Director for Women’s Ministries, Health Ministries and Adventist Community Services
“...that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace” (Psalm 144:12, KJV).
Sunday 19 October 2025 marked the launch of a new season of training events as the British Union Conference (BUC) Women’s Ministries Department hosted its first Stylish Modesty Masterclass.
Presented by Lois Campbell-Ross, Fashion Designer and Modesty Consultant, the masterclass explored the intersection of Christian modesty and contemporary fashion. With more than 20 years’ experience in the fashion and design industry, Campbell-Ross has trained hundreds of students across the UK.
The Event
Building on the BUC Women of Virtue programme segment, Valuing Your Appearance, the department identified a need to expand the work into practical training on personal presentation. The event featured presentations, videos, live models, mannequin demonstrations, and a sewing session. Lois Campbell-Ross guided participants through the key elements of modest yet stylish dressing:
• Honouring God in our dress code
• Why what we wear matters
• How clothing communicates messages
• Dignity, respect, and valuing oneself
• Creativity while maintaining Christian standards
• A sewing session to create a stylish clutch bag
As a bonus, 22 attendees received a free sewing pattern for a chic winter cape.
Participants also received guidance on dressing for different body shapes, choosing colour combinations, and techniques to make outfits more modest – such as concealing low necklines and lengthening hemlines.
Evaluations were overwhelmingly positive, with participants sharing that they gained helpful tips for their own wardrobes and insights to pass on to others.
Department Director, Sharon Platt-McDonald, says, “I love the NLT version of Psalm 144:12, which states: ‘May our daughters be like graceful pillars…’ Growing Gracefully is one segment of our Esther Institute of Excellence programme, which covers speech, deportment and dress etiquette.”
Why a Modesty Masterclass?
The BUC Women’s Ministries Department continues to receive increasing requests for guidance on what is appropriate to wear to church. Concerns shared by members include:
• Platform participants wearing clothing that is too tight or revealing
• Dresses that rise too high when seated
• “The praise team is distracting me with so much flesh on show!”
• “I didn’t know where to put my eyes – it was so embarrassing”
• The increasing use of heavy make-up and jewellery
Is There a Dress Code?
Views vary widely. Some say:
“It shouldn’t matter what you wear to church; you are there to worship God.”
Others argue:
“I want to worship without distractions. This is a church service, not a nightclub.”
During the session, participants discussed what appropriate attire for Christian women might look like. One quote sparked discussion:
“Raise your hands and touch your toes. If anything shows, go change your clothes.”
Connection Over Correction
How should one approach someone whose attire may be inappropriate for worship? The answer often lies in a relationship. People respond to those who have shown genuine care, interest, and kindness. We can be considerate and tactful in our observations, encouraging one another while allowing the Holy Spirit to guide hearts.
What’s Next?
Due to the positive response, more sessions are planned, including:
· Additional sewing tutorials
· Further modesty and fashion presentations
· Both in-person and online classes
For more information, contact the BUC office on 01923 672251 and ask for the Women’s Ministries Department.
