The Ministerial Seminary of America
Supporting Independent Ministers
Through Education, Training and Ordinaiton
Ministers Directory
A Directory of Ministers
for All Occasions
Please search our directory by state to
find a candidate that may be of service to you.
Please note: Our directory is open for listing by all. Accordingly, we recommend that you interview clergy carefully.
However, we can highly recommend graduates of our seminary, and their association with the
seminary is documented on their listings.
HOW TO INTERVIEW CLERGY
Whether you are seeking a cleric to perform your wedding, dedicate your baby, bless your new home or just be there for support, you are going to want to be comfortable with your choice.
The following is a guide designed to help you prepare to interview your candidates so that you can choose the right officiant for your special occasion.
- On the initial contact, pay attention to how you feel and react to your candidates voice--tone quality, articulation, volume, etc. Do you like the sound of the cleric's voice? Remember, he or she will be speaking throughout the service.
- Find out right away if your candidate is available on the date you need their services. This will save you time. If they are not available, thank them and move on to the next candidate.
- Explain the type of service you are wanting to have performed and ask the minister if he or she is comfortable performing it. Ask information regarding any restrictions this candidate might place upon the performance of your service.
- Ask your clergy candidate why he/she became a minister.
- Ask your ministerial candidate how long he/she has been a minister.
- If a sense of humor is important to you, listen carefully to determine if your candidate has one, or too much of a sense of humor. Remember, you want to be comfortable with your choice.
- If you are looking for a wedding officiant, ask your candidate how many weddings they have performed.
- Regarding wedding ministers - ask how many services your candidate performs on the same day. Often wedding ministers book several weddings on one day. This will make their time limited and things will feel rushed, especially if your service starts a little late or the previous wedding performed went longer than expected. This might also limit their participation at a rehearsal, if you require one.
- Regarding wedding ministers - Ask about fees, and hidden charges for officiant duties. Is there an extra charge for wedding rehearsal time, travel expense, internet emails and in-person consultations?
- Ask your officiant candidate if they have any requirements from you before they will perform the wedding. Some ministers require premarital counseling prior to the performance of a wedding ceremony.
- Make sure the minister you choose is in alignment with your belief system
- Ask the clergy candidate to end your conversation with a prayer or verse. This will give you an idea on how polished this minister is and how quick they are on their feet, if the need should arise during your special occasions.
We hope you find the above questions helpful as you interview your ministerial candidates.