7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap. 1 Timothy 3:7

This characteristic is quite similar to being respectable. If a leader has a bad reputation in the community, then that reflects on the whole church. If people are badmouthing the leadership in the church for issues unrelated to doctrine, then there’s a problem. Again, those who know him may not agree with his beliefs, but that’s a different matter. Maintaining that good reputation is very important for the church as a whole. Otherwise people will talk. Of course, people will talk anyhow, but there should be no legitimate reason for them to talk.

Unfortunately we all know that reputations take a lifetime to build and just a few moments to destroy.

Pray again for the leadership in your church, that they would enjoy good favor in the community.