Modesty & humility

Modesty and humility are cornerstones of our faith, guiding how we present ourselves, work together and engage with the world around us.

Modesty and humility are cornerstones of the Plymouth Brethren faith.

Scripture guides our approach to daily life, including 1 Peter 5:5, which teaches: “All of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.”

For members of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, this principle shapes how they present themselves and interact with one another and society.

Our community values simplicity and modesty in appearance. Men typically dress neatly in long trousers and are clean-shaven, whilst women wear dresses and favour a natural look with minimal makeup.

These choices reflect a belief that outward appearance should honour God and avoid drawing undue attention to oneself.

Humility also shapes how members live and work together.

Within the Plymouth Brethren community, both men and women value participation, shared ownership, and collaborative decision-making. Whether in business or family life, they strive to reach mutual decisions wherever possible, respecting one another’s contributions and perspectives.

This spirit of togetherness reflects the Plymouth Brethren values of putting community before self and working in harmony with those around us.

Our values

Family & Community

Strong families and close community bonds are at the heart of Plymouth Brethren life. We believe that nurturing family relationships creates resilient communities, with values passed between generations forming the foundation of how we live. Beyond the immediate family, our wider fellowship provides a supportive network where members care for one another through life’s challenges and opportunities.

Business & Entrepreneurship

Whilst the Church itself does not own or operate businesses, our members have a proud tradition of entrepreneurship stretching back to the Industrial Revolution. Today, member-owned businesses operate across virtually every sector of the British economy, creating thousands of jobs, contributing significant tax revenues, and building lasting relationships with local suppliers and communities.