Remember when going to church was more than just a Sunday morning thing? If you’re a baby boomer, you probably do. How we practiced religion back then was pretty different from how it is now. Some quirky trends and habits were a big deal back in the day but might seem strange to younger folks today.
From unique church clothes to youth group games, boomers experienced a unique religious culture. Let’s take a fun trip down memory lane and look at 15 secret religious trends that only boomers will really get.
Sunday Best Outfits
Dressing up for church was a big deal. Kids wore their fanciest clothes, often uncomfortable and stiff. Girls might have special patent leather shoes just for Sundays. Boys had to wear ties, even if they hated them. It was like a weekly fashion show at the church doors.
Flannel Board Bible Stories
Sunday school wasn’t complete without these felt characters on a board. Teachers would stick figures on the board to tell Bible stories. Kids loved watching David and Goliath or Noah’s Ark come to life this way. It was like a low-tech PowerPoint presentation.
Church Potlucks
These were the original community meals. Everyone brought a dish to share after service. There were always certain ladies known for their special recipes. You could count on seeing at least three different Jell-O salads. It was a time for food and gossip… er, fellowship.
Sword Drills
This wasn’t about actual swords but Bibles. Kids would race to find a specific Bible verse the fastest. The first to stand and read it out loud won. It was a way to learn the Bible and have fun. Some kids got so good they could find obscure books like Habakkuk in seconds.
Vacation Bible School
Summer meant a week of Bible stories, crafts, and sugary snacks at church. Kids loved the games and songs. Parents loved the free childcare. Everyone remembers the colorful paper crafts and the Kool-Aid. It was like summer camp with a religious twist.
Youth Group Lock-Ins
Spending all night at church seemed so cool back then. There were games, movies, and way too much junk food. Staying up all night felt rebellious, even in a church setting. Many first crushes and awkward moments happened during these events.
Purity Rings
These were a big trend in the 90s. Teens would wear rings as a promise not to have sex before marriage. There were often special ceremonies to get the rings. It was a way for parents to feel better about teen dating. Many boomers still have these rings tucked away somewhere.
Christian Rock Debates
When Christian rock music started, it caused quite a stir. Some thought it was a great way to make faith cool, while others thought it was too worldly. Bands like Petra and Stryper were either loved or hated. It was a hot topic at many church potlucks.
WWJD Bracelets
“What Would Jesus Do?” was the question on everyone’s wrist. These colorful bracelets were supposed to remind people to make good choices, but they became more of a fashion statement than a spiritual guide. Every youth group kid had at least one, often in multiple colors.
Overhead Projector Hymns
Before PowerPoint, churches used overhead projectors for song lyrics. Someone had to change the transparencies during worship manually. There was always that moment when the words were upside down or blurry. It was high-tech for its time but now seems charmingly outdated.
Door-to-Door Evangelism
Going around the neighborhood to talk about faith was common. Church members would knock on doors with pamphlets and invitations. Some people dreaded these visits, while others welcomed them. It was seen as an important part of spreading the faith, even if it was uncomfortable.
Rapture Movies
Films like “A Thief in the Night” were prominent in some churches. They showed dramatic scenes of the end times. These movies scared many kids (and adults) into being good. Watching them at youth group was both thrilling and terrifying. They’re probably the reason some boomers still have apocalypse dreams.
Christian Bumper Stickers
Cars were often rolling billboards for faith. Bumper stickers with catchy phrases or Bible verses were everywhere. “Honk if you love Jesus” was a popular one. It was a way to show your faith to other drivers. Some were clever, others were cringeworthy by today’s standards.
Promise Keepers Rallies
These huge men’s gatherings filled stadiums in the 1990s. They were all about being better husbands, fathers, and Christians. Men would cry, pray, and hug each other. It was an emotional and powerful experience for many. Some wives loved the change in their husbands, while others were skeptical.
Church Directories
Every few years, churches would make photo directories of all the members. Families would dress up for these photos, often in matching outfits. The directories included everyone’s addresses and phone numbers. It was like a church yearbook and phone book combined. Looking through old ones now is like a time capsule of church fashion and hairstyles.
21 Myths And Facts About The 10 Commandments
21 Myths And Facts About The 10 Commandments
15 Powerful Life Lessons From Jesus’ Teachings
