Dress Code for BC Youth Conference
At Youth Conference our primary aim is to focus on God’s Word and to encourage others in its study and application. Conference is designed to be a place where all can be uplifted and built up in our discipleship. The dress code has been carefully developed to help everyone get the most benefit out of the week, and we appreciate your willing cooperation!
God created us for His glory (Gen. 1:26). The way we live our lives (including what we choose to wear) determines whether we are manifesting God or not. Paul told the Corinthians, “You were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body” (1Cor.6:20, ESV).
Please familiarize yourself with the following principles and rules:
Too Little
The world accepts and promotes revealing and suggestive clothing that does not cover nearly enough of the body. But Bible teaching is clear on how God wants us to clothe ourselves: “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel” (1 Tim. 2:9). We live in a world that caters to the lust of the eyes everywhere we go, but Conference is meant to be a haven from temptation – and we need everyone’s cooperation to provide that.
Please refrain from wearing tops with low, revealing necklines and spaghetti straps. Shorts must extend lower than the finger tips when hands are hanging by your sides. All dresses and skirts should be at least knee length. No bikinis are allowed, and men must wear shirts at all times except on the beach.
Too Much
The flesh tends to be drawn to outward appearances including clothing, makeup and jewelry which are designed to draw attention. The scripture comments on this problem often, and Peter puts it well when he says our focus should be the “hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price” (1 Peter 3:4).
Please refrain from wearing clothing with worldly slogans and/or cultural references. Our goal is to be separate from the world, not associating ourselves with it!
Too Tight
As opposed to the principle of covering the body the world has designed clothing to tightly form around the body in order to show it off. Paul warned us not to fashion ourselves after the world when he said “be not conformed to this world” (Romans 12:2).
Please refrain from wearing any clothing that tightly shows off the curves and contours of the body. This restriction applies to leggings, tight yoga pants, and any skin-tight clothing. Remember – we want to glorify God with our bodies, not the flesh!
Too Loose
People in the world have become bold in exposing their bodies in one way or another to each other, but the scriptures associate nakedness with shame. Jesus understood this principle and used it to teach us a spiritual lesson: “Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame” (Revelation 16:15).
Please refrain from wearing clothing that allows for views of the naked body or undergarments when bending over, sitting, playing sports or just standing. No boxers or bras should be visible to others.
Discussion Groups, Evening Program and Memorial Meeting:
Wear clothes suitable for ecclesial classes. No shorts, pajamas, sweatpants, etc. should be worn to any classes or discussion groups. Sisters should wear a head covering and skirts/dresses to all classes and discussion groups. Formal attire is required for Memorial Meeting (eg no jeans). Note: Casual attire is permitted for Bible readings & Seminars.
