Becoming ordained to marry someone

[helloJ]

Hi all, I'm new and joined to ask this question. I'm haven't been physically going to church to ask my pastor, so reaching out here for some solid SDA advice. Thanks.

 

Question

A friend has asked me to officiate his wedding. He and his fiance aren't religious. My understanding is that a person can only officiate if they are an ordained minister or some state official (judge, clerk, etc...).

There are of course numerous online non denominational church that will ordain you into their "faith". 

My concern is - the morality of it.

I've always held the role of minister as revered or almost scared, in a sense. In my religion, SDA (if it wasn't implied), we of course send folks to seminary and they've undergone studying and devotion to God, etc.. a whole process. Something God has called you to do. 

Getting ordained online (and thus accepting their tenants of faith - ones I dont agree with) seems like a mockery to me, cheapening the role. I'm in no way, an ideal candidate as a pastor. I have my own demons to address before that, hehe. 

Of course I believe God can choose any vessel to be a minister of His word. 

I think you get the picture though.

In summary, what's your opinion on getting ordained by some online church for the express purpose of marrying some one?

A few clarifications, 1. I have no issue in saying no to them and 2, getting married in court and doing a ceremony probably won't fly with them.

Thanks!

[Gregory Matthews]

 1) The requirements to marry someone are spelled out in the State   where you live.  They differ quite a bit. 

* I once lived in a State where any citizen could who was 18 years old, or older, could officiate at a wedding.

* I once lived in a State where clergy had to register and purchase a performance bond before they could officiate at a wedding.

* I once lived in a State where people ordained by a certain Internet group were not allowed to officiate at a wedding.

NOTE:  in all of the above, people who violated the law could be charged with a crime.   

2)  In my opinion, people who purchase ordination from the Internet have no respect.  If you want to be a religious person, join a denomination, meet their requirements for ordination, and work within that group.  IOW, if you are a SDA, meet the requirements that the SDA denomination has, and work within the SDA church.  Do not expect to have any respect if you work within the SDA Church with some ordination that you purchased on-line.  

3)  I am personally aware of a person who purchased an ordination from an Internet group that had ordained a dog, and a person from a Satanic group.  That person then attempted to work within the Seventh-day Adventist denomination as an ordained minister.

[Gustave]

I had a high school buddy who joined the Airforce (to be a fighter pilot) only to discover that despite his high test scores he was placed into the C130's. He flew those all throughout both gulf wars and is a commercial airline pilot now. He (and his family were atheists). Eventually it worked out where he had a layover for a couple of days in Seatac so a bunch of us met him at a roaster for dinner. 

Somone in the group used a swear word and another guy said, "HEY, watch your language around the Rev."

we were all like what!!! Keith produces a card that showed he was an ordained Pastor of such and such Church. 

It was real! 

I asked my buddy if he became a believer and he said NO - a fellow airman wanted him to officiate at his wedding so my buddy "mail ordered" a certification. I think it was 49 or $59.00. 

I'd still recommend to your friend that you have a real pastor do it - if anything they may offer advice and some very good pointers. I had to go through weeks of classes by the Priest who married me - in the end I think it's better. But, anyone these days can become a Pastor for a small fee.

[helloJ]

Thanks Gregory! I agree with your sentiment. I was leaning that way but was afraid I was over thinking it. 

[helloJ]

Thanks Gustave! My wife and I had several meetings with our pastor and I found it beneficial.