As far as where to get the ordination, I suggest reading the post you just read (there are links to the Aquarian Tabernacle Church and Cherry Hill Seminary).

I also suggest reading my other article on ordination: Wiccan Ordination and Ministry Revisited. There is a link to the Universal Life Church there, along with more information.

Blessed be.

If you have questions, one great resource for information can be the local government clerk. If you ask very nicely and politely, they might give you information, such as how to do it with ULC, etc. I’ve found some clerks are very willing to help while others are not, so if you get one who doesn’t want to help, just call back or visit another time to get someone else.

Hope that helps.

If there isn’t any local congregation that can ordain, then another option is to self-train by reading a lot of good books, leading local groups, etc. and get your formal ordination through a group like the ULC (Universal Life Church).

Many states do not track or verify any minister, so ministerial credentials are not needed in those states for presiding over weddings, etc. (though ministry is much more than that). Such states that I know first-hand about are South Dakota and California. I’m sure there are many others as well. You would have to check with your state government.

May the Gods light your way on your journey.

Good luck, and blessed be the way of your path.

There is no such thing as “accreditation” when it comes to ordination because of the separation of church and state. The state cannot pick and choose which ordaining bodies it will accept.

In fact, many states don’t register ministers at all, with South Dakota and California being two examples I have personal experience with.

The difference, to me, in ordaining bodies is the training one can receive. I don’t think the training is absolutely necessary, since the Gods help and one can do “on-the-job training.” I find it can help, though. It is for this training that one should be paying for, if they choose to go that path.

If your heart is in the right place, wishing to help others and serve the Gods, then don’t let formalities get in the way. Many of the best ministers I’ve known were not formally trained, but apprenticed under someone else and/or were guided by the Gods.

Blessed be in your new journey of service.

I’m on the side of letting each minister determine their own response to this question that they all face. Some will give it away for free. They have decided that it is a part-time calling and that they wish to continue working their full-time job to pay their own Earthly obligations. Doing ministry part-time does not diminish it in any way, as the vast majority of ministers of many religions operate in this capacity.

For those who wish to serve full-time, they will need to make a living from their ministry. In the Pagan community, there are not enough people in any group to truly support full-time clergy through regular donations.

I personally don’t know of any ministers who will turn anyone away for lack of funds, but there should be an exchange of some sort. Though the Gods have infinite resources, especially time, humans, including clergy, do not. Many will charge money for their services to compensate for their time. Since they need to make a living in some way, their limited time can be spent in helping people with their spiritual development or in working at a mundane job.

The ministers I know who charge for their services normally operate on a sliding scale to make the exchange fair to both parties.

If someone truly wishes to receive free spiritual guidance on an ongoing basis, one can always consult directly with the Gods. They are always available and have infinite resources for personal aid. This is where I recommend everyone get the bulk of their spiritual aid since we all need it daily. Human ministers are an important part of a religious community, but they are not a substitute for direct interaction with the Gods.

Hope this helps.
Blessed be.