Fall 2005
Facing Bench

Christian Modesty - A New Look for the New Generation

“We really felt the issue of modesty in dress needed to be covered with our young women.” explained Melissa Duriga of Alliance (OH) Friends Church. “It seems that too many times as Christian women, we let fashion and the media dictate what is “fashionable” or “acceptable” attire and our young women need to be educated and shown alternatives to really model Christ’s excellence in every area of their lives, including what they wear.”

During the past year, both Alliance and Canton First Friends offered weekend retreats for their young women. In both cases, time was set aside for some very frank, educational, and helpful conversations with the young women. Both groups included “sleep-overs” at the homes of leaders with lots of laughter, sharing, crafts (pearl necklaces), intimate tea parties, and especially meaningful times of sharing.

Canton Friends Middle School Youth Pastor, Darrell Troyer was pleased with the outcome of their retreat. “Through the use of video, interactive teaching, crazy sing along songs, transparency of the speakers, and an intimate tea party, many lives were changed.” Darrell added, “I was very pleased that moms were welcome to be there and in some cases even led a small group.At one point in the weekend a few moms were honest about their past mistakes and it went a long way toward them growing closer to their daughters along with holding the attention of everyone else. We’re grateful that three students gave their lives to Christ during the weekend.”

Both overnight retreats used resources and/or videos and speakers provided by Dannah Gresh (see resources below). Alliance Friends followed up their weekend with a “Purely Fun Fashion Show” during a women’s luncheon. Volunteers modeled fashionable, modest clothing and skits were used to teach principles of modesty in a light and meaningful way.

Information provided by Melissa Duriga of Alliance (OH) Friends Church and Darrell Troyer of Canton (OH) First Friends.

Suggested References

• Becoming a Woman of Discretion in a Sensual World By Nancy Leigh DeMoss
• The Look-Does God really Care What I Wear? by Nancy Leigh DeMoss
• The Bride Wore White by Dannah Gresh
• Secret Keeper by Dannah Gresh
• Beauty and the Best by Beneth Peters Jones
• Christian Modesty and the Public Undressing of America by Jeff Pollard
• And, for the guys: Who Moved the Goalpost? by Bob Gresh