Perform Weddings & Other Religious Ceremonies
Perform religious rites and sacraments, such as marriages, baptisms, legal marriages and funerals.
Start a Church, Lead a Christian Ministry & Serve on Missions
Follow the Lord’s call on your life to start a church or lead a ministry with legal ministry credentials.
Qualify for Possible Clergy Tax Deductions
The IRS recognizes both licensed and ordained ministers as clergy for tax purposes.
Ministry Licensing & Ordination Qualifications
Legal ordination is the result of a set of compliance steps taken by both the ministry and minister. At Christian Life School of Theology Global (CLSTG), we have taken the steps necessary to ensure that you are legally covered in your ministry calling and journey. You can view the biblical foundations of what we believe by visiting our “Statement of Faith” webpage.
- Academic & Ministerial Experience:
- Associates Degree (Theology or Ministry) & 1 Year of Ministry/Marketplace Ministry Experience (OR)
- Equivalent (Determined by Evaluation of Supporting Documentation)
- Successful Completion of Application & Interview Process to Ensure:
- Ministry Purpose/Calling
- Theological Alignment with CLSTG Statement of Faith
- Commitment to Daily Christian Living
- Submission of Supporting Documents (Detailed Ministry Résumé, Transcripts, References, Etc.)
- Letter of Recommendation from a Spiritual/Pastoral Leader
- Completion of 1 CLSTG Course Per Year as a Commitment to Lifelong Learning
- One-time $180 Application Fee & $15/Month to Maintain Ministry License
- Academic & Ministerial Experience:
- Bachelor’s Degree (Theology or Ministry) & 3 Years of Ministry/Marketplace Ministry Experience (OR)
- Equivalent (Determined by Evaluation of Supporting Documentation)
- Successful Completion of Application & Interview Process to Ensure:
- Ministry Purpose/Calling
- Theological Alignment with CLSTG Statement of Faith
- Commitment to Daily Christian Living
- Submission of Supporting Documents (Detailed Ministry Résumé, Transcripts, References, Etc.)
- Letter of Recommendation from a Spiritual/Pastoral Leader
- Completion of 1 CLSTG Course Per Year as a Commitment to Lifelong Learning
- One-time $180 Application Fee & $15/Month to Maintain Ministry License
Ministry Licensing
The reasons for making distinctions between ordained and licensed ministers vary by denomination. While many religious organizations give licensed ministers the authority to officiate at weddings, state laws may restrict the role of officiant to ordained clergy.
Ministry Ordination
Many religious organizations consider ordained ministers to be permanent clergy. Ordination permits the minister to perform church rites and sacraments, such as legal marriages, baptisms and funerals.