NASHVILLE (BP) – The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) has released a practical guide designed to help pastors and church leaders navigate difficult ministry scenarios regarding the growing problem of gambling.
The guide, titled “Pay to Play: A Practical Guide to Addressing Gambling in the Church” and released Monday (Feb. 24), was written by the ERLC’s research team and is meant to go in tandem with another recently released resource laying out a biblical foundation for opposing sports gambling.
Although a large portion of the guide is focused on the rapid expansion of sports betting, the content is written to be applicable to all forms of gambling.
RaShan Frost, director of research and senior fellow for the ERLC, hopes the guide will assist ministry leaders in addressing this issue in their congregations.
“It’s nearly impossible to watch a sporting event without seeing an advertisement for sports betting, and it is a pervasive problem that impacts individuals, families and society.”
RaShan Frost, ERLC director of Research
“It’s nearly impossible to watch a sporting event without seeing an advertisement for sports betting, and it is a pervasive problem that impacts individuals, families and society,” Frost said.
“Our team produced this guide to help churches better understand gambling from a biblical and theological framework, while also providing them with practical scenarios to address the negative impacts of gambling. We pray this guide will serve our pastors and congregations to better understand the dangers of sports betting and the damage it can do spiritually, relationally and financially.”
Read the full Baptist Press article here.
