Admissions: Attire & Appearance
Dorm Students
CABC wants to honor God and serve others in every facet of life. Outward appearance is important because it reflects heart attitudes and life values. Our ultimate goals in appearance and dress are to glorify God, not man, and to direct the attention of others to the Christlikeness of our spirit (1 Cor. 6:19-20; 10:31). These goals are attained only when the Holy Spirit controls our lives. A pure, peaceful heart and a gentle, quiet spirit can be seen in one's countenance and actions. Wearing the "right" clothes only temporarily covers up an unhappy, unclean heart. Because appearance is a powerful testimony for the cause of Christ, let us heed Paul's advice to Timothy: "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." (1 Tim. 4:12)
We should base our wardrobe choices on biblical principles, uplifting the Lord's name and influencing others to godliness. Realizing that each person is at a different level of spiritual growth and that guidelines are necessary for accountability and growth, CABC provides four basic principles to help students choose their attire.
Modesty
The first principle is modesty. Modesty means decency-not being showy, not drawing attention to oneself. It means propriety in dress, behavior, and speech-not wanting to offend or lead astray. Those who want to dress modestly are conscientious about the influence of their dress on others (Prov. 2:11). Attire should draw attention not to physical features, but to one's countenance and Christ's purity and holiness. In light of our desire to model Christ's purity and holiness, students are not to wear clothing with logos that identify a worldly mind-set. We want our students-by example in their grooming, dress, and actions-to encourage a lifestyle of godliness in thinking and living.
Distinctiveness
The second principle is distinctiveness. Genesis 1:27 says, "Male and female created he them." God created two distinct sexes. By doing so, He purposely planned basic differences between the sexes. These distinctions should not be altered. Distinctively feminine apparel enhances a woman's appearance and communicates a sweet spirit (1 Tim. 2:9-10). Distinctively masculine apparel communicates the manly roles of head, leader, protector, and provider.
Appropriateness
The third principle is appropriateness. Appropriateness means suitable, fitting, or compatible. Appropriate attire is modest, suitable, and fitting for the occasion. Certain types of clothing are appropriate for certain activities (class, church, and ministry vs. recreation and work). Certain types of clothing are appropriate for warmth and protection during different seasons. The right choice is one balanced by self-control.
Deference
Deference
The final principle is deference. When we show deference, we show consideration and respect for others, as Jesus Christ says in Matthew 7:12. All of us have opportunities to practice deference on a daily basis. Attire is only one of many areas in which we regularly make choices regarding deference. Romans 14 tells us not to judge one another; however, understanding that a weaker brother may judge us, we must be careful not to be a stumbling block. There are times when we must choose to defer, submit, and yield our rights in love and concern for others. Ultimately, we must choose to do what is best for honoring God and serving others.
Off-Campus Students
Students must be consistent with biblical principles and follow the Student Guide guidelines. While we do not dictate dress standards in the home, off-campus students must follow the Student Guide attire guidelines at all other times.
While we do not dictate dress standards in the home of married students, we request that family members (including wives and daughters 12 years old and older) follow the attire guidelines as stated in the Student Guide while on campus.
CABC wants to honor God and serve others in every facet of life. Outward appearance is important because it reflects heart attitudes and life values. Our ultimate goals in appearance and dress are to glorify God, not man, and to direct the attention of others to the Christlikeness of our spirit (1 Cor. 6:19-20; 10:31). These goals are attained only when the Holy Spirit controls our lives. A pure, peaceful heart and a gentle, quiet spirit can be seen in one's countenance and actions. Wearing the "right" clothes only temporarily covers up an unhappy, unclean heart. Because appearance is a powerful testimony for the cause of Christ, let us heed Paul's advice to Timothy: "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." (1 Tim. 4:12)
We should base our wardrobe choices on biblical principles, uplifting the Lord's name and influencing others to godliness. Realizing that each person is at a different level of spiritual growth and that guidelines are necessary for accountability and growth, CABC provides four basic principles to help students choose their attire.
Modesty
The first principle is modesty. Modesty means decency-not being showy, not drawing attention to oneself. It means propriety in dress, behavior, and speech-not wanting to offend or lead astray. Those who want to dress modestly are conscientious about the influence of their dress on others (Prov. 2:11). Attire should draw attention not to physical features, but to one's countenance and Christ's purity and holiness. In light of our desire to model Christ's purity and holiness, students are not to wear clothing with logos that identify a worldly mind-set. We want our students-by example in their grooming, dress, and actions-to encourage a lifestyle of godliness in thinking and living.
Distinctiveness
The second principle is distinctiveness. Genesis 1:27 says, "Male and female created he them." God created two distinct sexes. By doing so, He purposely planned basic differences between the sexes. These distinctions should not be altered. Distinctively feminine apparel enhances a woman's appearance and communicates a sweet spirit (1 Tim. 2:9-10). Distinctively masculine apparel communicates the manly roles of head, leader, protector, and provider.
Appropriateness
The third principle is appropriateness. Appropriateness means suitable, fitting, or compatible. Appropriate attire is modest, suitable, and fitting for the occasion. Certain types of clothing are appropriate for certain activities (class, church, and ministry vs. recreation and work). Certain types of clothing are appropriate for warmth and protection during different seasons. The right choice is one balanced by self-control.
Deference
Deference
The final principle is deference. When we show deference, we show consideration and respect for others, as Jesus Christ says in Matthew 7:12. All of us have opportunities to practice deference on a daily basis. Attire is only one of many areas in which we regularly make choices regarding deference. Romans 14 tells us not to judge one another; however, understanding that a weaker brother may judge us, we must be careful not to be a stumbling block. There are times when we must choose to defer, submit, and yield our rights in love and concern for others. Ultimately, we must choose to do what is best for honoring God and serving others.
Off-Campus Students
Students must be consistent with biblical principles and follow the Student Guide guidelines. While we do not dictate dress standards in the home, off-campus students must follow the Student Guide attire guidelines at all other times.
While we do not dictate dress standards in the home of married students, we request that family members (including wives and daughters 12 years old and older) follow the attire guidelines as stated in the Student Guide while on campus.