By Jason Allison

This is part 4 of my Casino & Churches series. We are looking at some of the parallels between my first-time experience at a Casino and the experience first-time guests at your church have.  

Parallel #1: I felt like I was walking on eggshells.

Parallel #2: Stranger Danger!

Parallel #3: The Regulars

The staff was very nice and helpful, but the regulars made me feel like I was in the way. 

Think of Cheers: the staff keep things running, but the regulars create the atmosphere. The same is true in your church. Staff set tone, cast vision, and reinforce values—but they’re paid to do that. The broader culture is shaped by your regular attenders.

Most churches have roughly one staff person for every 50–100 congregants. Staff can’t be everywhere. So do your regular members understand and own the church’s mission to reach people who don’t yet attend? Are they members seeking benefits, or stakeholders invested in the mission?

Invitational culture begins with helping regulars internalize that the church exists to welcome newcomers. When the vision fades, the culture drifts inward and it becomes harder to receive new people. As regulars grow close to one another, they can unintentionally exclude newcomers. In the casino, regulars treated me as a disruption rather than an opportunity — or at least someone easy to win against.

This Sunday, intentionally observe how regulars interact with each other and with any newcomers. Notice nonverbal cues: eye contact, body language, whether they open up or close off. Make this a regular item in staff and team meetings and coach your people toward hospitality that welcomes rather than repels.

Up next: Parallel #4 between your church and a casino — Here’s Your Sign.