Most traditional churches understand that very few individuals are ready to step into the role as Minister and head of a congregation. Though most Seminary students feel the calling of the Lord, most find they are not ready to ascend to the lofty station of Minister. Usually, the traditional Church will require the newly graduated student to pass through levels of certification prior to Ordination. The purpose of these different levels becomes clear almost at once to many newly Ordained Internet ministers that are serious about leading an organization.
Unless you have the time and money required to attend some form of Seminary, the traditional churches will usually not allow you to work through them for the training you may need. Even most Independent Churches will not accept your legal Ordination as a form of authority. Most small Independent Churches, though, will accept someone that is registered as a Prayer Partner or Licensed Preacher to work under their Pastor voluntarily. As an assistant, and not an equal, you become an asset to their Church. So often the budget of the small Independent church does not allow for ministerial associates. Your lesser license in this case opens the door to you for training, and helps them at the same time. It is the true win, win situation.
The Universal Ministries does not require or demand that you go through these levels prior to becoming ordained with us. However, we do feel that training in these levels is essential to developing a more rounded pastoral leadership within your Ministries.
Without the proper understanding of your congregational needs, you as a newly Ordained Minister may cause more harm than good. Which, of course, goes against our Doctrine. If you have a well-rounded sales ability and an excellent grasp of the sacred doctrine you teach, this may not seem necessary to you. Most people that receive instant Ordination do not have such enlightenment. Being Ordained makes many feel automatically superior to their fellow man. Yes, you have a title. Yes, you have the right to be referred to by that title. You are a Reverend, a Minister, a Holy Joe, a Priest, a Shaman, or a Rabbi, but most of us have little idea what these really mean.
Now, if you come to us, as many net surfers have, the idea of becoming ordained is most likely being accepted for personal pleasure. These lesser credentials will probably seem unimportant to you. If you wish to be Ordained simply for fun, and to boost your ego you are welcome to jump right to our Be Ordained page, and have a ball! It is lots of fun to be a Legally acknowledged Minister. We happily admit that. Share your newfound pleasure with all your friends and family. There is no sin or crime in doing so. Later, if you find yourself wishing to do something with your status, you are always welcome to join us in seeking your truth.
For those that wish to become ordained to help others find God in your belief, we suggest you accept a credential of lesser standing to begin with. If you are already ordained here, or elsewhere, these steps can be an added bonus to your becoming a better spiritual evangelist.
| REGISTERED PRAYER PARTNER |
LICENSE TO PREACH |
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| REGISTERED PRAYER PARTNER |
The Prayer Partner is someone that usually is not ordained. They are recognized instead as having the sanctified authority to help others through prayer. Often, the prayer partner will visit shut-ins, hospitals, and nursing homes. The Prayer Partner's purpose is to give companionship and spiritual guidance to the small group, or individual.
Why is a Prayer Partner important? First, it helps you as a member of the clergy to become comfortable with one of the important functions of the Minister. It allows you to develop your own style of prayer guidance and Ministry. So many of us need to work past our inhibitions of speaking to strangers and small groups, that this is very beneficial training.
Whether it is by praying together with the person or group, or by praying for the individual on your own, the learning is important to you. Also, several groups around the world offer praying services as a sideline to their ministries. It is a very lucrative form of revenue for your organization. Remember though, that taking money from someone in the hospital or nursing home while you are visiting them is a felony in most States. It is considered prayer preying on the old. They may donate through the mail after leaving the institution, or by becoming a member of your congregation later, but not while they are most susceptible during sickness or emotional crisis.
Most importantly while you are learning your own style; you will usually give an emotional lift to someone who often badly needs a friend. By being their friend, the Prayer Partner often becomes their spiritual leader.
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| LICENSE TO PREACH |
The License to Preach is similar to becoming an apprenticed Minister. It is given to the new Minister in training to lead worship services, study groups, and includes their previous training as Prayer Partners. It gives the person the ability to perform many of the functions of a full Minister without the daily humdrum of running the Church. A Licensed Preacher often fills the gap within a traditional Church by relieving the Minister of trying to be in more than one place at a time.
The Licensed Preacher has the option of passing the problems that they are too inexperienced to handle to the seasoned Minster without unduly upsetting the layperson by giving poor counseling. When in doubt, the Licensed Preacher will often suggest the problem be kicked upstairs to allow themselves time to learn a more correct approach to coping with the layperson's problem.
Many small Independent Churches often use Licensed Preachers to fill in for their Minister while the Minister is away, or ill. Often, they are happy to have the Licensed Preacher study under their Minister while helping in their Church's programs. This gives you, as a Licensed Preacher, a way to gain experience in a real time Church setting prior to establishing your own Ministry.
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