Schuller Son: It’s Not My Dad’s Fault
- Posted by: Todd
- Posted on: Tue, October 28, 2008
- Viewed 3406
- (108) comments so far
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...
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Concetta on Wed, December 31, 2008
Very sad to see this happen with the Crystal Cathedral. Obvious the new CEO has let his job go to his head! Very abrupt and selfish action on their part.
I hope they realize the error of their ways and bring Robert Anthony back.
ADA on Thu, January 01, 2009
I just want to express my feelings of great loss in this sad event that took place in the Crystal Cathedral. It will be a year today when I first register to the HOP website, it was New Years eve.
Just like others, one Sunday, I was home just changing the channel in my television and started watching this station with someone preaching about the gospel. I then learned that it is called ‘The Hour of Power and the man I was listening to was Pastor Robert Anthony Schuller. Normally I would just change the channel but there was something in his preaching that caught my attention. It was somewhat related to my situation and at the end I’ve learned a valuable lesson from his sermon. The next Sunday and more Sundays after that I have reserved 1 Hour of my Sunday devoted to watching the ‘The Hour of Power’.
My week was always energized after watching ‘the HOP, it made a great big difference in my life. I have since then supported the HOP. I do not have that much extra money to give but I did not have a problem giving an amount that I can afford because HOP, RHS and RAS gave me something to look forward to in life.
Just like being in school, we tend to have a favourite teacher. Someone whose style of teaching is so unique that regardless of the subject, how complicated it is, there is always one teacher who will explain the subject in a way that we understand, no problem. That is the kind of teaching that Pastor Robert Anthony Schuller has delivered. He is an excellent teacher. His style of preaching is very moving and his stories are so good to listen to. Since then, I’ve always looked forward to every Sunday because I know that I will learn another lesson in life.
I went on a vacation the first week of September. The second Sunday when I came back, I don’t remember seeing RAS and then the next Sunday and the Sundays after that I have not seen RAS in the HOP. I was thinking that perhaps he went to China with wife Donna as part of the HOP project. That particular Sunday in October, I did not watch the HOP, and that was the day when it was announced that RAS will no longer be in the HOP.
I have not been on line as well for a while and when I did around November, that’s when I read that RAS will no longer be in the Hour Of Power.
I felt very sad, I thought about it on my way to work and coming home and wondered what happened. I still watch the HOP but something is missing, the excitement I felt when RAS was the regular pastor is gone. Perhaps because I am still sad by RAS not being there anymore. I miss so very much his style of preaching.
I am still hoping and praying that someday, there is still hope in the HOP to have Pastor Robert Anthony Schuller back. To settle their differences. I’ve read a lot of statements and there are so many people who felt so hurt because of the situation.
Pastor Robert Anthony Schuller, if you can only read this note, I just want to thank you very much for making a big difference to so many peoples’ lives especially mine. I look forward to hearing more about you in the near future and to hopefully have a chance to again hear you preach. I will pray for you and the Schuller family .
Jan Mudrak on Thu, January 01, 2009
Dear Robert Anthony and Donna,
Could we please have an address to write to you? We really miss you and would love to know how to pray for you in this new year.
Lovingly Rev. Lewis and Jan
Kathy Wareham on Thu, January 01, 2009
It saddens me tremendously to learn what has happened within their ministry. For over 25 years their message of hope has cushioned the challenges that life brings.
It also breaks my heart to think of what this has done to their family unit. How heartbreaking this must be for the senior Schuller and his wife…so much invested dedication and love. I will pray for them all.
Thea on Thu, January 08, 2009
I am shocked to read all this. We were never told exactly the reason by Robert A. left, I was so disappointed when I heard he had as I think he is such an inspiring mentor. I missed him and his glowing sermons in HOP and thought too that we were only shown reruns. I can’t quite figure out what happened as most of you cannot apparently, but I certainly and wholeheartedly wish he would come back and run the CC again. I do wish him and his family all the very best and hope that in the end this all had a meaning and has been a lesson to all involved. God bless you, Robert Anthony.
E. R. Goodbary on Thu, January 08, 2009
I was born & raised on a small farm in the middle of Oklahoma. One thing we learned very early in life was; “you cannot have a successful operation when you have too many hogs feeding from the same trough.”
E. R. Goodbary
Bob Dodd on Fri, January 09, 2009
I spend two weeks in Irvine each summer for work. I look forward to the weekend and the opportunity to visit the CC. At home, I often watch the HOP before Sunday School and Chruch. Young Rober A Schuller has been a trully amazing person as he stepped up to a challenge that I did not think was possible to fill. He met the challenge and took christian worship to a new level. It is most sad to see what has happened and the silence is painful. Love and respect are the things that need to drive the CC, not ego’s and politics. I will support ministry when I see Robert A back in the pulpit.
Charlotte on Fri, January 09, 2009
Please add my name to the list of believers who is disheartened to learn of RAS’s departure from the HOP. I was a faithful viewer, especially during the summer months when I was away from home and unable to attend my neighborhood church. The more I watched, the more I looked forward to devoting this one hour a week to worshiping my God minus the usual “church politics”. I am not a fan of mega or television churches, but found the HOP inspiring in so many ways and on so many occasions. My prayers for both Rev. Schullers will remain constant but you can delete my name from your solicitation list.
Teresa on Sun, January 11, 2009
I have just seen the news about the Schullers. I am very shocked. They have suffered from a mega-dose of church politics. I know they are suffering from one stage or another of grief. They have had their lives turned upside down, though they were doing God’s will, and been criticized for doing God’s will. I know how this feels, as I was in a parttime children’s ministry for 4 and a half years, and was treated similarly. As I said, theirs is a “mega-dose”. I know from my experience, as from that of disciples through the centuries, that God can turn this into something wonderful. He allowed sinful people to do this, so He has another assignment in mind for this wonderful servant of his.
It may be a rugged year of grief, as they move through this transition, especially since it involves the extended family. For this reason, I will support them in prayer every day through this next year, regarding the following needs for sure: grief, family relationships, job/finances, and healing and restoration to ministry. God WILL use this for their good!
Rita van Elsas on Sun, January 11, 2009
What a terrible disappointment that Robert Anthony was treated so badly by “God’s people”. I knew right from the beginning of his new job as senior pastor, that something like this was coming down the road. Every week, you could see the expression on Shuller Sr’s face. It was not the face of a proud father rejoicing in his son’s success, rather a disapproving scowl that made me think he was jealous and would never be ready to ‘pass the baton’. Two of Robert Anthony’s brother-in-laws are on the board??? Yes, jealously was a big factor here. I will no longer be watching HOP, no matter who the guest speakers are. What Shuller Sr. did and the inbred board is very wicked, and nothing good will ever come of it. Robert Anthony however, will prosper and grow. He has a great deal of support and good wishes.
Rita
Dawn Bahr on Sun, January 11, 2009
Dear Rita,
I just read your comment and I agree with you! I thought I was just imagining that “scowl” on Robert H.’s face——very insightful, wasn’t it? I only wish that he would speak out and give us an honest explanation as to why this came about. I think we all deserve that. This must be absolutely heartbreaking to Mrs. Schuller and the entire Schuller family. I know that God must have something even greater for Robert Anthony and we will support him 100% in whatever direction he takes. Does anyone know how to reach him or where we can send our messages of support more directly? I would like him to know how we all feel. Thanks to anyone who can provide info.
Dave Kenyon on Mon, January 12, 2009
I have quit viewing CC anymore. Without Anthony & Donna there is a distinct lack of continuity and exuberant enthusiasm. I do not think that -“this is the day the Lord hath made ...” I think man has interfered with God’s plan and derailed CC. Your appeals for money are getting more brazen and laden with anxiety.
Beth Richlen on Tue, January 13, 2009
I certainly miss Robert Anthony ~ had grown to truly look forward to his message. I’m hopeful he will be available in some fashion to again deliver this word of God.
larry t. campbell on Sat, January 17, 2009
i have felt the same way about robert anthony schuller as these people have. I am an eagles club member, and am considering not renewing in 2009. i emailed the crystal cathedral to ask what happened to robert anthony. they did not get back to me…an eagles club member, their main support! i have been watching the hour of power since 1984, read the books, supported them, etc. i feel as though i’ve been abandoned. please bring back robert anthony!
christine on Sat, January 17, 2009
The absence of well-loved Robert Anthony Schuller from the Crystal Cathedral has been most puzzling to me as, I’m sure, to many others of your loyal viewers. The recent lame excuses added to the confusion and uncertainty, with the unacceptable few words that he is pursuing his own mission even less enlightening. One could not help but ponder how visiting pastors could satisfactorily fill the pulpit for an indeterminate time. The pall of sadness hanging over each of the ultimate programs erased the two years of joy and celebration which were enjoyed during Rob. Anthony’s sermons.
I pondered what could be the reason: perhaps he was experiencing “burn-out”; another woman? - NO WAY; disapproval by his father? How could that be? He must have pleased his father immensely and brought him great joy, satisfaction and pride. Since no true and trustworthy explanation was forthcoming, I consulted the Internet and found a totally unexpected answer. I was appalled at the unfair treatment of this young man of God, a man so devoted to his calling, so concerned with his flock, so dependent on the Holy Spirit’s guidance that I felt blessed every Sunday morning with your broadcast. Being an evangelical Christian, I particularly was impressed by his constant invitations to his listeners to give their hearts to the Lord Jesus and own Him as their personal Savior…which no evangelical church should exclude from its service, but which did not appear to be used often in your past history, or not in such an identifiable fashion.
It is my hope that Robert Anthony will read the many emails which his sorrowing supporters have in anguish sent to him and Donna and that somehow he will soon start his own ministry, for I doubt there will any longer be the faith and trust in the CC that have been enjoyed by viewers for so many years. I feel that his expulsion must have at its roots some deeper and more personal dislike and jealousy - or, an inability to seek the Holy Spirit’s presence and to lead others to this knowledge.
It has been said that Satan leaves us alone when we’re just drifting along and not causing any waves, but when he becomes aware that we are pleasing God and bringing in souls, that’s when he attacks us. It is inconceivable that you could have aided “the enemy” in his purpose.
It is also very disappointing that you are always ready to send your loyal supporters letters asking for more money; but did not take the courtesy to send us a letter of explanation - or ask our opinion of Robert Anthony - a referendum, if you like, - before arbitrarily dismissing him and depriving us of our joyful Sunday mornings spent in his company. I therefore withdraw my membership as a Growing 5000 and ask that you discontinue any further direct debits and mail-outs.
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