- The Love Church Worldwide
The Positive-Thinking Church for Positive-Thinking People
ORDINATION CAUTIONS
From the world's pioneer online seminary
From the world's pioneer online seminary
| _________________________________ Is Online Ordination a good idea? With all the scams on the internet, how do you find "the real thing"? PLEASE BE CAREFUL!!!!! The simple answer is that, since you are at our website, you have already located a respectful, legitimate, fully-chartered seminary program. However, even though this is our website, we don't want to appear gratuitous or self-serving.
the hard reality: As she prepared to write this article, the a leading search engine and searched, "online ordination". The first search engine results page showed fifteen so-called seminaries, each offering INSTANT ordination to the ministry! One wanted $68.00 dollars for ordination to their "church". Their site said that it was ideal for people who, for their own personal reasons, didn't want to bother to study! Please stick with this thought for just another moment: They offered to "ordain" people for $68.00 dollars with no studying whatsoever. BUT, if you wanted to study at least some lesson, you could buy a handful of them for $18.00 each! Shame and scandal! The Love Church Worldwide offers legitimate opportunities to study online through our American Chaplain Training Institute, Saint James College Seminary, and The Women's College Seminary. Back in the days when the internet was just starting to really expand into an important resource, our visionary trustees noted that we were getting a peculiar type of message from applicants.
who were seeking ordination and chaplain adults. They told us that they were already employed, had families...and were simply not able to attend a bricks and mortal campus at their phase of life. Our trustees founded the world-first online seminary, in conjunction with the physical campus and research center that we operated in Louisiana. Soon, however, it became very clear that, while there were bricks-and-mortar campuses throughout the world, there was only one fully-chartered, legitimate, not-for-profit seminary program, and it was ours. We didn't intend to be pioneers who re-wrote online educational history, but our determination to listen to our students and make every effort to fulfill their needs, led us to where we are today. Still, fraudulent "ordination mills" clog the internet, both trying to ruthlessly separate you from your money and, at the same time, make a mockery of God and those dedicated men and women who work tirelessly each day to bring love, peace, justice, and redemption to this planet. It is a sad reality of our times that there are so many people out there who are willing to scam other people. Recently, a professor speaking at one of our seminary's staff meetings used the term, "Century of Scams" when referring to the period that we have just entered. There are Nigerian email spammers (claiming to be the widow of a wealthy general, etc.), fake "urgent notices from your bank," dishonest operators trying to get you to by "sure-fire" stocks online...and...there are sleazy people claiming to be able to sell you "legitimate" ordinations without studying. _________________________________ |
______________________________________________________
Opinion: Online ordination as seen through the eyes of
a traditionally-educated minister
Is it okay to study with an Online
Ordination program? Is
Online Education even legal?
By The Reverend Martin Thomas (from a 'mainstream'
denomination: United Methodist).
"Now comes online ordination of priests and ministers. When I was
entering the ministry, I had to complete my master degree at an
established university seminary before they ordained me. Today,
though, we have thousands of untrained (or poorly trained) clergy
out there running churches and various ministries. This is most
prevalent in the roadside "Gospel Tabernacle Revival"-type
churches, small churches that proclaim that they are the way, the
truth, and the light (and no one else!). You see their signs
everywhere: "We are the road to salvation," "We can give you the
keys to the Kingdom," and, "Satan has already reserved your place
in Hell."
While some of the pastors of these churches obtained their
"credentials" at some online diploma mill, many completed at least
some sort of a rudimentary training program. Often, it seems, these
ministers took some study program that emphasized the Old
Testament notion of a dangerous, punishing God who turns people
into pillars of salt, smacks whole nations with plagues and
pestilence. Their God even sends conquering pagan armies to
sweep away entire countries of God's own "chosen people" to be
enslaved, raped, tortured, and worked to death.
Many of these churches simply ordain new clergy from within their
own congregations and then send them out and continue wreaking
this kind of spiritual havoc, spreading the idea of an angry God.
Very sad. But, the picture gets worse. Today, we have internet
websites "ordaining" people as "ministers" with no training
whatsoever. This is a very serious situation for the religious
community.
Some of these "diploma mills" appear to be selling "ordinations" with
profit as a motive. Others, though, appear to be offering
"ordinations" out of sheer insanity. I can't think of any other reason.
Can you?
From time-to-time, I'm asked if those ordinations are even legal.
Yes, apparently, in many jurisdictions. (Check with a good corporate
attorney in your community -- one with a strong knowledge base
regarding churches, or at least, not-for-profit corporations.)
Generally, once ordained, you can baptize (most churches feel
anyone can do this in a pinch), marry, bury, preach and, although
the thought is scary, most states even permit ordained people to
counsel!
I'll be honest with you: many trained psychologists and certified
social workers are less-than-excellent counselors. But, at least they
have masters degrees or PhD's!
Frankly, it's a terrifying idea that people who lack any clinical training
are actually loose in our communities hiding behind their unearned
"Reverend" titles and advising others how to conduct their lives.
Often, these under-prepared ministers instill fear of Eternal
Condemnation for failure to obey their instructions!
But, in most areas, this kind of incompetent and unethical practice is
completely legal.
Because of the constitutionally-mandated separation of church and
state in the U.S., the government is prohibited from establishing
academic or other criteria for ordination and ministry. This is, on
balance, for the best. But, the result is a chaotic mix of ministries, all
claiming to be "The Way", and to possess "God's truth".
Some of these "pastors" demand things like proving your faith by
handling live rattlesnakes, having sex with dozens of people,
denying Christmas, beating children, prohibiting wearing of jewelry
or dancing or singing or any kind of gladness in their lives. You
know them. Maybe someone in your family or circle of friends has
fallen into their clutches.
But, there's something worse, even more insidious. There are the
churches who insist that, if you want to avoid Hell, you must give and
give and give of your financial resources. You have to support
glorious palaces of worship (which need to be heated and air
conditioned -- with your money). And, you have to do this while your
children go without proper clothing, sometimes without nutritionally
important food.
I know of a huge church near my home that requires that you submit
your Personal Financial Statement to them before being
inducted...and...instead of tithing...you are required to set up a
program whereby your bank account is automatically debited
every week, with the money going to the church!
If Christ hadn't risen from the dead, he'd be turning over in his grave!
Worse than this, even, are those who do the very thing Christ
warned us never to do: they build themselves up by endlessly
judging others. I find it curious -- and profoundly sad -- that we have
so many highway intersections in America with competing churches
on each corner. And, all claim to be the "correct" church in which to
worship God. It is not unusual for these churches to inform you that
your friends, neighbors, co-workers, and family who attend the other
churches are all condemned to eternal damnation.
And, the internet isn't doing a lot to improve the situation, as
increasing numbers of untrained or uner-trained people assume
positions of leadership as ministers. The internet is, in and of itself,
a wonderful gift from God. But, it can be mishandled, like fire, or
life-saving prescription drugs.
The internet has done so much to transform our lives, brought so
much convenience and so much good to us. Yet, one has to be
prudent when taking from the internet financial advice, accepting
medical "facts" -- and you must use caution and skepticism when
looking into online seminary education advertised online.
Is there a source for online ministerial studies that's lisitimate and
that really gives us a basis for beginning a ministry?
Yes.
In fact, there are probably several, as more and more schools adopt
The Love Church's pioneer distance learning model. Overall, the
web is becoming a matter of preference for people seeking
educations.
The one I know of, however, and can recommend is The Love
Church Worldwide's Center for
Ministerial Studies."
This program is owned by The Love Church
Worldwide in the same manner that Notre
Dame is owned by the Roman Catholic
Church.
The Love Church Worldwide is a small-but
vibrant and ethical Christian denomination
that emphasizes the teachings of Christ as
found in the four Gospels, and in the Christian
apocrypha, known to and studied by
theologians.
(I am not a member of this denomination, or
on their payroll!)
The founder started his Christian ministry as a Catholic, was
associated with secular missionaries, worked for peace and justice,
and has served in United Methodist parishes, as well as headed a
Christian not-for-profit spiritual counseling and healing center. Their
program is 100% legitimate. It is chartered by the government as a
not-for-profit institution. They offer continuing education,
understanding that a fledgling minister is going to go out into the
world and suddenly realize the need for more answers, more
training, more mentoring.
If you want to become a priest or minister, my bias is that you should
enroll in a reputable on-site seminary. But, if you are coming to the
ministry as a late-in-life vocation, or have other reasons for needing
or wanting to study online, I would recommend The Center for
Ministerial Education through one of The Love Church's divinity
schools, Saint James College Seminary ... The Women's College
Seminary ... and the American Chaplain Training Institute.
They're small enough to get to know you and be truly helpful at a
personal level. They'll give you credit for your life experience. They'll
share their knowledge of God's love. They won't fill you with bad
theology. They'll excite you about learning more and more as you go
along. And, you'll have at least a solid rudimentary basis for going
into the real world and starting to serve (yes, serve others, not some
bottom-feeding fake seminary!)
NOTE: The Rev. Marty Thomas is a 30-year veteran pastor with the
United Methodist denomination.
Opinion: Online ordination as seen through the eyes of
a traditionally-educated minister
Is it okay to study with an Online
Ordination program? Is
Online Education even legal?
By The Reverend Martin Thomas (from a 'mainstream'
denomination: United Methodist).
"Now comes online ordination of priests and ministers. When I was
entering the ministry, I had to complete my master degree at an
established university seminary before they ordained me. Today,
though, we have thousands of untrained (or poorly trained) clergy
out there running churches and various ministries. This is most
prevalent in the roadside "Gospel Tabernacle Revival"-type
churches, small churches that proclaim that they are the way, the
truth, and the light (and no one else!). You see their signs
everywhere: "We are the road to salvation," "We can give you the
keys to the Kingdom," and, "Satan has already reserved your place
in Hell."
While some of the pastors of these churches obtained their
"credentials" at some online diploma mill, many completed at least
some sort of a rudimentary training program. Often, it seems, these
ministers took some study program that emphasized the Old
Testament notion of a dangerous, punishing God who turns people
into pillars of salt, smacks whole nations with plagues and
pestilence. Their God even sends conquering pagan armies to
sweep away entire countries of God's own "chosen people" to be
enslaved, raped, tortured, and worked to death.
Many of these churches simply ordain new clergy from within their
own congregations and then send them out and continue wreaking
this kind of spiritual havoc, spreading the idea of an angry God.
Very sad. But, the picture gets worse. Today, we have internet
websites "ordaining" people as "ministers" with no training
whatsoever. This is a very serious situation for the religious
community.
Some of these "diploma mills" appear to be selling "ordinations" with
profit as a motive. Others, though, appear to be offering
"ordinations" out of sheer insanity. I can't think of any other reason.
Can you?
From time-to-time, I'm asked if those ordinations are even legal.
Yes, apparently, in many jurisdictions. (Check with a good corporate
attorney in your community -- one with a strong knowledge base
regarding churches, or at least, not-for-profit corporations.)
Generally, once ordained, you can baptize (most churches feel
anyone can do this in a pinch), marry, bury, preach and, although
the thought is scary, most states even permit ordained people to
counsel!
I'll be honest with you: many trained psychologists and certified
social workers are less-than-excellent counselors. But, at least they
have masters degrees or PhD's!
Frankly, it's a terrifying idea that people who lack any clinical training
are actually loose in our communities hiding behind their unearned
"Reverend" titles and advising others how to conduct their lives.
Often, these under-prepared ministers instill fear of Eternal
Condemnation for failure to obey their instructions!
But, in most areas, this kind of incompetent and unethical practice is
completely legal.
Because of the constitutionally-mandated separation of church and
state in the U.S., the government is prohibited from establishing
academic or other criteria for ordination and ministry. This is, on
balance, for the best. But, the result is a chaotic mix of ministries, all
claiming to be "The Way", and to possess "God's truth".
Some of these "pastors" demand things like proving your faith by
handling live rattlesnakes, having sex with dozens of people,
denying Christmas, beating children, prohibiting wearing of jewelry
or dancing or singing or any kind of gladness in their lives. You
know them. Maybe someone in your family or circle of friends has
fallen into their clutches.
But, there's something worse, even more insidious. There are the
churches who insist that, if you want to avoid Hell, you must give and
give and give of your financial resources. You have to support
glorious palaces of worship (which need to be heated and air
conditioned -- with your money). And, you have to do this while your
children go without proper clothing, sometimes without nutritionally
important food.
I know of a huge church near my home that requires that you submit
your Personal Financial Statement to them before being
inducted...and...instead of tithing...you are required to set up a
program whereby your bank account is automatically debited
every week, with the money going to the church!
If Christ hadn't risen from the dead, he'd be turning over in his grave!
Worse than this, even, are those who do the very thing Christ
warned us never to do: they build themselves up by endlessly
judging others. I find it curious -- and profoundly sad -- that we have
so many highway intersections in America with competing churches
on each corner. And, all claim to be the "correct" church in which to
worship God. It is not unusual for these churches to inform you that
your friends, neighbors, co-workers, and family who attend the other
churches are all condemned to eternal damnation.
And, the internet isn't doing a lot to improve the situation, as
increasing numbers of untrained or uner-trained people assume
positions of leadership as ministers. The internet is, in and of itself,
a wonderful gift from God. But, it can be mishandled, like fire, or
life-saving prescription drugs.
The internet has done so much to transform our lives, brought so
much convenience and so much good to us. Yet, one has to be
prudent when taking from the internet financial advice, accepting
medical "facts" -- and you must use caution and skepticism when
looking into online seminary education advertised online.
Is there a source for online ministerial studies that's lisitimate and
that really gives us a basis for beginning a ministry?
Yes.
In fact, there are probably several, as more and more schools adopt
The Love Church's pioneer distance learning model. Overall, the
web is becoming a matter of preference for people seeking
educations.
The one I know of, however, and can recommend is The Love
Church Worldwide's Center for
Ministerial Studies."
This program is owned by The Love Church
Worldwide in the same manner that Notre
Dame is owned by the Roman Catholic
Church.
The Love Church Worldwide is a small-but
vibrant and ethical Christian denomination
that emphasizes the teachings of Christ as
found in the four Gospels, and in the Christian
apocrypha, known to and studied by
theologians.
(I am not a member of this denomination, or
on their payroll!)
The founder started his Christian ministry as a Catholic, was
associated with secular missionaries, worked for peace and justice,
and has served in United Methodist parishes, as well as headed a
Christian not-for-profit spiritual counseling and healing center. Their
program is 100% legitimate. It is chartered by the government as a
not-for-profit institution. They offer continuing education,
understanding that a fledgling minister is going to go out into the
world and suddenly realize the need for more answers, more
training, more mentoring.
If you want to become a priest or minister, my bias is that you should
enroll in a reputable on-site seminary. But, if you are coming to the
ministry as a late-in-life vocation, or have other reasons for needing
or wanting to study online, I would recommend The Center for
Ministerial Education through one of The Love Church's divinity
schools, Saint James College Seminary ... The Women's College
Seminary ... and the American Chaplain Training Institute.
They're small enough to get to know you and be truly helpful at a
personal level. They'll give you credit for your life experience. They'll
share their knowledge of God's love. They won't fill you with bad
theology. They'll excite you about learning more and more as you go
along. And, you'll have at least a solid rudimentary basis for going
into the real world and starting to serve (yes, serve others, not some
bottom-feeding fake seminary!)
NOTE: The Rev. Marty Thomas is a 30-year veteran pastor with the
United Methodist denomination.
| True Ordination doesn't arrive with a mere click of a computer key! |
Beach at our Louisiana
campus, research center
campus, research center
What is God calling you to do?
Each of us is called according to what we
have been "given" by God -- and God
has different plans for each of us. We will
provide you with a historical perspective.
organizational side of a ministry.
_________________________________
One thing we will not do: We will
not spoon-feed you a creed to
which you must subscribe.
_________________________________
You will receive a general background
into world religious traditions, a
historical perspective, and exposure to
various belief systems and spiritual
practices.
Because our seminary, while inter-faith,
emerges from the world of Christianity,
we will look at Christ as savior (from
ourselves), redeemer (restoring us to our
God-given state of "grace"). We see him
as rabbi (Teacher), and even as one of
the world's most-competent psychologists
(although this side of Christ is rarely
explored in today's Church).
In the final analysis, you have come to
the point of requesting training leading to
ordination because the God of your
understanding has tapped your heart
and whispered to your soul that you
should enter ministerial service. ("I have
called you by name - You are mine." -
Isaiah 43:1.)
Each of us is called according to what we
have been "given" by God -- and God
has different plans for each of us. We will
provide you with a historical perspective.
- We'll train you in
practical methods in
which you may serve
as a minister, priest,
or rabbi. This
includes basic lessons
Biblical History,
Comparative World
Religions, pastoral
counseling,
preaching, parish
management, prayer,
meditation, chaplaincy
(outreach), spiritual
development, stress
management, ethics,
organizational side of a ministry.
_________________________________
One thing we will not do: We will
not spoon-feed you a creed to
which you must subscribe.
_________________________________
You will receive a general background
into world religious traditions, a
historical perspective, and exposure to
various belief systems and spiritual
practices.
Because our seminary, while inter-faith,
emerges from the world of Christianity,
we will look at Christ as savior (from
ourselves), redeemer (restoring us to our
God-given state of "grace"). We see him
as rabbi (Teacher), and even as one of
the world's most-competent psychologists
(although this side of Christ is rarely
explored in today's Church).
In the final analysis, you have come to
the point of requesting training leading to
ordination because the God of your
understanding has tapped your heart
and whispered to your soul that you
should enter ministerial service. ("I have
called you by name - You are mine." -
Isaiah 43:1.)
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