The Ministerial Seminary of America, LLC

Prepare to Perform a Wedding

Barbara Eberle — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 13:43:00 GMT

Wedding season is upon us. While June is still the most popular month, it is followed by August, September, October and May. No matter when the wedding is taking place, if you were asked to perform it you have taken on an honored responsibility.

You might have many questions regarding how legal it is to get ordained on line to perform a wedding. One of the most common questions is shown below regarding online ordinations and the legal requirements for wedding officiants.

Are On Line Ordinations Legal? The answer is yes and no depending upon the state and county in which you are going to perform the ceremony. You must check the state statute regarding what is required. Some states require that you register your ordination certificate with them to gain authorization. Some states simply require that you become ordained and then you are automatically authorized to perform a wedding with no need to register your ordination certificate.

Below you will find a guide designed to help you determine what steps are required regarding getting ordained by state.

Registration of Ordination Credential Required Throughout the State:

Alaska, Connecticut, Louisiana, Minnesota, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Virginia, Washington DC, Wisconsin,

(Some of the above States require further documentation that can be found on their government websites)

Registration of Ordination Credential Required In SOME COUNTIES in the Following States:

Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey,

New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota,

Tennessee, Utah, Wyoming

All other states do not require Ordination Credential registration

Remember, county and state requirements often change. Check with the clerk in the county in which the service is to be performed to find out what the requirements are.

I hope you have found the above information helpful. If you have any further questions, be sure to contact us and we will do everything we can to be of service to you.

If you would like help getting ordained and in preparing that special wedding ceremony, you will find our ordination packages helpful. You can view them at

http://www.ministerialseminary.com/Perform_Weddings.html

Be blessed!

Rev. Barbara

The Bible's Direction on Abundance

Barbara Eberle — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 13:06:00 GMT

It is not a new revelation that we are experiencing tough economic times. We have all suffered the consequences of the current economic environment. We wonder what is the purpose to be found in these difficulties. We wonder when and how we, as a country, are going to recover.

Depending upon your religious orientation, you might be thinking that we are being punished as a society for the sins we have committed. You might believe in a punishing God who sends suffering to us in order to teach us a lesson. When we believe this, we accept suffering as a holy act. We view suffering as a necessity.

While suffering is unavoidable, is it possible that viewing our God as a punishing God actually separates us from a true connection to our ultimate source? Could it be that this spiritual view limits our ability to align ourselves with a God who desires abundance for us and who is, after all, abundant?

What is the Bible's direction on abundance? I will refer to Matthew 5:25-34,

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life^[]?

“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

In addition, let me refer to Luke 6:38:

"Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with this measure you use, it will be measured to you."

An abundant God speaks clearly throughout the Bible. We are directed, of course, to "give" so that it will be given--to seek truth first and all will be provided. To me, this is a metaphysical truth.

Could the state of mind that we hold and the level of faith we achieve in a loving, kind and abundant God directly influence the abundance we receive? Could our acceptance of a God who wishes that "all these things will be given" change our earthly experience of the eocnomy?

Much new age (actually ancient age) thought professes this metaphysical truth. As you think, so shall it be. This is not a new thought, but perhaps one we can't fully understand. Or, perhaps we can't fathom such a large responsibility? Would we prefer to label God as punishing rather than take responsibility for our own thoughts and level of faith?

Let me know your thoughts on this. And, may the abundance of the Lord flow freely to you. And so it is...Amen.

Is Training Necessary to Become a Minister?

Barbara Eberle — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 12:32:00 GMT

Is Training Necessary to Become a Minister?

Traditionally, ordained clergy members are required to achieve a specified level of education and training as required by particular denominations. However, in today's world, you can become a minister with the click of your mouse. Those who advocate the more traditional approach recognize the importance of the position and authority granted to a minister and hope, I believe, to protect their followers by providing leaders who are trained, educated and up-to-the difficult sacrifices required of a minister.

And yet, there are those who have done and achieved miraculous things through the click of their mouse. In our membership, we have had ordained ministers open homeless shelters, battered women shelters, food pantries, missionaries in other countries, street ministries, prison ministries and more. Their education comes primarily from God. They feel the stirring in their hearts and souls to serve.

Other clergy members have chosen to take part in the educational resources offered through our seminary. They feel the same stirring, and yet feel they need some form of structured training and education. These clergy members work toward their certifications and go forth and open their independent church, work for their congregational church, open spiritual counseling practices, and more.

If you are struggling with issues surrounding ordination, especially the one click get ordained on line option, I would simply request that you look to God to find your answers. Spend time in communion with the divine and then follow your heart and soul. You will find your way as God (the divine, ultimate source, great spirit, or whatever early name you use to describe that which cannot be described)

will surely direct you.

The ego is best left out of this decision. If we feel that ordination sets us apart from God's people (as in making you more powerful or better than all of His children) then I would ask that you pray on the matter. In my opinion, ordination simply affirms that you have accepted your calling to be a SERVANT of the lord. May you be blessed!

Rev. Barbara

How to Get Ordained and Start a Church

Barbara Eberle — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 22:09:00 GMT

How to Get Ordained and Start a Church

While getting ordained and starting a church can be a complicated matter, it doesn't have to be hard. At the seminary we get many questions regarding how to go about this. This entry is designed to help guide you as to how to go about getting ordained and opening a new church.

1. Apply for an ordination. Spend time evaluating the organization you choose. There are many valid online sites where you can obtain your ordination. If you wish to obtain your ordination through The Ministerial Seminary, you can do so by clicking HERE

2. Think of a name for your church or ministry.

3. Check with your state to see if the name is already taken. Most states provide an online search tool you can use to check if your chosen name has already been taken. You can usually find this tool by searching the "start a business" area of the state's government website.

4. Make the decision to incorporate your church or ministry. While some states do not require that you incorporate, we highly recommend it. Incorporating your church can help protect you in the event you are ever sued. If you are not incorporated, someone could sue for your personal wealth (your home, your car, etc.) You can find a Sample of Articles of Incorporation on the state's government website as well.

5. Apply for incorporation through the State in which you are going to establish your church.

6. Decide if you want to apply for a tax-exempt status. While you are not required by law to become tax-exempt it is something you might like to consider. You can apply for tax-exempt status by visiting the IRS government site http://www.irs.gov/charities/article/0,,id=96109,00.html for complete instructions.

A Mother Performs a Wedding for her Daughter

Barbara Eberle — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:56:00 GMT

Yes, I performed my daughter’s wedding ceremony. As an ordained minister, it was an honor to perform the sacred and sacramental rite of marriage for my daughter and it was the beginning of a close bond built between my new son and myself. The modern world has new thoughts about who should perform a wedding ceremony. Couples want these special vows to be administered by someone they know and love—by someone who knows and love them.

Officiating my daughter’s wedding was legally performed. I had studied at seminary to obtain my ordination, and I meet all the requirements in the state in which the ceremony was performed. But now you can get ordained on line to perform that special wedding ceremony for a loved one. It wasn’t my seminary studies that prepared me to perform this special ceremony. It was raising my daughter that prepared me—knowing her, remembering her from the day of her birth, watching her grow, sharing joys and sorrows throughout her life and realizing the love she had in her heart for her new husband. These were the things that prepared me. As the officiate, I was able to help my daughter and her husband create a ceremony that embraced what they felt in their hearts, their unique spirituality and inclusion of family members on both sides.

If you have been asked to perform a wedding ceremony for a loved one, then you have been honored. However, it is important to make sure that you do so legally. Following is a list of suggestions to follow regarding getting ordained on line to perform a wedding:

1. Do you homework. Make sure you find out the laws of the state in which you are going to perform the wedding. Each state’s laws vary. Don’t rely on interpretations of the law as provided by on line sites.

2. Call the Secretary of State’s office to find out the statute.

3. Armed with information regarding the statute, call the county to find out what their requirements are. If the clerk tries to give you information that does not meet the statute explanation, explain to them your understanding of the statute and your right to religious freedom. They will probably cooperate.

4. Pick an online site that provides a phone number and call it. Give them a couple of days to get back to you. If they don’t return your call, don’t use them.

5. Make sure your site is incorporated so that they can legally provide services.

6. Make sure you order a paper copy of your ordination and that it carries an original signature and seal from the organization. Do not rely on email messages that say your are ordained.

7. Keep your ordination certificate in a safe place. You may need to verify your status as an ordained minister if the marriage is ever challenged.

Remember, the ceremony is an act of love and ministry to the couple. Enjoy the honor but remember your purpose is one of facilitating the love between the happy couple.

Ordination Begins With You

Barbara Eberle — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 22:00:00 GMT

Ordination begins with you. It is a clear and concise decision, made by you, to accept your role in the divine plan for serving the children of God. It is your decision to fulfill the main purpose of your presence here on earth. It is your acceptance that you are not only worthy of serving, but that it is your inheritance.

The definition given for the word “Ordination” on dictionary.com is: to invest with ministerial or sacerdotal functions.” Our creator invests this purpose in each of us. No one is really set apart as being more of a minister than another. It is simply our awakening to our true function and purpose that sets us apart. All are called and it is just a matter of time before all will answer God’s calling. Once the call is answered, then one is a minister, regardless of religious affiliation or course of study.

Some cannot hear their calling. We need not judge them. We have all been blind to one thing or another during our lifetime As the beautiful song “Amazing Grace” teaches, “I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see.” Sometimes, the blind cannot see that they are blind. We are no different.

Some of our blindness is the result of right, wrong thinking. We believe we have the only answer—the right way, and that all others are wrong. This right, wrong thinking drives our work, our thoughts, our direction. We must convince others to change their wrong thinking. Yet, right, wrong thinking drives us away from the one basic tenant found in all the great religions—love. We are told to love our neighbors as ourselves. I believe that much of this black and white thinking stems from a lack of love.

Some of us believe we have God figured out. Yet, how could we have such a mysterious and glorious God figured out? And, when we think we have the one right answer, doesn’t that limit our ability to hear other equally mysterious and powerful callings from God and his divine intercessions in ways we as yet cannot comprehend due to our own blindness? Doesn’t it limit our ability to grow in God?

How do we begin the answer to our calling? We begin by turning to God and asking for the intercession of grace. Grace comes to all who ask for it. It cannot fail us. Through the grace of God, we go forward with our calling, not concerned for its direction, as long as we take each step with God.

“Ask and you shall receive,” is a powerful, powerful message. Yet it is often misunderstood. What are we to ask for? If we ask for specific things, then aren’t we assuming that we know what we need more than God does?

“Ask and you shall receive,” is also a simple message. Our God wants us to have all that we need. Yet, the greatest commandment given is based upon one word—Love.

What if our daily prayer went something like this:

Dear God,
I ask knowing that I will surely receive. Yet, I ask for only one thing—that I have the faith and trust in you to allow you to lead me, guide me and provide for me the things required to serve your people. I know that I need not really ask, as you are an all-knowing, all-loving, all-powerful and all-giving God. I know that I need only align my heart with yours, my love with yours, my direction with yours and wait with faith and patience for your guidance, through your most gracious and holy gift of grace. Amen, and again I say, Amen.

According to the prayer of St. Francis, “it is in giving that we receive.” If all that we ask for is for the common good of all of God’s children, an act of giving, then we shall surely receive. If what we are asking for is founded in love, then, we shall surely receive. If all that we ask for is to serve God’s people, then we will surely receive all that we would ever need.

In closing, I refer to the Sermon on the Mount in which we were told:

“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying “What shall we eat?” Or What shall we drink?” or “What shall we wear?” For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

How CindyLou Serves God's Little Children

Barbara Eberle — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 12:59:00 GMT

Have you been called to service but don't know how to begin?

Sometimes it's hard, but somehow we decide to just let God lead the way. When we surrender to the belief that God will provide for us all that we need in order to be of service to all God's children, then miracles begin to happen. People come into our lives and bring resources, guidance and other gifts of grace. Serendipity occurs in ways we could never explain. Things grow, change and develop according to divine purpose.

Here at the seminary, we are blessed to watch this divine intervention in motion. We are blessed by the quality of purpose our ministers bring with them and wish to share their missions with all.

Do you have a plan of service or a ministry in the works? Share with us your thoughts, desires, plans and needs, as CindyLou has shared below.

The following is an email I received this morning from a very dear and graced servant of God. Please visit CindyLou's website to learn about her services.

Good Morning Reverend Barbara :

What a wonderful joy to speak with you this morning. You sure radiate through the Holy Spirit, my goodness your voice is gentle, kind and warm, I am sure God's Love radiates through all that you touch. It was very obvious by speaking with you that you truly Love the Lord. I am so glad that God guided me to you for my ordination paper work. This is a dream come true for me. It is something that I have wanted to complete for quite some time, so thank you so much for helping me out.

I am impressed with your statement about your passion for children. Glenn (my husband) and I became foster crisis parents in 1991 and shared our home with about 437 children during that time. Some children stayed over night, some for a week, some for months and some for years. Sheree, a young girl who came to us in 1992 stayed forever and became our daughter. Glenn walked her down the aisle when she got married and we were there when her first son was born. What a circle of life happens. We worked with multiple counties through Washington State and Juvenile Services and learned so much from the children. The trainings and schooling I attended through out the years have been invaluable as many children suffer from many different kinds of abuse. The children who are Fetal Alcohol are some of the saddest. Depending upon where they are on the spectrum of FAS, many have no conscience, and no cause and affect at all. Being attacked multiple times with some children removed from our home for the safety of others it is such a learning process and heart breaking at the same time. Children with PTSD(post traumatic stress disorder) are afflictled with such nightmare and such terror in their lives. Then there are the children who just really need structure, consistency, rules and firm love. We ran a boot camp for a couple years and are so proud of our results. Here children learned to pray, they went to church hopefully a SEED was planted. I may never get to see the fuition of that see but that is OK. You never know who the blessing is for.

In our quest to support and nurture children we have created a Rock N Roll Bike show that we do every year. The purpose of this show is to generate dollars for at risk children. The funds all go towards the Rock N Roll Camp. WWW.RockNRollBikeShow.com please check it out. It tells all about the show, the camp, and the volunteers who support the show.

Reverend Barbara I would love to keep in contact with you weekly at least. If there is prayer that is needed from your side please let me know. I have a great prayer support here and we would be happy to lift those requests up before the Lord.

Thank you once again.

Much Love in God's Grace

CindyLou

Spiritual Callings to Ministerial Vocations

Barbara Eberle — Tue, 05 May 2009 19:00:00 GMT

Spiritual Callings to Ministerial Vocations - A Critique of Traditional Religious Ordinations and Instant On Line Ordinations

How does one know when the call to ministry is valid and true to the individual? How does one know the correct way to obtain an ordination, become a minister or cleric and join or establish a church or ministry?

If we look to the religious establishments, we find a variety of accredited paths to follow in order to grow intellectually and spiritually and obtain the necessary education and training to answer spiritual callings. These paths are authentic and valid and require years of study at accredited universities. There is much to be learned about God, humankind, spirituality, religion and service, and traditional education provides a way to challenge students while providing them with the tools and knowledge necessary to be of spiritual service to their religious denomination.

On the other hand, it is not difficult to become an ordained minister, instantly. On line ordinations provide an avenue for the not-so-traditional spiritual seeker to answer their spiritual calling, but does that alone make it valid? I would contend that validity is in the eye of the beholder.

Consider the following:

A woman is inspired to paint beautiful portraits. She has never had an art lesson but is simply inspired to express her creative spirit and genius in this way. Many are inspired by gazing upon these beautiful pieces of art and some are encouraged to begin their own attempts at painting.
A man can masterfully play any musical instrument you place in front of him, yet he has never had a lesson in music. He is simply inspired to express his creative spirit and genius in this way. Many are encouraged and inspired just by listening to the beautiful music he plays. Some model his behaviors by learning to play musical instruments themselves.
A man and a woman go about their lives ministering to those in need. They have never attended a formal seminary and have no higher education. They are simply inspired to minister, heart and soul, to those in need and they express their creative spirit and genius in this way. Many are healed and inspired by their acts of kindness and some are drawn to dedicate their lives to service as well.

What differences are there between the three samples above? Should the artist and the musician cease to express their gifts of grace because they did not complete a required course of study? Should the man and woman cease to minister because they have not completed a required course of study? And would the required course of study alter the free gift of grace and talent each has received?

Some gifts are innate and from the Spirit. They are acts of grace that are often expressed without explanation. If viewed in this light, restrictions placed upon innate callings would seem to be counter to the highest fulfillment of the gifts of grace.

We would love to hear your thoughts about this important topic. Please, let us know what you think.

Please note: The Ministerial Seminary of America, LLC will not post judgmental or hateful responses. Please make sure your entry contributes to the overall understanding of this topic by those who read it. Thank you.