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SHEPHERD Dimension

Reputation & Witness

"Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace." — 1 Timothy 3:7

"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 qualification is unique among the elder requirements — it looks outward, beyond the church community. Not a carefully curated public image, but the earned-over-years, withstands-scrutiny kind of reputation that people vouch for without hesitation.

The five key components

Integrity in Business
How you conduct yourself in the marketplace reveals your character. Keeping commitments, paying bills on time, treating employees and vendors fairly, conducting business honestly —…
Respect for Others
How you treat people — especially those who can do nothing for you — says a great deal about your character. Treat service workers with courtesy. Speak respectfully about people ev…
Professional Excellence
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men" (Colossians 3:23). Your work ethic should honour God and earn the respect of employers, colleagues, and those you …
Financial Responsibility
"A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches" (Proverbs 22:1). Living within your means, paying your debts, and managing money responsibly all contribute to your public re…
Social Media Integrity
Your online presence should reflect the same character and values as your offline life. Every post, share, comment, and "like" contributes to how people perceive you. If you wouldn…

Questions to reflect on

  1. How would you honestly assess your reputation with non-Christians? What would they say about you?
  2. Are there any areas of your life where your behaviour might be damaging your witness?
  3. How thoughtful are you about your social media presence? Does it honour God?
  4. 2 more in the training session…

Training Session

Reputation & Witness

Unlock the complete training session: full book chapter, structured exercises, scripture study, and a downloadable PDF workbook.

  • Full book chapter
  • 3 practical exercises
  • Scripture study with reflection
  • All 5 reflection questions
  • Downloadable PDF workbook
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