Editing Priesthood of all believers (section)

===Nonconformists===
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The doctrine is strongly asserted within [[Methodism]] and the [[Plymouth Brethren]] movement. Within Methodism it can plausibly be linked to the strong emphasis on social action and political involvement within that [[religious denomination|denomination]], and can be seen in the role of [[local preacher]]s and [[lay speaker]]s in Methodist churches. Within the Plymouth Brethren, the concept is most usually evidenced in the lack of distinction between "clergy" and "laity", the refusal to adopt formal titles such as reverend or bishop, the denial of formal ordination, and in some cases the refusal to hire any "professional staff" or paid Christian workers at all. 

[[Baptists]], who generally operate on a form of [[Congregationalist polity|congregational polity]], also lean on this concept. The [[Laestadianism|Laestadian]] [[Pietism|pietist]] movement has a specific interpretation of the doctrine as underlying its solemn [[Rite (Christianity)|rite]] concerning the [[Laestadianism#Declaration of forgiveness|declaration of the forgiveness of sins]]. British [[Quakers]] (Religious Society of Friends) have no priests and no [[liturgy|order of service]]; they believe God can speak through any person present, and any planned service is at risk of getting in God's way, hence the bulk of the observance is in silence.

Some groups during the [[Reformation]] believed that priesthood authority was still needed but was lost from the earth. American [[Puritans|Puritan]] [[Roger Williams]] believed, "There is no regularly constituted church of Christ on earth, nor any person qualified to administer any church ordinances; nor can there be until new apostles are sent by the Great Head of the Church for whose coming I am seeking." The [[Seekers]], believed that the Roman Catholic Church had lost its authority through corruption and waited for Christ to restore his true church and authority.

The vast majority of Protestants draw some distinction between their own ordained ministers and lay people. [[Pastors]] and ordained ministers are usually regarded as congregational leaders and [[theologians]] who are well versed with Christian liturgy, scripture, and church teachings, and are qualified to lead worship and preach sermons. Although many religions use priests, most Protestant denominations reject the idea of a priesthood as a group that is spiritually distinct from lay people. They typically employ professional clergy who perform many of the same functions as priests such as clarifying doctrine, administering communion, performing baptisms, marriages, etc. In many instances, Protestants see professional clergy as servants acting on behalf of the local believers. This is in contrast to the priest, whom some Protestants see as having a distinct authority and spiritual role different from that of ordinary believers.