The Scriptures require in the pastor a model life. He is to be "an
example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in
spirit, in faith, in purity" (1 Tim. iv. 12). As the leader of the
flock his outward life will be expected to evince a higher moral tone
and furnish a more marked exemplification of Christian principles than
that of the private Christian, because his office constitutes him an
example, and the prominence of his position renders defects in him
especially conspicuous and hurtful. Hence, Scripture is here explicit
and emphatic: "A bishop, then, must be blameless, the husband of one
wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to
teach: not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but
patient, not a brawler, not covetous; one that ruleth well his own
house, having his children in subjection with all gravity (for if a man
know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the
church of God?): not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall
into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must have a good
report of them that are without, lest he fall into reproach and the
snare of the devil" (1 Tim. iii. 2-7).