About Ordained Ministers by Agape Church
A thoughtful, transparent home for friend and family wedding officiants—combining free ecclesiastical ordination ($0), practical ceremony preparation, and primary-source respect for local marriage laws.
Why Agape Church International was founded
More couples than ever invite a trusted friend, sibling, or mentor to stand with them at the altar rather than hiring a stranger. Yet first-time officiants have too often faced confusing websites that blur the line between church ordination, local county authorization, and the couple’s marriage paperwork.
Agape Church International was established to offer sincere, non-denominational Christian ordination centered on agape—unconditional love, human dignity, and freedom of conscience—paired with candid, source-cited legal guidance that tells you upfront when a state imposes special rules or advance registration cutoffs. Ecclesiastical ordination is always free ($0) with no annual renewal fee.
Creed, governance & how church status relates to state law
- Ecclesiastical Oversight: Governed by the Council of Presiding Elders and administered by the Office of the Presiding Registrar (registrar@ordainedministers.org) under formal church bylaws and our Minister Code of Ethics.
- Federal Church Status vs. State Marriage Law: Agape Church International operates as an independent church ministry under IRC
§ 508(c)(1)(A). Because federal tax provisions do not determine state marriage-solemnization eligibility, every Agape minister is instructed to follow the specific domestic-relations statutes and clerk registration deadlines of the state where the ceremony physically takes place. - Practical Officiant Preparation: Every candidate receives free access to our 6-lesson first-time officiant preparation course, ceremony script builder, and returning minister workspace.
- Transparent Public Standards: Read our full Statement of Belief, religious/secular fit guide, primary-source jurisdiction coverage inventory, and revocation/correction policy in our Public Trust & Governance Center.
Check local rules & apply free ($0)
No ordination fee • No annual renewal fee • Transparent public standards