Monday Morning Insights

Photo of Todd
    .

    Schuller Son: It’s Not My Dad’s Fault

    Bookmark and Share

    The paper continues:

    Robert A. Schuller said today that his dream and vision was to see the “Hour of Power” grow into an international phenomenon.

    “I wanted the “Hour of Power” to be seen on every screen in the world,” he says. “And by that I mean every iPod and every computer and cell phone screen. That was a doable thing for us.”

    He had personally visited countries such as Australia, New Zealand, China, Russia, The Netherlands and South Africa, popularizing the program and setting up offices.

    “We wanted to expand to China and India where the opportunities are simply abundant,” he said.

    He said he “saw this coming” after July 9 when the church’s board named Jim Penner as CEO, Jim Coleman as president and Fred Southard as the Chief Financial Officer.

    But John Charles, Crystal Cathedral spokesman, said the decision was made because of “a lack of shared vision.” The church’s principals told him that the younger Schuller’s removal was definitely not “planned” when they took over leadership, Charles said.

    “(Robert A. Schuller) still remains our senior pastor,” Charles said. “The church has no plans of looking for another pastor.”

    Schuller could also return, if he chooses, to be one of the preachers at the “Hour of Power.”
    But the younger Schuller says he is still coming to grips with the latest developments. He says his earliest memories of the Crystal Cathedral were that of sitting on the wooden benches in the Orange Drive-In Theater – even before the landmark church was built just down the street.

    “I’ve had several touching, moving experiences as part of the program,” Schuller said. “Today I’m just sad.”

    Robert A. Schuller, however, has “very exciting” plans for the future.

    “I can’t reveal what they are for at least two weeks,” he said. But it will be along the lines of what he was doing for the Crystal Cathedral, Schuller said.


    "Very sad", and "surreal" are two words that Robert A. Schuller says describes how he feels just a couple days after his outing from the Crystal Cathedral's Hour of Power program. According to the OCRegister.com, he said his removal from the program had nothing to do with his preaching style or his vision for the church’s future. “But it had a lot to do with the style of administration,” the younger Schuller said. He declined to elaborate, but said his removal had to do with the Cathedral’s president and board members. “I don’t think my father had much of a say in it,” he said...

    Comments

    if you want a Globally Recognized Avatar (the images next to your profile) get them here. Once you sign up, they will displayed on any website that supports them.

    1. Peter Hamm on Tue, October 28, 2008

      I am trying to figure out the purpose of saying this publicly, before the dust settles internally. It can’t be that good for anyone.

    2. CS on Tue, October 28, 2008

      My assumption is that he was expected to say something like, “I had to leave, but everything’s still cool with my dad and the Cathedral and please don’t stop going.”  Silence would probably be perceived as showing discord and an undermining of the ministry.  However, reading the article, it seems like it still sounds nasty and dis-unified.


      I agree with Peter.  Some more of the dust should have settled first.



      CS

    3. RevJeff on Tue, October 28, 2008

      “Historically, there has been a tremendous emphasis on sin,” he said. “Crystal Cathedral was largely responsible for developing self-esteem among the faithful.”


      That might be one of my favorite quotes ever…

    4. In The Know on Mon, November 03, 2008

      The funnt thing is he was fired by his two brother-in-laws. So much for family loyalty.

    5. sandyhakes on Mon, November 03, 2008

      My husband (who has been a financial supporter of the CC) - knew something was up.  I have been involved in churches for years and have seen “politics as usual” from board members - infidelity of pastors - a lot I have seen - each time it saddens me so - this is not how Jesus wanted it to be and satan is doing a great job in the CC - especially since Robert Anthony was drawing so many people - I couldn’t wait to hear him on Sun morns before we went to church - he is dynamic and so was Donna - these board members - really need to ask God if that was what HE wanted - yes, even in church, it seems to come down to money and power.  I feel the father should have stood up for his son - even if it meant that they both leave the situation - very very sad to see this happen between father and son - and I hope we can see Robert Anthony on another channel - soon - he has way too much to offer. I do hope pride or jealousy did not enter in to this - we may never know the real truth of the matter but I am really tired - and so is God - of power and poltics in the churches where Jesus is supposed to be the head of them.  The elite of the church will black ball those who know what is happening - isn’t that amazing that this happens - but God sees all and knows all.  I say to Robt. Anthony - pick yourself up as you tell us to do - you and Donna move on to better things God has in store for you - even Jesus had to dust his feet off from family members and move on.   God bless you Robt. Anthony - your sermons meant so much to us.  We are very saddened - and shocked.

    6. DeWayne Howard on Tue, November 04, 2008

      I am greatly saddned by this story between father and son. 


      My family and I have been watching HOP and have been greatly blessed by Robert A. since he took over the pulpit a few years back.  I, too, think that the father should have stood up for his son.  It is sad when the government of the church actually keeps ministry from happening.


      I would love to see Robert A. on his own ministry program and to continue ministering to the body of Christ.  Perhaps, plant a new church!

    7. Janice Leonard on Wed, November 05, 2008

      This terrible treatment of Robert Anthony Schuller shows that SATAN is now in control of the Crystal Cathedral.  Robert Anthony was preaching the gospel and winning souls to Jesus Christ.  I believe this is the beginning of the end of the Crystal Cathedral.  The President, CEO and CFO SHOULD BE FIRED AND REMOVED FROM THE CRYSTAL CATHEDRAL IMMEDIATELY.  THEY ARE SATAN PERSONIFIED.   May GOD Bless and Protect Robert Anthony Schuller and his wife and children.  My husband and I willno longer be watching The Hour of Power each week as we have done for 25 years.

    8. Harold Voortmann on Thu, November 06, 2008

      I was in the process of moving to another state in June of this year.  About 2 months ago I purchased a new TV, and tuned in to the Hour of Powerand watched the elder Schuller deliver the message.  After several weeks I wondered, “where is Robert Anthony”?  This week I purchased a new computer and immediately went on-line. What I discovered is very sad.  The church is a place to worship the LORD…..Not a place for politics.

    9. Bette Buchanan on Sat, November 08, 2008

      I hear lots of saddness in the above comments regarding the changes at the Crystal Cathedral.  We must remember that to each thing there is a season, and sometimes it is difficult for one to see the reasons for change.  However, RAS must believe that this is not the end, but the first day of the rest of his life and just the beginning of something new and wonderful and I can’t wait to see what it is.  Now, I only want to know how to keep up with him and his ministry.

    10. Bill Becker on Mon, November 17, 2008

      I thought the family unit was really tight with the Schullers but apparently not. How could Dad let this happen!!!


      I have been a faithful watcher and supporter of the CC, in fact I had visted there on my wifes and I West Coast trip last fall and was awestruck by the youngers inspiration and DRIVE. This was instilled in him by his Dad, but Dad could not, would not move forward to maintain the 35 plus years of good works the he himself brought forth. I have an empty feeling in my heart and will veiw the entire CC corporation much differently.


      Dad should, no must explain what happened and mend fences with his son and the rest of the family. No explanation!!! Come on CC we are owed at least that. We the faithful will pray that all will work out, but we need to know what we are praying for.

    11. Buddy on Tue, November 18, 2008

      Gods hands works in miraculous ways. As what they say, when a door closes another door will open.


      Christmas][url=http://kwismas.blogspot.com/2008/10/christmas-gift-ideas-for-dad.html’’]Christmas]http://kwismas.blogspot.com/2008/10/christmas-gift-ideas-for-dad.html’’]Christmas[/url] Gift Ideas For Dad[/url]

    12. deansodomka on Sat, November 22, 2008

      I WILL BE PRAYING THE C.c.  DOES NOT ALLOW Satan take over thru men here on earth, God’s great tv program for so much of the world to find their JESUS.Ido not believe GOD wants this to contiune. Father and son Schuller both!!! brought so much to the HOP.

    13. Kathy Dow on Sun, November 30, 2008

      My husband and I have been watching the Hour of Power for many years.  We have even been in the Hour of Power magazine, been in the Sparrow club, and the Eagle Club.  We started getting disillusioned just before Robert A. took over and were going to stop watching the Hour of Power because we felt it was preaching too much positive thinking and not enough of the Bible.  We started noticing that Robert H. barely prayed.  We were feeling empty instead of fulfilled by the sermons.  This all changed when Robert A. took over!  He brought a new freshness to the sermons.  He was preaching the Bible and did so many good things like Shoes for the needy and Wheelchairs for the poor in other countries.  I looked forward to his sermons and felt he was a good person.  He started baptisting and bring people to Christ.,  Then all of a sudden he was no longer on the Hour of Power.  Instead they were running Robert H. reruns.  I tried writing to the Hour of Power to find out where Robert A. was and why he wasn’t on the program anymore.  I have the feeling he was becoming so popular that Robert H. and the board couldn’t stand it.  I thinking removing Robert A. is the beginning of the end for Hour of Power.  This was a petty act and I am sure that the viewers will see it as such.  God bless Robert A. and help him through this disappointment.  That door closed but I feel there is another one just waiting to be opened.  Robert A. and his family are such good christians, I am sure God has bigger plans for him.

    14. J. H. on Sat, December 13, 2008

      LIke others, I am so disappointed in what has happened at the CC. We don’t really know what occured although it does appear that the Board made this decision. I have read comments about a mission versus church as per Robert H, and I have been with the CC for nearly 30 years, and this is new to me. I don’t see me tuning in to see other pastors, regardless of how wonderful they might be. I did see the CC as Robert H’s church, not a mission. How disappointing for the father to have to fire the son, and we will never know the true story- whether it was administrative or his style of preaching. I doubt it could be the latter, since his syle was known prior to his appointment. In these lean times, I will not make every effort to donate to the CC. Tough times never last, but I will take a tough stand and say no.

    15. Evelyn de Manbey on Sun, December 14, 2008

      We miss you Robert A…you were inspiring and I truly thought you were preaching God’s word.  I am just a little younger than your father and you were a breath of fresh air…I do not enjoy hearing a new preacher every week and will look forward to seeing you or hearing you preach again.  God bless you and the family.

    16. Page 1 of 7 pages  1 2 3 >  Last »

      Post a Comment

    17. (will not be published)

      Remember my personal information

      Notify me of follow-up comments?

    Sponsors