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How Sheneva Paz Became a Wedding Officiant in New Jersey

When Sheneva Paz of New Jersey first heard the request, it caught her off guard. A close friend not only wanted her to stand beside them on their special day but also to officiate their wedding and provide premarital Godly counsel. It was a heartfelt honor—and a turning point in her spiritual journey.

Sheneva realized this was more than an invitation; it was a calling. Driven by a desire to serve others Officiate Wedding in New Jerseyand guide couples into holy matrimony grounded in biblical principles, she enrolled in the Christian Leaders Alliance’s ordained wedding officiant program. Now, she proudly holds her license, ready to officiate weddings across New Jersey.

A Journey of Faith and Service

Sheneva’s journey toward becoming an ordained Christian wedding officiant has been anything but linear. For nine years, she served as a licensed minister, wearing many hats in her local church. From youth ministry to ushering, leading praise and worship, and even managing theatrical performances, Sheneva immersed herself in serving God’s people.

When she relocated, her ministry path shifted, and she began serving as an evangelist. Plans to formalize her ordination were interrupted by the COVID-19 lockdown. “I accepted that the timing wasn’t right,” Sheneva reflected. “However, God’s plan is always perfect. What He has for you will come in His time if you trust and believe.”

The opportunity to pursue her officiant training reignited her passion. She saw it as a continuation of her mission to minister and serve others, this time in the intimate and sacred role of uniting couples in marriage.

The Power of Free Training

Sheneva credits Christian Leaders Alliance with making her dreams a reality. “The free training has removed any financial restraints,” she shared. “Many people with the heart and desire to grow in their faith often lack the financial ability to take classes. This program breaks those barriers.”

The training program not only prepared Sheneva to officiate weddings but also inspired her to expand her skillset. She now plans to pursue life coaching courses to better guide those who come to her for spiritual advice. “I tend to be the point of contact when people need guidance,” she said. “Having additional education will enhance my ability to serve others.”

A New Role in the Community

As an ordained wedding officiant, Sheneva is excited to offer her services to couples across New Jersey. “Becoming a licensed Christian wedding officiant allows me to provide a public service to couples who desire to commit to each other in holy matrimony based on biblical principles,” she explained.

She views each ceremony as a ministry opportunity—a chance to not only celebrate love but also to counsel couples in building Christ-centered relationships.

Looking Ahead

For Sheneva, this is just the beginning. Her story is a testament to trusting God’s timing and stepping out in faith when a new calling arises. Whether officiating weddings, offering life coaching, or simply being a spiritual confidant, Sheneva is committed to her role as a servant leader.

Her message to others considering a similar path is simple: “Trust God’s plan for your life. The tools and resources are there. If you feel called, step out in faith and serve.”

Sheneva Paz stands ready to help couples begin their journey together, officiating weddings in New Jersey and beyond. Her story is one of faith, perseverance, and the power of a calling fulfilled.

Start Your Journey Today

Being ordained for officiating a Wedding in New Jersey is more than earning a credential—it’s about sharing God’s love, serving others, and beginning a transformative ministry journey. With Christian Leaders Alliance, you’ll receive the training, resources, and spiritual support needed to officiate weddings confidently and honorably.

Take the first step today with Christian Leaders Alliance and make a lasting difference in your community while honoring God.

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Wedding Officiant Laws and How Christian Leaders Alliance Covers All Bases

Becoming a wedding officiant requires understanding and adhering to the specific laws that govern marriage ceremonies in the location where the wedding takes place. These laws vary from state to state in the U.S., but they generally include requirements about who can legally perform a marriage ceremony. Here’s an explanation of the laws, with a focus on how Christian Leaders Alliance (CLA) ensures its officiants meet all legal and practical requirements:

Wedding Officiant Laws

  1. Legal Recognition of Officiants:
    Most states require wedding officiants to be ordained or authorized by a recognized religious organization. The statutes often specify that officiants must have credentials that demonstrate their authorization to solemnize marriages.

    • For example, New Jersey law (N.J. Stat. § 37:1-13) states:

      “Every minister of every religion, and the leader of any society, congregation or organization, authorized to solemnize marriages by the rules thereof, may perform marriages.”

  2. Registration Requirements:
    In some states, officiants must register with the local government (e.g., county clerk or registrar) before performing a wedding. Registration often involves providing ordination credentials and, in some cases, proof of the officiant’s identity or residency.
  3. Compliance with Local Laws:
    Each state has its own additional requirements, such as age restrictions, documentation protocols, and the filing of marriage licenses after the ceremony.

How Christian Leaders Alliance Covers All Bases

Christian Leaders Alliance, through its partnership with Christian Leaders Institute (CLI), ensures that all officiants are well-prepared and legally authorized to perform weddings by offering a comprehensive process:

  1. Ordination as a Wedding Officiant:
    CLA provides ordination credentials that are recognized by the laws of all U.S. states. These credentials establish the officiant as a minister authorized to perform marriages, fulfilling legal requirements such as those outlined in N.J. Stat. § 37:1-13.
  2. The Wedding Officiant Skills Course:
    Offered by CLI, this course equips officiants with practical knowledge and skills needed for the role, including:

    • Understanding marriage laws and how to research local requirements.
    • Conducting pre-marital counseling grounded in biblical principles.
    • Structuring and leading a wedding ceremony.
    • Writing a meaningful and personalized wedding message.
    • Handling the rehearsal and filing legal documents post-ceremony.
      This course ensures officiants are not only legally authorized but also professionally prepared to provide a memorable experience for the couple.

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

  3. Required Endorsement:
    CLA requires officiants to obtain an endorsement from their local Christian community, confirming their character, spiritual commitment, and readiness to serve. This step adds credibility and legitimacy to the officiant’s credentials, ensuring compliance with legal language that often requires authorization by a recognized religious group.
  4. Global Recognition and Support:
    CLA is an established religious organization recognized for its mission to equip Christian leaders. This status allows its ordination credentials to be legally accepted across jurisdictions.
  5. Ongoing Training and Resources:
    In addition to the officiant program, CLI offers life coaching and ministry courses to help officiants expand their skills and better serve their communities.

Conclusion

Christian Leaders Alliance provides a complete framework for individuals aspiring to become wedding officiants, covering all legal and practical bases. The combination of ordination, training through CLI’s Wedding Officiant Skills Course, and community endorsement ensures officiants are fully prepared to solemnize marriages in compliance with state laws, such as those in New Jersey. Whether you are officiating your first wedding or building a ministry, CLA equips you to serve with confidence and excellence.

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From Weddings to Ministry: Becoming Ordained in New Jersey

Getting ordained in New Jersey to officiate weddings is a powerful way to begin your ministry journey. As a wedding officiant, you guide couples in making lifelong commitments that reflect God’s design for marriage. Ministry is about leading people through life’s milestones, celebrating their joys, and helping them grow closer to Christ.

Becoming a Wedding Officiant in New Jersey

Serving as a wedding officiant in New Jersey requires both dedication and preparation. Your role involves designing ceremonies that honor the legal requirements of marriage while incorporating the spiritual significance of this sacred covenant. Many ceremonies include meaningful elements like prayer, Scripture readings, and a message that reflects the couple’s faith and values.

Through ordination with the Christian Leaders Alliance (CLA), you gain access to world-class training from the Christian Leaders Institute (CLI). This program equips you with the credentials, knowledge, and skills needed to officiate weddings and expand your ministry opportunities in New Jersey.

How Christian Leaders Institute Equips You for Ministry

The Christian Leaders Institute offers free, Bible-based training tailored for those called to ministry. Whether you’re officiating weddings or pursuing other ministry roles, CLI provides the tools you need to succeed in your calling.

Courses to Prepare You for Ministry

CLI offers a wide variety of courses designed to meet the needs of aspiring ministers, including:

  • Wedding Officiant Skills: Learn how to plan meaningful ceremonies, navigate legal requirements, and deliver heartfelt messages.
  • Pastoral Care: Build your ability to provide guidance and support during life’s challenges.
  • Biblical Studies: Deepen your understanding of Scripture for personal growth and ministry.
  • Leadership Development: Strengthen your ability to lead in church and community settings.

Flexible and Affordable Training

CLI’s online platform is designed to fit into busy schedules, allowing you to study at your own pace. Best of all, the training is free, removing financial barriers and making ministry education accessible to all.

Sharing God’s Love Through Weddings

One of the most meaningful aspects of being a wedding officiant is delivering a message that inspires the couple and their guests. Like a sermon, your words can point people toward God’s design for marriage. Many officiants find that their role in weddings leads to other ministry opportunities, such as counseling, preaching, or teaching.

The Christian Leaders Alliance Ordination Program

Since 2014, the Christian Leaders Alliance has empowered individuals to step into ministry through ordination programs that provide:

  • Comprehensive Training: Practical courses to prepare you for officiating weddings and other ministry roles.
  • Spiritual Development: A deeper understanding of God’s Word and how to share it effectively.
  • Recognized Credentials: Official ordination from a respected, Bible-based organization.

Thousands of individuals have used this program to become wedding officiants, pastors, and ministry leaders, building impactful ministries in their communities.

Beyond Weddings: Expanding Your Ministry

Officiating weddings is a wonderful way to begin your ministry journey, but it’s only the beginning. CLI offers advanced courses in chaplaincy, preaching, and leadership, preparing you for roles like pastor, chaplain, or community leader.

Each wedding ceremony is an opportunity to build relationships, share God’s love, and minister to people in a meaningful way. Whether officiating a single wedding or stepping into a larger ministry role, your work can make a lasting impact.

Answering God’s Call

As 1 Peter 4:10 (WEB) reminds us, “As each has received a gift, employ it in serving one another, as good managers of the grace of God in its various forms.” Becoming ordained allows you to use your gifts to serve others, help them grow in faith, and honor God’s calling on your life.

Start Your Journey Today

Getting ordained in New Jersey is more than a credential—it’s a chance to serve others, share God’s love, and begin a ministry journey that changes lives. With the Christian Leaders Alliance, you’ll receive the training, resources, and spiritual support you need to officiate weddings with confidence and purpose.

Take the first step today with Christian Leaders Alliance and start making a difference in your community and beyond.

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Casting Out Demons

Henry Reyenga
Author: Henry Reyenga

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