Schuller Son: It’s Not My Dad’s Fault
- Posted by: Todd
- Posted on: Tue, October 28, 2008
- Viewed 3408
- (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...
Comments
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Jos Ariens on Sun, January 25, 2009
I was surprised to recieve a letter from the Dutch branch of Hour of Power about the changes that have taken place. This letter came to me only in januari 2009. looking at the website and this forum, I have discovered that this has been going on for a longer period of time. It is most disappointing to see that the dutch people are not well informed and have to rely on foreign forums to hear about the problems in the Chrystal Cathedral.
As for the change in policy, I am not at all happy about it. I liked Robert Anthony, met him when he came to Holland and I believe and share his vision. it seems that burocracy is more important than vision. I will reconsider my contributions to the Hour of Power and I would like to ask for the reinstatement of Robert Anthony Schuller.
Personaly I am very sorry for this breach of continuity. Now it will also for the dutch viewers a surprise every sunday who will perform the sermon. I think it would have been much better to preserve continuity and build on the years of foundations laid by the father and son Schuller.
Jeannette on Mon, January 26, 2009
For some time now I have wandered where Dr Robert Anthony Schuller was, although I emailed the Church several times I never heard, finally I found some information on the internet, and it has really stunned me, yes it has made me very sad to think that this is the result of pride, what else, I will certainly miss Dr Robert Anthony Schuller each Sunday, and I pray that he does continue the ministry in another location.
Bless both Robert and Donna Schuller.
Lori on Mon, January 26, 2009
I have been going to the Crystal Cathedral/ GG Community Church since 1973 and have always loved this church. When Robert A. became the senior pastor I was very happy because I loved his preaching about the Bible and Jesus and how it made me feel about myself and my faith. It was time for dad to step down because you could tell that he didn’t always know what was going on, I think, because of his age and his mind isn’t as keen as it used to be. I also feel that dad’s ego might have gotten in the way because his son had become so popular. I have become very discouraged since Robert A. was asked to leave. It’s just not the same anymore and I don’t feel inspired like I did. I never thought that I would ever say this but I have considered finding another church that I can feel inspired again. I would love to someday see Robert A. preach again in his own church. I would certainly consider becoming a member!
P. & J. Dunn on Tue, January 27, 2009
We have visited the CC and at that time we could feel the presence of the LORD all through the service.
If we should visit now, (which is probably unlikely with what has happened) I can picture it now being another tourist attraction.
We are looking forward to Robert Authony’s future plans, as we feel the what he is striving for, is something GOD is leeding him to do, and we’ll be supporting his future plans, rather than the CC/HOP politican’s.
J. & P. Dunn Canada
Bianca on Sun, February 01, 2009
Robert Anthony God is speaking through you!
You are His vessel of honor!
The Lord is doing a new thing through you!
Crystal cathedral was your fathers dream, but God says “now is the time that I will begin a new thing”
Follow your heart Robert, start on the dream that God has deposited in there!
We are with you!
Blessings
Bianca
Chuck in Mississippi on Sun, February 01, 2009
Something had to happen! I’m in shock!
What will happen to this wonderful ministry?
Sandra on Sun, February 08, 2009
We are sadden by what has happened. We love Robert A. preaching and are missing him lots. We have not given to the CC since he has left. We are hoping that Robert A. will have his own Church and we will support him. His Dad is older….what will happen to the Church when he can no longer be there? Can his Brother-in-laws preach? Who are they to judge? Who gave them this power?
Were is Robert A. son? Is he still there?
God Bless Robert A., and his family.
Bill on Sun, February 08, 2009
It is very apparent that when Robert A was preaching that he was being lead by the spirit. The CC was Gods Church! I feel that the CC has made a wrong turn. Instead of Gods Church that was lead by the spirit, it is now the Church of man lead by individuals who are not lead by the spirit.
Therefore in good faith, I can not continue to support the CC.
Our prayers are with Robert A and his family. We know that God will do great things thru his future ministery!
Edith Mossman on Thu, February 12, 2009
I just went into this information because I was wondering what happened with Robert A. Schuller. I turned on the program and was shocked not to see him. I don’t know what happened and don’t understand it all but I.m sure God does. I wish you Robert and your wife Donna all the best in whatever you do for the Lord. If you ever do have a relligion program on the t.v. let us all know because I will be the first to watch it. God bless you. I do love listening to your Dad. I’ve watched , “The Hour of Power” for many years and I am 69 yrs. old.
LeeAnn Schmittou on Fri, February 13, 2009
I make an 80 mile round trip most Sundays to attend services at the Crystal Cathedral. Dr. Schuller and his ministry gave me back a part of my life that I had given up on when I walked away from the Southern Baptist Church I grew up in and organized religion in general for more than 25 five years. Unlike that experience the Crystal Cathedral was always a positive, never a brow beating or guilt trip but always uplifting and reaffirming. I was amazed from the very first visit.
I loved it best when father and son would alternate Sundays but unlike some of the whispers of complaint I heard from time to time, I understood that Robert H is getting on in years and even though we would all like for him to live forever, provisions had to be made for the inevitable. Robert Anthony is warm and personable, insightful, a wonderful speaker, a man of God and the best possible choice to carry on for his father. Not to mention he and Donna were/ARE perfect for television aesthetically. I was there in the Cathedral the week Evil Knievel was there. Rather than go ahead with a prepared sermon, Robert A invited anyone in the congregation who wanted to be baptized to come forward. The Lord’s presence was so strong that day and Robert A’s decision showed me that in spite of the TV cameras, it was a church first and foremost.
The idea of it being a mission is nice. But many of us also make it our church home. That feeling of “home” is lost when there is a diffent speaker every week. Guest speakers once in a while would be okay but, long term I think the congregation will continue to dwindle and the Hour of Power audience as well. That would be a very sad ending for Robert H’s dream and incredible, God filled, life’s work.
My sister came out from Michigan to visit a few years ago and I took her to the Cathedral when Robert A spoke. Ever since she had been tuning in as she really enjoyed it which is saying a lot because she has never attended any church regularly or any at all for 30 or more years. I was so glad she was watching. She says now she just doesn’t look forward to it or make the effort to watch anymore. Now it’s just another church show.
Sadly too, all we have heard is hush hush and whispers in the congregation. Nothing official, no explanation from anyone. I was told a couple of weeks ago by one of the visitors’ guides not to believe anything I read in the papers. But, of course people are going to believe those things if no one is forthcoming with the truth.
Most recently I have heard that Jim Poit is gone now too. Very sad! I really hope it is possible to fix all of this and put out the ones who are responsible for it.
I still love Robert H and will not fault him without knowing his side of the story. I have not yet decided whether to renew my Sparrow’s Club membership for the fifth year. I am hoping that if Robert A or Jim Poit (or both) start their own churches they will be down closer to San Clemente. I would be happy to have the opportunity to attend. For now, I will continue to make the 80 mile round trip but, probably not as often.
Really really sad.
Alice on Tue, February 17, 2009
I am in agreement with so many of the other comments that I have just read. What has happened to the Crystal Cathedral with the absence of Robert Anthony Schuller is most undesirable. I have been watching CC for 20 years if not more. But when Robert Anthony Schuller became the Senior Pastor, he brought “new life” and the beginning of a world launch to something that was going to be enriching and beautiful for us all across the globe.
I hope that Robert Anthony will be celebrating soon with his own church service and committment to what he wanted to share with the world. I miss his service tremendously.
My prayers and best wishes for he, Donna and their family.
Carolyn on Sun, February 22, 2009
It is now four months since Robert A has given one of his God-inspired messages and I now feel this has gone on long enough with no change at CC or communication to their TV membership. I have been an Eagle member from it’s inception and the ministry always filled me spiritually. I have visited CC several times, walked the path through the gardens and felt God’s closeness. I will never forget the Sunday of baptism with Evil Knievel as guest. The Spirit of the Lord came right through the television, and know I was not alone in this observation.
I believed this was one church and family that could not possibly be torn apart by family jealousy and internal politics. We pray that ministers, their families and church board members will live their lives as Jesus would, yet once again, the fraility - particularly of the brothers-in-law has let us all down.
I miss Robert A’s sincere messages based on scripture. I have watched the guest speakers and that is what they are - a guest. I really want the main speaker back - Robert A. There has been no change since this started in October, so I now find myself having to look for another church for spiritual guidance because to continue watching HOP, leaves me feeling very, very sad and disheartened - the exact opposite I felt when Robert A preached.
The Schuller family, including the in-laws, are in disarray and I will continue to hold them in my heart and prayers, but not on my television or financial support. It’s all terribly sad.
Lou Reeder on Sun, February 22, 2009
I have watched the Hour Of Power for years and somehow since Robert Jr. left you can notice how much the choir has changed with all of the new faces. Somehow the t.v. program is not the same by having the hot shot preachers from the mega churches in every week. Robert Sr. has surrounded himself with the elite and thinks they will help him survive. Somehow, the program is not the same as it has been down thru the years. Of course like all churches, unless you are in the loop or top dog you cannot find out what is going on. Like most churches, all they want is your time and money so they can live high life stiles and be among the elite. Too bad they can’t realize the CC is just going to be another tourist attraction.
They need our prayers.
Kathy Dow on Sun, February 22, 2009
I posted a message earlier and I am still feeling an emptiness with Robert A. gone. I really filled a need for my husband and I. I think that the CC are the losers in the action they took. I watch and go on the internet to see if there is anything about Robert A. starting another television ministry. There was a statement that he would be making an announcement in January but I can’t find anything. My husband’s health and pain leaves him pretty much homebound so the Hour of Power was a highlight for him and myself. We contributed a lot to Hour of Power but that has finished. What they did was not a show of love and acceptance to Robert A. I feel that he out shone his father because he didn’t concentrate on positive thinking, he also taught the Bible’s teaching. When pettiness comes into a church thats when I go. I will not watch Hour of Power any more nor will they get my support. All I can do is pray for Robert A. because he has so much to offer. I don’t want to see this valuable asset to God and his word being lost. I also pray for healing in the Schuller family. I think Robbie also has a lot to offer in his ministry. All the comments I have seen have been praising Robert A. I feel that Hour of Power has sealed it’s fate with this move. How can the viewers feel like a church family when there is some one new every week delivering the message.
Thea on Mon, February 23, 2009
Like the previous messages, I too have waited in vain for more clarity on the situation from the Crystal Cathedral and in the hope to find some more news from Robert A. and his future plans. Whenever I watch HOP I cannot help but feel a bit cheated. although I realise that the speakers do their best and preach from their own hearts and truths. Nevertheless I miss the spark, the genuine, the touching of my soul. I do hope Robert A. gets to see these messages and will be inspired for his future, which we will hopefully be able to share with him.
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