Overseers of a church – bishops, pastors, elders, deacons, deaconesses, whatever – are to be above reproach. That means they must be above or not engaged in anything that would bring shame or disgrace to themselves or to the body of Christ. They should exhibit Christlikeness, not only in the church, but outside of it as well.

Because this high standard is biblically required of our leaders (1 Timothy 3: 2; Titus 1: 7), we naturally expect to see upright behavior from them. Moreover, though, we also want to be able to point to them as proof that godly living is possible. We want them to be examples for unbelievers and for us, showing that the Christian life is achievable and that it works.

But you know what? The same “above reproach” qualification for church leaders is meant to apply to all Christians. After all, we are all God’s ambassadors. We should never forget that our lives speak as a testimony. Both leaders and followers are to reflect God’s light upon His ways of doing life.

Therefore, it is not fair to put all the responsibility on the shoulders of church leaders. By God’s grace, all believers should strive to live morally in such a way as to be blameless before others; living a life of integrity; of good reputation.