Christian ordination is assigned under full authority of God. 

In Galatians, we read:

“I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.

For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. I was advancing in Judaism beyond many Jews of my own age and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. But when God, who set me apart from birth[a] and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus” (Galatians 1:11-17).

We claim Matthew 28: 18-20 (Otherwise known as "The Great Commission") as our final authority in all matters of our ministry:

“All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth. Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world” (Mt. 28:18-20 ASV).

What is online ordination?

Online Ordination is recognition by an established religious organization when you have satisfied their requirements to enter ministry (Although, entering ministry is by the calling of God and not the permission of man). If you are called by God, then online ordination may be for you. Online ordinations are as legal as any other type of ordination granted by men.

Is my ordination legal?

Yes. In fact, ordinations are not controlled by any government entity. Churches and other ministries are allowed to determine who they may ordain into the ministry. Once you have been accepted for ordination by The United New Testament Church, International, and added to our database, you will then be ordained. Your ordination is considered legal and as valid as any ordination issued by any other religious entity. There is no legal distinction between an online ordination and any other issuing group, institution, or individual.

What makes online ordination legal?

In 1974, the United States government was sued by the Universal Life Church in response to the government’s challenge to their right to have a tax-exempt status. When the judge ruled on this case, he also addressed the question of mail-order ordination, independent church charters, etc. While the Universal Life Church is not really a Christian ministry, nevertheless they performed a great service to all non-traditional ministries by fighting this case in court and eventually winning.

The following is an excerpt from the court’s decision in this case. The Universal Life Church is referred to in the case as Plaintiff:

“…an Honorary Doctor of Divinity is a strictly religious title with no academic standing. Such titles may be issued by bona fide churches and religious denominations, such as plaintiff, as long as their issuance is limited to a course of instruction in the principles of the church or religious denomination… The statute is silent as to recognize honorary titles conferred for some meritorious recognition.”

The court then addressed the issue of whether the ordination of ministers, granting of church charters, and the issuance of Honorary Doctor of Divinity certificates are substantial activities which do not further any religious purpose. The following is excerpted from the court’s decision:

“Certainly the ordination of ministers and the chartering of churches are accepted activities of religious organizations… The fact that the plaintiff distributed ministers’ credentials and Honorary Doctor of Divinity certificates is of no moment. Such activity may be analogized to mass conversions at a typical revival or religious crusade.”

Now here is the real core of the court’s decision, and the portion that guarantees the legality of your ordination:

“Neither this Court, nor any branch of this Government, will consider the merits or fallacies of a religion. Nor will the Court compare the beliefs, dogmas, and practices of a newly organized religion with those of an older, more established religion. Nor will the Court praise or condemn a religion, however excellent or fanatical or preposterous it may seem. WERE THE COURT TO DO SO, IT WOULD IMPINGE UPON THE GUARANTEES OF THE FIRST AMENDMENT.”

So you can see, your ordination is completely legal and every bit as respectable as an ordination from any other church. If you’d like to read the complete case decision, it’s filed in the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California, and Civil No. S-1954. Therefore, online ordinations are perfectly legal within the United States of America.

How does ordination issued by The United New Testament Church, International different from an ordination from the Universal Life Church, World Christianship Ministries, or other online ordination issuances?

In our opinion at The United New Testament Church, International, it is important to note that the Universal Life Church, while it is a church, is not a recognized as a Christian church. Their only doctrine of belief is that one should “do what is right.” They do define, “what is right.” This doctrine chooses to leave that up to the discretion each individual member. The ULC openly, and as a matter of policy, embraces all belief systems, including and not limited to atheism. Thus, an atheist may be ordained by the Universal Life Church. These are all freely and publically stated policies of the ULC. If however, you are a Christian who has been ordained by ULC, we would encourage you to considered applying for our Christian Bible Studies and ordination program.

Other such ordination group like World Christianship Ministries, United Faith Ministries, and others, are what are referred to as “Ordination Ministries.” These ministries are also sometimes referred to as “mail-order ordination services.” As such, they do provide a service, and do fill a need and it not the position or intention of The United New Testament Church, International to claim otherwise, or to defame them in any manner. Only as matter of contrast, we can only base our opinions on publicly available documentation. To the best of our research, they do not have a church membership outside the scope of their own ordination records that stated, they do not claim to be churches. They are in fact, “Ordination Ministries”.

What is the difference between ordination granted by The United New Testament Church, International and ordinations granted by other ministries?

The United New Testament Church, International, is an Online World Christian Church (since 1999), based on the God’s, “Holy Bible” and His teachings. The United New Testament Church, International is committed to spreading the Gospel of our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus. We have an international membership (well over 40 countries) of tens of thousands of Christians. Our worldwide church membership is free to anyone in need of God’s love and saving grace of our Lord, Jesus. We take God’s ordination seriously, and you can be assured that your ordination as issued by The United New Testament Church, International is presented from an established, Christ-centered, Christian-purpose church.

Are all ordinations considered equal?

Legally speaking, all online ordinations are considered equal. That stated, morally, you may not want to be associated with organizations which issue ordinations to non-Christian practitioners. We only issue ordinations to Christians who are called by God to further their ministries.

What documentation do I need to prove that I am ordained?

Once ordained, we expect our ministers to go into the world and serve God at his or her best. God’s knows it is tough out there and as an ordained minister, you must be taken seriously without exception. For this and for legal reasons, ministers should have ordination papers in their possession. Each of our documents is individually prepared for each newly ordained minister.

The United New Testament Church, International prepares and provides the following Ordination credentials at your request:

• An original signature of the ordaining authority. (As most states now require this to meet registration requirements)
• A Certificate of Ordination. (This gives the document and authenticity that governmental officials have come to expect)
• A certified Ordination Identification Card.

Can I perform weddings with an online ordination?

Yes. However, many states require you to be a pastor of a church located within the state in which you wish to perform weddings. If you are not already a pastor of a church, then you would need to start a church before you will be recognized by the state as a wedding minister. We provide you with a The United New Testament Church, International’, Church Charter Certificate. Nonetheless, we strongly recommend that you contact your state and local government agencies to clearly identify what is required of you BEFORE performing any type of legal wedding ceremonies.

As an independent minister, it is your responsibility to comply with all of the laws in effect at the time you perform a wedding. Failure to do so may subject you to civil and criminal proceedings. We have compiled the current state laws regarding the performance of marriage, see the current laws here. The laws regarding the performance of marriage have a tendency to change periodically, always contact the appropriate government office to assure your eligibility before performing a wedding ceremony.

Please be advised that the following states are very restrictive as to whom they will authorize to perform marriages: Delaware, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New York, New York City, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. In many cases, independent ministers are not allowed to perform marriages in the above states. Make sure you contact the appropriate state offices to determine whether or not you will be allowed to perform a marriage before you make any commitments.

If for some reason you cannot legally perform a marriage within a state, here is a way to work around the problem: Have the couple buy their marriage license and then have a Justice of the Peace perform a quick civil union ceremony. Then the couple will be free to engage in a Christian celebration of their marriage including the taking of proper vows officiated by you, the Christian minister. The legal aspects of the marriage would then be taken care of and the happy couple could get on with their lives in a Christian fashion. This is also done in other countries where the government officiates all of the marriages.

For a more detailed listing of State-by-State requirements, please click here.

Will my ordination be recognized by other churches?

Most organizations have their own ordination requirements and do not necessarily recognize ordinations issued by other entities. However, that decision rests entirely with the organization that you are applying to.

My church pastor or elder told me that my online ordination is invalid because it didn’t come from a denomination, or accredited Bible college. Is this true?

No, your online ordination carries the same legal status that his or hers does. Denominational affiliation nor graduating from a Bible college or university; is not required in order to be recognized, or perform the duties of an ordained minister. The calling of God should supersede any rules that man has devised to control entry into the ministry.

Is my ministry granted tax exempt status by The United New Testament Church, International?

No, only the IRS can grant tax exempt status. You need to apply directly to them in your own name.

How do I go about incorporating my ministry and filing for 501(c3) status?

We recommend that you contact the Internal Revenue Service direct, or visit their website for more information:
http://www.irs.gov

Can my online ordination be revoked?

Yes. If it is brought to our attention that a minister is not living a life consistent with the scriptures, then that person’s ordination (issued by The United New Testament Church, International) may be revoked at the discretion of The United New Testament Church, International. In order to maintain your ordination (as issued by The United New Testament Church, International) permanently, you must be living a life consistent with God’s requirements as found within His holy scriptures.

No substitute for professional advice.

Material available on The United New Testament Church, International is general information and opinion which we hope will be useful. It is not intended to be, nor is it a substitute for, informed professional medical, legal, financial or other advice. You should always seek independent professional advice from a person who is licensed and/or knowledgeable in the applicable area before acting on any opinion, advice or information available on the UNTCI.org website.

Additional Legal Info...

Our primary legal authority is not the IRS but the Word Of God. Secondly, our legal authority is the First Amendment. We can, and we should, rely upon the legal protections ingeniously drafted by America's Christian Founding Fathers, as embodied in the First Amendment, to prevent the State from meddling in religion. The term "church" does not appear in the First Amendment, but rather "religion." To appreciate what the term "religion" means one should refer to a dictionary that was contemporary to America's Founding Fathers. The only suitable one is the 1828 Webster's Dictionary.

We have been richly blessed with the following information, in further response to this question, supplied to us by our much appreciated ministry advisors:

What is a "Free-Church"?

501(c)(3) Facts

501(c)(3) Myths

Incorporation Facts

Incorporation Myths

Incorporation Problems

Non-Taxable Status

Open Letter to Incorporated Churches

Clearly, the first clause, of the first sentence, of the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America , which states:

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;..."

explains the basis of why our ministry is legal. Any suggestion of our ministry's work being illegal is nothing less than religious persecution, and should be considered as such. See also: US CODE: Title 42,CHAPTER 21B—RELIGIOUS FREEDOM RESTORATION

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

UNIVERSAL LIFE CHURCH , INC. Plaintiff MAR 1, 1974 -Vs- United States of America

Defendant Civil No. S-1964

Order

"From the Findings of Fact, the Court concludes, as a matter of law, that the plaintiff should prevail. Certainly, one seeking a tax exemption has the burden of establishing his right to a tax-exempt status. An organization qualifies for an exemption under 26 U.S.C. Sec. 501(c)(3) only if it is 'organized and operated exclusively for religious purposes.* * *1 In the defendant's Memorandum in Support of its requested Instructions, filed February 28, 1973, 'the government admits that the plaintiff passes the organizational test.'... "The Court must then address itself to the defendant's second conclusion: that the ordination of ministers, the granting of church charters and the issuance of Honorary Doctor of Divinity certificates by the plaintiff are substantial activities which do not further any religious purpose. Certainly the ordination of ministers and the chartering of churches are accepted activities of religious organizations. The defendant impliedly admits the same on Page 5 of its Memorandum in Support of its Requested Instructions. The fact that the plaintiff distributed ministers' credentials and Honorary Doctor of Divinity certificates is of no moment. Such activity may be analogized to mass conversions at a typical revival or religious crusade. Neither this Court, nor any branch of this Government, will consider the merits or fallacies of a religion. Nor will the Court compare the beliefs, dogmas, and practices of a newly organized religion with those of an older, more established religion. Nor will the Court praise or condemn a religion, however excellent or fanatical or preposterous it may seem. Were the Court to do so, it would impinge upon the guarantees of the First Amendment... "IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that the plaintiff be and is entitled to a Federal Tax Exemption and to a refund of all monies levied against by the defendant with interest thereon from the date of levy, March 19, 1970. "IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the defendant's counterclaim be and is dismissed and the plaintiff is entitled to recover the reasonable costs of the suit herein. "IT IS ALSO ORDERED that the plaintiff submit and appropriate judgment in accordance herewith.

"Done and dated this 27th day of February, 1974."

James F. Batten

United States District Judge

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

COMMENT: This is the part of the Constitution which gives legality to all free expression of religion, including Online Ordination.

1. All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

COMMENT: This provision basically reinforced that States may not interfere with our Constitutionally protected freedoms, including our free expression of religion.

5. The Congress shall have power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article.

Each STATE, however, addresses the issue of LICENSURE and Religious Counseling in a different way. We suggest you refer to your State’s Code referring to this issue (see below) for the most comprehensive information on this subject.

It is fairly common to assume that one must not present oneself as holding any other degree, or performing any other service, than that of Theocentric (Faith-Based) Counseling. Most States exempt Ordained Ministers and Individuals working in the Non-Profit realm from meeting full State mandated licensure requirements, with varying degrees of flexibility. (As an example, I have provided the link to the State of Alabama’s Code relating to this issue, which governs our local graduates: http://alisdb.legislature.state.al.us/acas/codeofalabama/1975/34%2D8a%2D3.htm) Distance learning degree candidates and life experience degree candidates are governed by their own local laws.

It is interesting to note that many Christian Counselors refuse to pursue State licensure, in that they are not allowed to pray with their clients, or suggest to them that prayer would help:

“The state and federal governments also have jurisdictional boundaries. They cannot pass laws that prevent the church from fulfilling its purpose and ministering to humanity's needs. The state recognizes that counseling is one of the responsibilities of the Church and its clergy. For this reason, the state does not (and must never be permitted to) interfere with the church ministry of counseling.

The major difference between state-licensed professional counselors and Pastoral or Christian counselors, who are under the authority of the Church (Body of Christ), is clear and well-defined. Counselors who have been licensed by the state are held to strict ethical standards which mandate an individual's right to be free from religious interference. The state licensed professional counselor is usually forbidden to pray, read or refer to the Holy Scriptures, counsel against things such as homosexuality, abortion, etc. The only time a state licensed counselor can involve religious (Christian) principles, morals, activities, etc., is if the counselee initiates or requests counsel in this area. Even then, the state licensed professional counselor could integrate secular methods such as psychotherapy in their counseling approach

Opposite from that, Pastoral counselors are required to pray, share their faith, read the Holy Scriptures, etc. The fact that Pastoral and Christian counselors do these things creates a clear distinction. We do not do the things that state licensed counselors do in counseling and they do not do the things we Pastoral counselors do.

As you can readily see, the state governs secular counselors and the Church is responsible to set standards and govern ministers who have devoted their lives to the ministry and to Pastoral counseling. None of this is to say that the Christian counselor, minister or priest is not permitted to request fees and receive remuneration for the services they render.”

You can research your State’s code relating to the government of licensure and practice regulation as it relates to faith-based counsel by visiting the Cornell University Legal Information Institute’s comprehensive listing of State Constitutions and Codes located here: http://www.law.cornell.edu/states/listing.html