“And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil” (1 Tim 3:7).
This qualification reminds us that there is a public aspect to eldership. The Lord and his church are not only concerned with the private aspects of the leader’s life; they are also concerned with the visible perception of his behavior as well. The name and character of our Savior and his body are at stake.
If an elder is excellent in the assembly and among believers, but is crooked in his business, a poor neighbor, or an embarrassing member of his extended family, then he is disqualified from the office. Together, the inner life of a person, his behavior among believers, and his reputation among nonbelievers all make up the character of an elder.
When a shepherd of God’s people (who is to model Christlikeness) fails in his public reputation among nonbelievers, his hypocrisy has the greater effect of bringing disgrace on the church and those in the church. Satan will leap on this opportunity to handicap and neutralize the spiritual power of the elder and bring shame on the whole church (see Rev. 12:10, “the accuser of the brethren”). Is not hypocrisy one of the chief criticisms the world has of those claiming to be Christ-followers? This qualification will guard the elders, the leaders of God’s people, from this criticism.
The elder’s character must therefore be demonstrated and proven in the church and in the world. Not only is the world watching for failure by church leaders; so is Satan. But if the man is well thought of by outsiders and has a positive reputation in the community, then the Lord and his church will be glorified and magnified, and there will be less ammunition with which Satan or nonbelievers can accuse the church.