• Ordination is often conferred by the laying on of hands.bildnis (2) image by fuxart from Fotolia.com
  
  Ordination is the process that consecrates an individual as a minister or pastor. Some denominations also ordain deacons and those holding other nonpreaching roles. The process of ordination varies depending on the denomination, nondenominational church or online requirements. You must belong to the organization prior to seeking ordination.
  
  

Ordination Within a Denomination

• Most major denominations require that you agree with their statement of faith, have a recognized call to the ministry and that you are clear that you seek ordination to fulfill that call. Most denominations require a graduate degree from a seminary, a religious training university. To apply to enter a seminary you must have at least one recommendation from a pastor in that denomination and the backing of your local church. You may be required to pass a criminal background check. Some denominations require that you submit to a psychological exam to verify your suitability for ministerial work.
  
  If you pass all of these steps, you enter an accredited seminary and follow the course of study prescribed by the school, your denomination and the type of ordination you seek. You may be required to serve as a student pastor, which is like an apprenticeship, working closely with a seasoned and experienced minister to learn how to minister.
  
  Once your degree is completed, you apply for ordination. If you have met all the requirements set by the denomination, you are approved and ordained in a special ceremony and presented your ministerial credentials.
  
  

Nondenominational Ordination

• Most nondenominational churches are an ecclesiastical authority unto themselves and the church members determine criteria for ordination. Ordination in these groups is often less complicated and lengthy than the process in major denominations. In these churches, the "call to ministry" is recognized within the church. This special recognition may occur because the individual has preaching skills, teaches classes, works within the church organization or otherwise holds a place of service. The local body recognizes the qualities and characteristics it believes are necessary to make a good minister.
  
  You may or may not be required to complete a course of ministerial study. You may be required to work with a mentoring pastor for a period of time prior to ordination. Some churches require nothing more than service in the church and a majority vote to ordain the candidate.
  
  

Online Ordination

• There are a variety of organizations that offer ordination via a website. Most require nothing more than a fee paid to join the organization, an affirmative response that you agree with the organization's beliefs and a request for ordination. Some do not require that you hold any specific set of beliefs.
  
  Denominational and nondenominational churches may not recognize the validity of this type of ordination. However, this is a popular path for those who see themselves in ministry but have no desire to complete the steps required to achieve ordination through a denomination or a nondenominational church.