Below is a list of recommendations for any missionary to Chiapas to consider regarding cultural expectations. The list is by no means exhaustive, nor are the statements on this list objective. These are the subjective impressions of a small group of individuals, but all of those individuals will be closely involved with any missionaries serving the Presbyterian church in Chiapas.

• The model for evangelism preferred by the Tzeltal Synod is to have missionaries and volunteers help with projects and facilitate cross-cultural mission opportunities to build positive relationships between the Tzeltal Presbyterian churches and various communities. As those relationships are built, then area pastors are able to evangelize and bring non-believers into the body of Christ. This means that they prefer that the evangelism component be done by nationals, not by foreign missionaries.
• Leading by example is one of the most powerful ways to teach. To practice the gift of humble servanthood, being able to be present without being in charge, and to demonstrate the act of reaching out to serve in a foreign country…..these are the things that give missionaries the opportunity to make the most difference here. The model is people-minded, not task-oriented. 
  
• Visiting remote villages may include sleeping and/or eating in unfamiliar and more primitive accommodations. This is a regular activity when American mission groups are present, and accompanying the groups to remote villages is considered a requirement of this position. In addition to traveling with groups, village visits are also a regular activity while working with Pastor Pablo in his regular work. Such travel generally does not apply to families but rather just for the adult missionary working most closely with Pastor Pablo (therefore other family members typically stay home in Ocosingo).
  
• In the past, missionaries have failed to be effective here because of their tendency to want to direct operations and/or teach the people new ways of doing things. These efforts have always been extended with the most noble intentions to help, and yet doing so has been perceived negatively by our brothers & sisters in Christ here. Missionaries have been more effective when they have been able to assume a role of humble servant and partner in ministry and missions. This doesn’t mean that you could not offer up suggestions or ideas, but at times, it does mean choosing not to challenge things you may disagree with or things you may disapprove of and choosing to submit to the culture.
  
• If you are not a member of a Presbyterian church, it will be important for you to affirm that you are serving as a partner in ministry and missions with the Tzeltal Synod of the National Presbyterian Church of Mexico. This does not mean that anyone would expect you to abandon any aspects of your denomination, but it does mean that you would be expected to submit to the authority of the Synod and respect the doctrine of the National Presbyterian Church. It also means that you agree to not act as an agent of your denomination to convert people to that denomination.
  
• In the past, missionaries have failed to form meaningful relationships with the people here because of their tendency to have firm boundaries regarding their homes and their vehicles. It is important that today's missionaries demonstrate hospitality and servanthood whenever possible, which includes being comfortable having visitors in their homes, at their dinner tables, and in their vehicles on a regular basis.
  
• It is essential that married couples who come to work and serve in Mexico have a strong, healthy relationship that can tolerate the stresses of transitioning to another culture. Relationship skills that have been effective in maintaining a strong marriage in the US should be practiced even more regularly here to protect the marriage.
  
• In the event a marriage person chooses to serve in Mexico without his/her spouse, it is absolutely essential that very clear boundaries be maintained between the missionary and members of the opposite gender. This includes avoiding behavior that the missionary may not intend to be flirtatious or sexual in nature and includes both Mexicans and American visitors. Cultural norms here are very different with regard to public displays of affection. Any display of affection by a married person towards anyone other than their spouse would be judged harshly, could jeopardize one's relationship with the church, and ultimately undermine the effectiveness of the ministry.
  
• In the event that the missionary family includes teenagers, special attention should be given early in the term of missionary service about the challenges of cross-cultural friendships and romances. There appear to be many differences of opinion about the norms and lots of room for problems and distractions from the ministry.
  
• Due to the cultural norms in Mexico, there are strong differences in how males and females are treated in Mexico (with women typically being quite subservient and the men expecting women to be subservient). This is one of those aspects of culture that can be very tough to handle but one that would be inappropriate to confront publicly. Demonstrating more respectful, balanced relationships in marriage and empowering women are likely to be more effective means to express one's opinion than direct confrontation.
  
• In general, direct confrontation is rare here and thus frowned upon. In fact, it is important to be aware that often Tzeltal people are so determined to demonstrate respect that they may appear to have indicated their approval of something when in fact they disapprove. Rather than openly express that disapproval, many Tzeltal people will simply convey approval then later go against any perceived terms of an agreement.
  
• While the culture is relaxing some (by American standards), it is still very conservative. Women missionaries are expected to honor cultural expectations for conservative dress. This means knee-length skirts with shoulder-covered tops to church; a skirt or pants when going into town to shop, etc.; fingertip length shorts only in the privacy of your home, on the worksite when groups are present, and while on free days with groups; no sleeveless tops, short-shorts, provocative clothing or 2-piece bathing suits. These cultural expectations extend to any female over the age of about 12.
  
• Tobacco use, drinking and dancing are all considered inconsistent with the life of a practicing Christian. While we would affirm the right of any missionary to maintain American cultural norms in your own household, that opinion does not extend to the use of alcohol or tobacco. Since this is such a strongly held belief of the church, being observed even having a single glass of wine with dinner in another town could jeopardize one's relationship with the church and undermine everything you and your family have brought to the ministry. It's safer to abstain completely while in the state of Chiapas or Tabasco, and safest to abstain completely while in Mexico.