Become Ordained in New Mexico: Your Path to Wedding Officiant Ministry and More

Becoming ordained in New Mexico to officiate weddings is a meaningful way to serve your community while celebrating life’s special moments. Known for its stunning deserts, unique culture, and rich history, New Mexico offers an incredible setting for weddings. Christian Leaders Alliance (CLA) provides study-based credentials to help you meet New Mexico’s legal requirements and thrive in this sacred role.


New Mexico Wedding Officiant Laws Made Simple

In New Mexico, officiants such as ministers, priests, or other religious leaders must be ordained by a recognized organization to legally perform weddings. Proper ordination documentation ensures compliance with state laws. After the ceremony, officiants must complete and return the marriage license to the county clerk for official recording.


How Christian Leaders Alliance Prepares You

Christian Leaders Alliance equips you with the tools and knowledge to officiate weddings confidently in New Mexico. CLA’s goal is to ensure you are legally compliant, confident, and credible as a wedding officiant. Here’s how CLA supports you:

  • Recognized Ordination: Receive biblically grounded credentials that meet New Mexico’s legal requirements.
  • Proof of Ordination: Gain official documentation to officiate weddings professionally.
  • Study-Based Training: Complete courses through Christian Leaders Institute (CLI) covering New Mexico marriage laws, ceremony planning, and officiant responsibilities.
  • Practical Skills: Learn how to create meaningful, personalized ceremonies that honor the couple’s love story.

New Mexico Weddings: A Celebration of Culture and Love

New Mexico’s desert landscapes, historic adobe chapels, and vibrant cultural traditions create unforgettable settings for weddings. Whether officiating a ceremony in Santa Fe, a scenic desert retreat, or a charming mountain town, you’ll help couples celebrate their love in unique and meaningful ways. CLA’s training ensures you can craft personalized ceremonies that reflect the couple’s vision and create lasting memories.

Psalm 37:5 (NIV)
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will do this.”


More Than Weddings: Expanding Your Ministry

Officiating weddings is a rewarding way to serve, but Christian Leaders Alliance also prepares you for broader ministry opportunities. With access to over 200 courses in areas like pastoral care, leadership, and biblical studies, you can grow into roles such as pastor, chaplain, or community leader. This pathway equips you to serve God and others in New Mexico and beyond while deepening your faith and ministry impact.

Proverbs 11:25 (NIV)
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”


Start Your Journey Today

Becoming ordained in New Mexico is about more than earning credentials—it’s a chance to answer God’s call and make a lasting impact in your community. Christian Leaders Alliance ensures you are prepared, confident, and competent to officiate weddings and expand your ministry journey.

Take the first step today with Christian Leaders Alliance and make a difference in New Mexico and beyond!

Watch a Video Introducing the Wedding Officiant Class by Professor Henry Reyenga

Suggested Links: 

Compare Christian Leaders Alliance with Instant Online Ordination – Click Here

Check out the Accreditation Status of the Christian Leaders InstituteClick Here

Learn more about the Christian Leaders Alliance – Click Here

See the Christian Leaders Alliance Minister Directory – Click Here

Learn more about Soul Centers a place to register your Wedding Officiant ministry- Click Here

Ordination in New Mexico

My name is Saunja Gelvin.

I currently live in Mountainair, New Mexico. I am married to a wonderful man who is a true gift from God. The Lord has blessed me with two daughters, a son, and a daughter-in-law. I’m also “Memaw” to a Become Ordained in New Mexicocouple of adorable foster babies who brighten my life.

My youngest daughter went to be with Jesus at the age of 27 in February 2018. Losing her was the pivotal moment in my calling from God. I had been running from His call, but He used my heartbreak to fulfill His purpose for my life.

My Journey to Freedom in Christ

I have been walking with the Lord since October 31, 2010. On that night, a man and woman who love Jesus and are involved in prison ministry came to our small community to hold a free Christian concert. They came for “the one,” and that one was me. It was a spiritual battle for my soul, and Jesus won the victory!

For much of my life, I had been imprisoned—by the things done to me and the choices I had made. I was a prisoner of childhood abuse in all forms, of drug addiction and alcoholism, of mental illness and domestic violence. I was in and out of jail and mental hospitals.

But God.

Jesus set me free, and He wrecked my life to salvage it.


My Life Verses

As I write this, I am reminded of the first few Scriptures that became my life verses:

Jeremiah 29:11-14a (NIV):
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity.”


Answering God’s Call

In my second year of walking with the Lord, my pastor saw the calling on my life and began speaking it into me. He affirmed that I was called to leadership and to be a pastor. Looking back, I realize my running from this call was rooted in pride and immaturity in Christ, even though God allowed me to serve Him in many areas.

In 2016, I felt the call strongly again and enrolled in Christian Leaders Institute (CLI)—but once again, I ran.

Years later, God used a devastating heartbreak in my life to guide me where He wanted me. His relentless pursuit, born of His love, compelled me to surrender. God has called me to plant a church in my community. He reminded me of CLI, where He had previously led me, so two years ago, I enrolled again, this time with sincerity and commitment.


The Impact of CLI Ministry Training

The free, high-quality ministry training at CLI has made it possible for me to pursue the biblical studies and spiritual growth needed to fulfill God’s purpose for my life. This training has opened doors of unity with other churches in my community, strengthened my understanding of God’s Word, and deepened my walk with Christ.

The ministry training has equipped me to freely share what I have been freely given, while also teaching me the cost of following Christ. It has opened my eyes to see how God truly works all things for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. This clarity has shaped my vision for the church God has called me to plant.

CLI’s training has humbled, lifted, encouraged, convicted, and challenged me. It has been more than I ever imagined, and I am excited to continue my studies after this Deacon Ordination. I would encourage anyone who feels called by God to ministry to pursue training at CLI. Although the courses are free, the value is immeasurable. I also encourage supporting CLI financially, as it allows others to receive the same life-changing opportunity.


Gratitude and Prayer

I want to express my gratitude to the amazing staff at CLI. Thank you for everything you do.

I would greatly appreciate your prayers as I seek to follow the Lord’s will for my life and the ministry He has entrusted to me. Please also pray for those God will place in my path. Know that CLI staff and students remain a consistent part of my prayers.

Blessings,
CLI Student
Saunja Gelvin

How Christian Leaders Institute Equips Ministers in New Mexico

Christian Leaders Institute (CLI) offers free, biblically grounded training to prepare volunteer, part-time, or full-time ministers for meaningful service in New Mexico. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and close-knit communities, New Mexico provides countless opportunities to impact lives through ministry. CLI’s catalog of over 200 courses equips individuals with essential skills, including:

  • Wedding Officiant Skills: Learn to design heartfelt ceremonies and manage legal responsibilities.
  • Pastoral Care: Develop skills to support individuals and families through life’s pivotal moments.
  • Biblical Studies: Deepen your knowledge of Scripture to strengthen your faith and ministry.
  • Leadership Development: Enhance your ability to inspire and lead within your church or community.

Flexible and Accessible Training

CLI’s self-paced, tuition-free program removes financial barriers, making it accessible to anyone called to ministry. Whether starting as a volunteer or expanding into paid roles, CLI’s curriculum equips you to serve effectively. New Mexico’s diverse blend of vibrant urban areas and serene rural communities makes CLI’s flexibility ideal for balancing training with work, family, and other commitments. By offering practical, real-world skills, CLI ensures you are ready to minister effectively in any setting.


Volunteer Ministry in New Mexico

New Mexico’s rich history and diverse population provide a unique platform for impactful ministry:

  • Support Local Churches: Assist congregations in teaching, preaching, or leadership roles.
  • Lead Community Outreach: Organize Bible studies, food drives, or youth mentorship programs.
  • Serve in Crisis Ministries: Volunteer as a chaplain for hospitals, emergency services, or assisted living facilities.
  • Mentor New Believers: Guide individuals as they grow in their relationship with Christ.

New Mexico’s welcoming and culturally rich communities create endless possibilities to connect, serve, and share God’s love.


Ordination and Recognition

Through Christian Leaders Alliance, CLI-trained individuals can receive ordination that meets New Mexico’s legal requirements for officiants. These credentials, combined with CLI’s robust training, empower you to serve confidently and credibly. Whether officiating weddings or stepping into other ministry roles, you’ll shine as a trusted and effective leader.


A Call to Serve

Isaiah 58:10 (NIV):
“If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.”

Serving in ministry, whether as a volunteer or professional, is a powerful way to share God’s love and inspire hope in others.

Matthew 5:14 (NIV):
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.”


Start Your Journey Today

Begin your ministry journey with Christian Leaders Institute and Christian Leaders Alliance, equipping yourself to make a lasting impact in New Mexico and beyond. Your training will empower you to serve effectively, confidently answer God’s call, and bring His love to those who need it most.

Start today and be a light in New Mexico and beyond!

Officiant Ordination Roles


Minister Ordination Roles

Henry Reyenga
Author: Henry Reyenga

Henry Reyenga is president of Christian Leaders Institute and Christian Leaders Alliance.