The Growing Problem of Gambling Addiction in the Church, with Dr. Donald Lichi (Ep 117)

Spiritual leaders can help struggling believers by educating themselves about the problems of gambling addiction.

December 4, 2025

by Karl Vaters

Do you know how to spot if someone in your congregation has a gambling problem? Once it’s been spotted or confessed, do you know what to do?

Dr. Donald Lichi and I discuss the growing problem of gambling, why it’s one of the fastest-growing addictions in the world, and how it’s likely affecting the members of your church (especially men) in ways you may not be aware of.

Our conversation includes:

How is gambling defined?
Why does it have such a strong grip on some people?
Who is most likely to be addicted?
How can we get help?

And more.

Dr. Lichi is vice president emeritus of Emerge Counseling Ministries, and author of the article, “Is Gambling a Problem in the Church? You Bet!” in Influence magazine.

Bonus Content

What to Do if You’re a Pastor with a Gambling Problem, with Dr. Donald Lichi

Pastors are not immune to the temptations of gambling and other addictions. In this short subscribers-only conversation, I talk with Dr. Don Lichi about how to recognize those tendencies in yourself, and what to do if you’re trapped in it. We also talk about who you should/should not share these problems with, and how to engage in preventative measures.

All Bonus Content is available on our YouTube channel for financial partners and newsletter subscribers. Click either button to get started.

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Credits

Producer: Veronica Beaver

Editor: Phil Vaters

Music: Composed and performed by Jack Wilkins

Logo: by Solomon Joy

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Author

Karl Vaters

Karl Vaters produces resources for Helping Small Churches Thrive at KarlVaters.com.

He's the author of five books on church leadership, including his newest, De-Sizing the Church: How Church Growth Became a Science, Then an Obsession, and What's Next. His other books include The Grasshopper Myth and Small Church Essentials.

Karl also hosts a bi-weekly podcast, The Church Lobby: Conversations on Faith & Ministry, featuring in-depth interviews about topics that concern pastors, especially those who minister in a small church context. He has served in small-church ministry for over 40 years, so he speaks and writes from decades of hands-on pastoral experience.

You can follow Karl on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and LinkedIn, or Contact Karl to inquire about speaking, writing, and consultation.

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