Bridal shower?

No, you don't "need" a bridal shower. And some bride's don't get one. It all depends on if someone is willing to throw you one or not. Also, some couples do choose to make theirs co-ed, so there isn't anything wrong with going that route...it's all personal preference.

A bridal shower isn't necessary, but if someone offers to host and you want to have one, you should be in charge of the guest list. So you can invite your "real" friends. Wedding showers are also a thing, but again, it's up to the host(ess) whether or not they're comfortable throwing a coed shower.

I had the opposite experience with my shower.
My shower was great! Good food and company and my sister planned some fun games!
I think if you express your concerns to whomever has offered to host your shower they should be able to plan a party you will enjoy.
To answer your questions, no you don’t need a shower and yes it can be coed.

We are having a "couples shower" so it will be coed! I think it'll be more fun that way, with all our friends being able to attend! My aunt in my hometown will be throwing me a small bridal shower, but the guest list will probably be 6 or 7 people!

Bride-and-Groom wedding showers are pretty common-- and you don't need one at all if you don't want to.

We didn’t have a shower, just a bachelor/bachelorette!

You can do it however you want! My FMIL really wants it to be co-ed, and I don't really care that much, so I might let her run the show.

You don't need to do anything you don't want to do. Just let your bridal party know that you want to opt out of the bridal shower and just have a bach party instead.

I've friends who told me they'd probably skip a shower. You don't have to do it. I did one and am happy I did because it was fun but it is another event that you may not have time for.

In my opinion it's only supposed to be friends you invited to the wedding.
So yes you can do that. You can skip it.

Definitely no requirement to have a bridal shower!

Definitely don't need to have one. We had a co-ed shower, which was really nice.

Why was church friends in quotes? lol. Its totally up to you. Have whatever parties you want! traditionally the bridesmaids plan the bachelorette and shower. Maybe ask them if they have anything in mind?

Thank you all for the help! To clarify when I said “church friends”, the MOB is very religious and the bride is not. MOB basically just invited all her friends and none of the brides. I think if I have a bridal shower I will have a coed