Online ordination allows for a return to communities of beleivers outside of antiquated hierarchys

One of the primary driving forces and goals of the American settlers was religious freedom. The freedom from constrictive religious hierarchies that were lead by leaders with strong ties to the nobility in many European countries. The religious hierarchy of both the Catholic and Protestant churches in Europe ensured that the wealthy, ruling elite remained just that, the wealthy, ruling elite. The poor, working class people had little chance of moving up the social or economic ladders in their own countries. They certainly could not become a pastor or work on starting a church in their native land. There was already a strong, impermeable corner on that market.

American settlers, who were seeking religious freedom, were generally of the working or merchant class in their native countries. The settlers often sought both religious freedom and economic opportunity when they came to this country. They were of many religious denominations, including Puritans, Amish, Quakers and Pentecostal Christians. In order to become a pastor among one of these congregations, the blessings and sanctions of one’s own community was all that was necessary. Approval from a ruling body, such as the Catholic Church or the Church of England, was unnecessary. Starting a church in a rural and often isolated community depended on the strength, blessings and commitment of all of the community members. The connection between the minister of a local, community-based church and the congregation was immediate and direct.

Today there is a rise in what are known as “mega churches.” These churches boast tens of thousands of members and often have more than one campus where members of the congregation can worship together. Mega churches, such as Mars Hill in Washington State and Lakewood Church in Texas, are lead by charismatic pastors who address today’s concerns in contemporary terms. The congregational body of these churches numbers in the tens of thousands. Of course, this means that the congregants have limited access to their own pastor. In times of crisis or celebrations of birth or marriage, a parishioner may request some time with his or her minister. However, the immediate and intimate access of the congregants to the pastor of the church is limited by the sheer number of church members.

Currently there is a movement towards a less formally structured church experience through the ordination of common people who are active members in their own community. In order to get ordained quickly and easily, there are a number of online ordination programs that offer sincere individuals the opportunity to serve in a religious capacity in their own neighborhoods. If you would like to serve in this way, you may get ordained by a reputable online program. This will also allow you to begin the process of starting your own church, if you so desire. In this way, the traditional role of a minister or pastor, who is intimately connected to his or her own community, is becoming available to many more people. Smaller, independent churches offer the autonomy, intimacy and direct connection with a pastor that is no longer possible in mega churches or traditional, long standing church institutions.