By Rev. Dr. John Hatcher
Religion Columnist

You know it. I know it. And God knows it! You need to get your children in church. Every week that you put it off, it gets harder. Now is the absolutely right time to start attending a church in which you and your family will fit. So, just do it.

Most churches, between now and shortly after the beginning of school, will be running specials. That is, admission without a ticket to an entertaining and inspiring hour. Most branches of the Lord's church also offer special programs for the kids so you won't have to bother with them as you are relaxing in comfortable seats (some of the most comfortable since many people simply fall off to sleep).

Seriously, if you have not started taking your children to church, let me encourage you with everything in me. Where else will they learn to “honor father and mother” and to obey their parents in the Lord?

The church is in business, in part, to make parental life easier. The peer culture encourages children to disparage their parents, make fun of children who honor their parents, and even plot to undermine the authority of parents. Yes? Yes! MTV, with its obsession with violence and disorder, makes no apology in calling on children to rebel from every sort of authority.

Popular television glamorizes behavior that brings sorrow and heartache to any parents: kids sleeping around, using drugs, smoking, getting drunk. Our kids become nearly addicted to these shows and begin to act out in their own lives.

So, who stands up and has a better idea? The church.

Who teaches and supports time-honored values that magnify a civilization? The church.

Who models love and patience? The church.

Who prays for the family? The church.

Who shows up in a crisis? The church.

I tell parents that church and family are like town and gown. The church teaches and affirms wholesome family values like obeying parents and parents not provoking their kids to anger. The family, on the other hand, should support and affirm the church and its pastor. When kids hear the church support parents, they tend to be more responsive. When kids hear parents support the church, they tend to listen more intently to the teachings. We have a mutual supporting relationship.

But it can't happen if you are bringing your kids to church and not staying there too. Please don't drop off your kids and go shopping or return home. Stay and take a dose of righteousness for yourself. Otherwise, your children will only half-honor what the church is saying.

Now, get thee and thy family to a church before the specials expire or you expire!

The Rev. Dr. John Hatcher is pastor of River's Edge Community Church in Fayetteville.

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