5 Steps to Dressing Missionally

Missionary Hudson Taylor dressed like the Chinese people he worked with, because he knew that in order to communicate with people, you have to relate to them. In order to relate to them, it helps to become one of them (incarnation). But when it comes to your city and the people who live there, you don't even bother to try to dress appropriately. (NOTE: I'm not advocating spending money to be trendy. Instead, I encourage you adopt local dress and see if people don't respond differently to you.)

Admit it, you dress like someone twice your age and twice your weight who makes half as much money. Everyone else knows this about you. They sarcastically refer to you as the "smart dresser." Don't worry- here's hope in 5 (ahem) easy steps:

1. Look at the people you're trying to minister to, and pick out someone who you think dresses well. Be sure to choose someone who is roughly your age and in a similar stage in life (this is key- nobody wants to see a hairy old man in a tank-top).  Don't worry about the brand names- look at the style. What colors does he tend to wear? Are his jeans darker than yours? Are the legs of his pants tapered? Does he tuck in his shirt tail? 

2. Go to the mall and find a store that displays a similar look. Your best bet is a mannequin dressed in pants, a shirt, a jacket, even a belt. Ask someone who works there to get you that same outfit in your size. If you don't know your size, ask the shopkeeper and proceed to the dressing rooms.

3. Try on the clothes, stand in front of a full-length mirror. Make sure they fit you like they fit your original model. Pants not too tight, but not baggy. Shirt fitted, but not tight enough to show any "details." Be sure that you buy what you try on. 

4. Buy one complete outfit. Be sure to buy matching shoes, belt, jacket (hat, tie, etc.) from the same store. You're going for one complete "outfit" here- you're not ready for multi-store improvisation at this point.

5. Before wearing your new outfit in public, find a woman that you trust and ask for their opinion. If they laugh out loud, scream, or weep, (even if they say they're just kidding) take everything you bought back to the store and repeat from step #2. Of you get the okay, wear the outfit as often as possible without looking like you wear the same thing every day.