Preisthood of all Believers

The puritans believed that a hierarchy in the church was wrong such as popery in Catholicism and the strong connection between church and state in the church of England.

Instead they pointed to verses portraying Christ as the head and each Christian being equal. And we are all priests unto our God.

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession.." 1 Peter 2:9

When reading back and hearing the names of the puritans such as John Calvin, Martin Luther, Thomas Cartwright, Charles Spurgeon you will notice that they don't have anything in front of their names such as reverend or Father or Pastor or deacon. This can be attributed to their strong belief that Christians are all equal under Christ. This became known as the Priesthood of all Believers.

Matthew 23 makes it clear that as a disciple of Jesus we are not to give ourselves titles.

"Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. Do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader that is Christ. But the greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted."