| Dress Code for Female Christian Staff What’s appropriate?  Q. My church group toured a rescue mission in our town. But, we were shocked by the way female staff dressed at this facility. What do you think is appropriate for this kind of work? Answer: Ambassadors for Christ Thank you for your question. Gospel Rescue Mission staff members are ambassadors for Christ (2 Cor. 5:20) and represent the Lord Jesus to the community as well as to GRM residents. Sometimes local pastors, civic leaders and other notable groups visit the Mission, too, and observe us. So we represent Christ to everyone. As an example the photo above depicts a woman wearing casual but appropriate attire for a Christian work environment. Uniforms? Your question is especially timely for us because we are in the process of setting up a dress code for our male and female workers at the Gospel Rescue Mission. In fact, some of our leaders would like for us to require uniforms – maybe smocks with name tags such as we sometimes see in other Christian organizations. But, as a female and the wife of the Director, I would like to avoid uniforms if at all possible. As an alternative here is what we are considering. Please offer us your suggestions, too. GRM Dress Code – Female Staff RAs, Directors, Office Staff, Thrift Shop: Women staff members work among several male residents who are sex offenders. In this environment it is not wise to purposely tempt men or create potential liability issues at work. Inappropriate Dress:  – No clingy, tight-fitting sweaters or pants. No flirtatious or suggestive behaviors or attitudes, either.  – No low-cut tops showing cleavage. No off-shoulder straps – No shorts, short skirts or provocative outfits Consequences: We apologize for showing pictures of inappropriate dress. But, our female staff members are expected to comply with high standards and must understand clearly what we mean. If they cannot they may be asked to leave. Inappropriate dress could cause legal or liability issues for the Mission should there be an incident. Cooperation is essential!  Suggested Attire: – Always dress in a businesslike manner in conservative pant suits, slacks, blouses or dresses – corporate attire like ITT or IBM . – Do not dress like the residents but set a good example for those who often struggle with drugs, poverty and life without Christ. – Always keep in mind that churches, civic or political leaders and community groups visit the Mission, too. They observe us closely. We represent Christ to everyone and we need to dress in a manner worthy of the King. The apostle Paul said, …I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes. For women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves attractive by the good things they do (1 Tim. 2:9-10).  Facebook & Social Media: As representatives of Christ, staff members who use Facebook or other social media are never to post suggestive photos of themselves on-line. They are to refrain from using racial slurs or inappropriate language as well. Social media is open to the public. We represent Christ on Facebook, too! Your personal life is not your own when we are “ambassadors for Christ.” We belong to Christ’s worldwide church! |
