Members of the band Rascal Flatts have always been vocal about their faith, whether it was in their songs, or in interviews.
In a recent interview with PEOPLE Magazine, bassist, Jay DeMarcus, and his wife Allison explained the importance of raising their children with solid foundations in Jesus Christ.
Jay and Allison are raising their two children, Dylan, 6, and Madeline, 7 1/2, in Nashville, Tennesee, a place that they hope will allow their children to cling to their Christian faith and their family values.
“To live country is more of a state of mind, and not about cowboy hats and living on a farm,” DeMarcus told PEOPLE. “It’s about your core values, and your beliefs, and a way of life.”
DeMarcus grew up in the church, going twice a week, and participating in the churches band from a young age. He told PEOPLE that this was foundational to his life, and building his character, which is part of the reason he and his wife are doing the same for their children.
“We live in the Bible belt. I was born and raised in church,” he continued “That’s something that was really, really important to me, to build that foundation with our kids so they at least went to church.”
He emphasized the importance of not just going to church but building a real, true, solid relationship with Jesus Christ.
“God knows Dylan’s gonna need it later in life. I’ve actually started putting the handcuffs on him so he could get used to the feel of them,” he joked. “We try to take him to church — try to let him know who Jesus is. It’s really important for me that they’re ingrained in a good church and have that good foundation to build upon. I think that’s a core value system that you’ll find anywhere you go in the South.”
Not only are the parents bringing up the children to hold strong Christian morals, but they are also raising them to be well-mannered, grateful, and polite children. In an age where so many children struggle with these qualities, the DeMarcus’ are striving to do bring a healthy balance.
“At the same time, you don’t want them to be spoiled brats because that would be no fun to live with either,” he added.
“I think our kids live an extraordinarily different life than what I lived growing up. Pretty much everything about their life is different than mine was,” DeMarcus added.
“And you know what? I’m thrilled to be blessed enough to be able to do that for them. It really makes all the long miles and all the long hours away from home worth every bit of it.”
Joe Don Rooney, another member of Rascal Flatts’ talked about how he feels like Christianity and the morals that come with it is slowly slipping away from society back in 2012.
“I feel like we’re losing the fabric of what made America America a little bit. It’s slipping through our hands a little when it comes to the Christianity on which our forefathers founded this country — putting God first,” Rooney said.
The country band has now been together for 20 years, and have shown no sign of slowing down. The group has had countless No. 1 Billboard Country hits and still sell out arenas around the country.
Even though the band isn’t a declared “Christian band” they have always taken a stand for their faith.
“We’re not a band on a crusade,” Rooney shared. “We’re Christian men with families and children and with deep faith in God and country.”
“I think we have been very open if people read our liner notes. We always thank God and the Lord Savior Jesus Christ,” he added.