Dress Code Guide
Please be aware that the people in Mexico are much more conservative and tradition than in the U.S.A.  
Therefore, please don’t wear extreme type clothes, or dress in a way that would cause undue attention to
you.  (Earrings for guys, dyed hair and etc.)  To be effective in ministry, we must respect our Mexican
brothers and sisters while in their country.  The first and most important mission principle to understand
about missions is that, 'We must set aside our dress and customs and adopt those of the country in
which we are serving.  

Keep in mind that you will be involved in a variety of activities: church, work, travel, and etc.  The weather
can be somewhat warm during the day and cooler at night (during winter and spring).  During the
construction times, it's not wise to wear sandals or open-toed shoes, however, it can be helpful to have a
pair of sandals, or slip-ons for going to the showers or night trips to the bathroom.

We ask that while here in Mexico, and on our ministry base, that all honor our dress code guide below as
we have many pastors and Mexicans who show up at our ministry base. The exception to this would be
that while on the ministry base ladies don't have to wear skirts, and guys can wear shorts.  However,
while at churches for ministry times, all rules need to be followed.

Here are some helpful guidelines to make your ministry most effective:

FOR EVERYONE

  • Avoid a sloppy appearance.
  • Be governed by a sense of modesty.
  • No extreme clothing. (It is very offensive to Mexican people)
  • No body piercing jewelry
  • No extreme T-shirts or hats
  • No extreme hair color allowed.

FEMALES

  • No suggestive clothing (i.e. tight or form fitting shirts blouses or dresses, short shorts, half-shirts or
    anything that shows the tummy).
  • A dress or skirt/blouse is a must for church (no sleeveless tops).
  • Jeans may be worn during work projects and VBS.
  • No shorts may be worn to any outreach.
  • No excessive jewelry.
  • Sweatshirt or warm jacket is recommended for the cool evenings.
  • No low cut necklines on dresses or shirt.
  • No strap-type shirts allowed.

MALES

  • No excessively baggy clothing.
  • Jeans may be worn to church
  • Jeans may be worn during work projects and VBS's.
  • If your ears are pierced, leave the earring(s) at home.
  • A sweatshirt or warm jacket is recommended for the cool evenings (during spring and winter
    months).
  • No tank top T-shirts are allowed.

Please understand that we don't ask these things to be legalistic or to deprive you of your individuality.  
It's just that particular appearances don't say the same thing in Mexico as they might in the U.S.  The
people we are serving are looking at us from their cultural lens and point of view.  We must not damage
our impact by allowing material things to get in the way.

Suggested Clothes to Bring:

Dress for Work (For both Men and Women)

  • Old Jeans
  • Old shirts
  • Work gloves
  • Work shoes
  • Hat

Dress for V.B.S.
  • Men – Unless your work clothes are extremely dirty they can be worn to V.B.S.  You will be playing
    and interacting with children in a fairly dusty environment so changing is not really necessary.

  • Women – Pants are fine, no sleeveless tops, dress modestly.  Keep in mind V.B.S time is
    outdoors and somewhat dirty.  Don’t wear your best stuff.  It’s also a good idea not to wear your
    jewelry to V.B.S. as the children will want you to give it to them or be distracted by it.

Dress for Church & Visitation/Prayer Ministry
  • Men – Nice jeans and casual shirts
  • Women – Dress or skirt that goes below the knees when seated.

Note for the ladies -   Please do not wear open sleeve tops to any events that involves being around
your Mexican brothers and sisters in Christ.  They dress much more modestly that those in the states.