While I have never really attended church outside of the Bible Belt, I sure have noticed some similarities among churches within it! Here is a collection of the most endearing parts of southern churches.

Everybody has one

In the Bible Belt, you can ask just about anyone where they go to church, and they'll give you an answer. Even if they only go on Easter, or they go on occasion with friends when they stay the night with their friends on Saturday nights, and the friend's parents make them go, everyone has a "home church".

They're everywhere

There are churches all over the place in the south, and they're the best markers for when you give someone directions.

Brothers and sisters

This is one of those that might happen elsewhere too, but I've always thought it was neat when people mentioned Sister so and so or Brother John. While this is meant to mean brothers and sisters in Christ, it usually doesn't matter if you have been saved or baptized yet or not. If you're over the age of 25 or so and you come somewhat frequently, you're a brother or sister.

Casseroles, so many casseroles

Whether it's a church potluck, someone has passed away, someone had a baby, or someone is just ill, you can guarantee that Sister So and So is going to bake a casserole for those folks lickety-split.

River baptisms

While I have never personally experienced one of these, I know plenty of people that have.

Songs don't always rhyme

Sometimes our accents can really mess up a rhyme scheme, but we keep on praising Jesus anyway!

Potluck after service

If you have never been to a southern church's potluck, you're missing out. *Casseroles* (of course), BBQ, fried chicken, dressed eggs, rolls, and desserts all washed down with sweet tea- it does't get any better. Just be careful about who you ask to bless the meal, you don't want it to get cold.

"Sundee school"

Most children in the south attend what other people call Sunday school even though it's often pronounced "Sundee" around here. They sing songs, eat snacks, and learn to love Jesus before or during the big service depending on the size of the congregation.

Fanning

More than once, I've used a bulletin, paperback hymnal with songs we only use for baptisms, or some random item out of my Nana's purse to fan myself during the summer. You can't freeze the old ladies with the AC, and you also have to keep them warm in the winter. Therefore, I end up fanning then too because the elders' wives make sure the church is as warm as a chick incubator starting at Halloween.

Good Lord willin'

"I'll be there tomorrow, Good Lord willin' " "It'll all work out, Good Lord willin' " Everything really is in God's control, and this quaint little phrase gets sprinkled into our everyday conversations to remind us of that.

Bless

We'll bless your heart, bless your soul, and bless your belly in these southern churches.

Have a blessed day, y'all!