What Does Ordination Mean

From In the Beginning

What Does It Mean To Be Ordained?

We here at the Universal Life Church Monastery (ULCM) believe and defend the right of all individuals to receive ordination regardless of their sex, race, denominational affiliation, lack of denominational affiliation, education or other factors which might stand as obstacles to a person seeking ordination in the past or through other more "Traditional" venues and means.

Bishop Kirby J Hensley, Founder of the original ULC noted at one time that, When a person requests to be ordained, we believe that they are already ordained by God, according to the Bible. St. John 15:16 says that God has called you and has ordained you.

Hence, we present all who have received such a calling, and who make such a request, with a ministers Credential. This credential grants the individual with all the rights granted an ordained minister. Yet, we encourage each of our ordained ministers to understand that the credential received is simply an ornament which, while nice in name and stature, means nothing until it is used. We encourage you to understand something... Becoming ordained is the FIRST step toward what we hope will be a lifelong commitment you make toward Effecting Change in a world which is in desperate need of leaders who serve their fellow man without Hypocrisy & with an Extravagant love....

The Minister, by definition, is a servant & exists to serve the community & the God of his/her own understanding. The minister should be compassionate, loving & trustworthy. The minister should strive to be an able leader, rejoicing with those who rejoice, defending the defenseless, weeping with those who mourn and seeking always to do that which is "Right."

Years ago, Reverend Hensley once noted quite emphatically, "If you are not dedicated to Freedom of Religion and the tenets and precepts of the Church and not willing to actively participate in the ministry, please do not apply for a Pastorate or Ordination..."

--Br. Daniel Chapin, ULC Monastery Vice President (On Behalf of Our Presiding Chaplain & Team) 00:06, 14 October 2009 (UTC)