination with the Universal Life Church is free, and always has been! We believe that everyone in Tennessee who feels so-called should have access to ordination. Note that in certain areas you may be required to present proof of your ordination, which we provide for a small charge to help us cover production expenses.
How old do you have to be to get ordained in Tennessee?
To get ordained online by the Universal Life Church in Tennessee, an individual needs to be at least 18 years old. Depending on your location, there may be age requirements to perform functions like the solemnization of weddings - the office issuing the marriage license will be able to provide you with that information.

Interested in Performing a Tennessee wedding?

Be a TN Wedding Officiant

Learn All About Marriage Law in Tennessee

See the Full Statutes

Proceed to your Ordination Application

Become Ordained
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