Ministers work for churches providing a variety of services including teaching, presiding over biblical instruction, visiting prisons and shelters to counsel individuals and providing counseling services to members of their congregation. While some churches require their ministers to be ordained, others do not require this. Ministers can also be licensed or unlicensed. If you reside in the state of Illinois, which has no state regulation regarding the license of ministers, you can become a minister by undergoing a few simple steps.

Join a church. Consult with your church's pastor or bishop about your desire to become a minister. Take a Bible course that is approved by your pastor or denomination, or enroll in seminary school.

Complete the application to be a licensed minister and have your application fee available. Ask members of your church to provide letters of recommendation.

Ask your minister to submit your application to the church's licensing board or other entity responsible for issuing licenses. Wait to receive your ID card and your license.

Contact your county clerk if you wish to perform wedding ceremonies. Ask what the registration fee is in your county, along with any other ordination policies.