Robert Schuller Jr. resigns from the Crystal Cathedral

The rift between Schuller Jr. and Schuller Sr. began in October.  Apparently, the senior Schuller wants to move the Crystal Cathedral's ministry beyond the Schuller name.  Schuller Sr. favored bringing in various preachers to do Sunday services, while Schuller Jr. wanted to man the pulpit himself.  The L.A. Times, October 28:

The schism between the Rev. Robert H. Schuller and his son at Orange County's Crystal Cathedral arose over a disagreement about broadening the church's long-running television show, "Hour of Power," beyond a single personality -- a move opposed by the younger Schuller, pastors involved in the matter said Sunday.

Robert Schuller Jr. plans to "open his own ministry," said the L.A. Times today.

Comments

[suzanne boss]

we miss Robert Jr., and his weekly messages. Robert Sr. should have worked out his feelings before handing over the reins to his son, after all he was the MAIN preacher for many years. We feel this ministry needs to get back on track!
God Bless,
King and Suzanne Boss
Ontario, Canada

[John Petty]

Thanks for your comment. Reading between the lines of some of the news stories, I gather that Schuller Jr. was a little more traditional in his preaching style than is Schuller Sr. Frankly, if it was me, I'd probably prefer his style to his father's.

[LEN AND LORAYNE VERWOERD]

WE ARE DISAPPOINTED THAT RICHARD SCHULLER JR. IS NOT ON HOUR OF POWER ANYMORE , WE APPRECIATED HIS BIBLICAL TEACHING AND LOWER EMPHASIS ON THEATRICS AND SHOWMANSHIP . HIS ABSENCE IS A GREAT LOSS TO THE MINISTRY AND MAY VERY WELL LEAD TO ITS DEMISE , AS WE DON'T WATCH THE BROADCAST ANYMORE

[LEN AND LORAYNE VERWOERD]

I POSTED A COMMENT ON THE ABSENCE OF ROBERT JR. BUT BY MISTAKE I PUT IN THE NAME 'RICHARD' INSTEAD OF ROBERT ,MY APOLOGIES .LEN VERWOERD , ABBOTSFORD B.C.

[John Petty]

I'm inclined to agree with you.

[Hazel]

The Hour of Power is not something I will ever watch again. Hearing Robert Shuller, Jr. was my church each Sunday morning, his messages were scriptured and relatable, unlike his father. Since we have not been given an explanation, perhaps Jr. intimindated Sr., in all ways he had the more christian spirit without the arrogance that his father possesed. Truly Jr. was a man of God and I saw Jesus in him. What does this say that a father, unlike our Father in heaven fires his son and not only breaks his heart, but the heart of many viewers. I will not ever watch this program again,

[John Petty]

Hazel, thank you for your note. I've been trying to follow this but most parties seem to be playing their cards pretty close to their chest.

Reading between the lines, it seems to me that the "Hour of Power" TV audience was dwindling and the powers-that-be wanted to get speakers who could "juice the ratings." They didn't think Schuller Jr. could do that.

I agree with you that his sermons were better than his father's.

Thanks for the visit!

[Sylvia]

My husband and I used to watch Hour of Power almost every Sunday and enjoyed Robert Jr.'s messages because they really touched the heart and encouraged us to grow spiriually. It saddens me so much that Robert Sr. did what he did to his son. I felt that Robert Sr. wanted more showmanship than teaching the Word of God in depth. I don't enjoy the services any longer.
I also agree that Robert Jr.'s sermons were much better than his father's.

Thanks for listening!

[John Petty]

Thanks for your visit, Sylvia. I wish you well.

[Richard Cantor]

While RS, Jr. may have presented his sermons as more biblically referenced, his speaking style appealed to a different audience.

His sermons seemed to approach the more psychological and tangential to citing actual specific Biblical teachings. I got to the point where I couldn't tolerate HIS theatrics, which increasingly used more and more props. I found his cadence and speaking style plodding, delayed pauses between phrases expressions of affectation, and his subject matter dwelling more on psychological phenomena than matters of the spirit.

I find the approach by Sheila Schuller Coleman more sincere, heartfelt, and more dedicated to the original teachings of hope and possibility as taught by her father.

A recent sermon by her on "playing it safe," was very moving, and was a classic example of how content for a sermon can be written to inspire, entertain, and teach - it contained elements of personal learning, family reflection and gratitude, humor, biblical reference, humility, and moral guidance. She delivered the sermon not only from her head, but from her heart, as several times she welled up reflecting on a personal loss in her life and the guidance her father gave her.

I hope that SHE becomes the senior pastor. Other guest pastors have demonstrated their skills well, but they come off more as actors than speaking with the kind of sincerity that I feel from SSC.

If you missed last week's sermon on "Playing it Safe," do what you can to catch the replay. RS, Sr. should be very proud of her. The first time I saw her, I thought, "where has the CC been hiding this woman?" In my book, although she may not have the same depth of biblical teaching credentials as her brother, I find that the manner in which she communicates and connects with people makes her a more able servant.

[John Petty]

Thanks very much for your comment. I've heard from many people about this, and all on the basis of a few blog posts from Colorado! I can see the difference of opinion within CC just in the messages I've received. I appreciate your views.

[Richard Cantor]

I was surprised to read in some of the posts reference to funding having dropped after RS, Jr. left the HoP.

I assumed the funding drop was due primarily to the economy. I also wondered how the HoP could maintain its funding with RS, Jr. as the Sr. Pastor, being the main speaker, and his increasingly resorting to stage props (one sermon involved him throwing items out to the audience) and discussing topics that increasingly were of a primarily secular nature.

I find it difficult to believe that funding dropped off only after he left the HoP. When he first took over as primary speaker from his father, the difference in speaking style was very apparent, but I didn't want the delivery style of a message to get in the way of the content. But as time went on, the content fell short of the often memorable sermons of RS, Sr. The "benediction" given by him to visitors seemed to carry more "gravitas" than that bestowed by his son to visitors.

One memorable guest was the young woman who was mauled by a lion in a California forest while biking, and who had her face restored to a limited degree through reconstructive surgery. RS, Sr. treated her with such gentleness, tenderness and grace. It was as though he allowed her to tell her story of her faith and how that allowed her to be the kind of person she is despite her adversities.

The only time I can recall that RS, Jr. came close to this sincerity was with his interview with Evil Knieval. RS, Jr. canceled the rest of the planned program after the interview as EK's admission of sinning and humbling himself inspired RS, Jr. to call out to others in the audience to come forward and turn their lives over to Jesus. He captured the moment for what it was worth - an unplanned moment to enter into a holier moment than anyone could have planned. I acknowledge him for having the sense and heart to do as he did.

The HoP has a good format - of mixing traditional church music and songs with testimonials by a guest, followed by inspiring music by a variety of musicians, concluded with the main sermon delivered by a "heavy hitter."

I feel the program is meant to uplift one's spirit, connect one to the core teachings of Christianity, and to touch one intimately, so that when one "leaves" he/she is a more caring and loving individual.

I, personally, feel that to a larger degree with the approach of Sheila Schuller Coleman - so far, at least. The "verdict" isn't in yet, but so far I feel that she is talking "with" the congregation vs. "talking at them" which was what I got from her brother's approach. (While I appreciate him wanting to include his wife in the program as part of the HoP family, I felt her role was more of a "reader" of text than someone who has lived the teachings as has SSC.)

[John Petty]

I appreciate your comments. I come from a tradition (Lutheran) with a much different worship style, and your take on things is interesting and informative.

I've heard RS Sr. preach many times, but only heard his son once, and Sheila not at all. I'll be looking for opportunities to do so, based on your comment.

I would imagine that the economic downturn is the primary reason contributions are down. Undoubtedly, however, the "hand-off" from father to son was probably also a factor.

This is not at all unusual. That transition is difficult in most cases.

[Stephen Denham]

We miss robert jr greatly . We as a family miss him after many years of viewing your program. Sheila has done well but can't help missing your son . Is there any future shows with him as a speaker he is your son and all should be forgiven as you have taught us to be merciful and forgiving to family and siblings. No matter what he has forgiven us by giving his son . Please find it in your heart as my leader and mentor. Concerned parisioner bring him in you know he wants to be with you and all of us.

[jOAN mCcLELLAND]

I really miss Robert Jr. I feel that the ministry has lost a lot with him gone. I DO NOT LIKE HIS SISTER AS A PREACHER OR A LEADER, SHE LACKS THE HEART AND SOUL THAT ROBERT JR. HAD BROUGHT TO THE PROGRAM.
i FIND THAT i RARELY WATCH ANY MORE AS THE SERMONS DO NOT REACH MY HEART LIKE HIS DID.
SHAME ON HIS FATHER FOR NOT FORGIVING HIS SON, WHAT KIND OF LEADERSHIP DOES THAT SHOW? ONLY THE MONEY COMES TO MIND WITH HIS FATHER. I REALLY HOPE THAT ROBERTJR. HAS A MINISTRY THAT WE CAN ALL ENJOY SOON.
I had watched his father for years and considered him to be a real man of God, my impression has greatly changed now.

[John Petty]

Joan, thank you for your heartfelt note. I continue to hear from people at Crystal occasionally. I had two or three posts on the matter, some time ago, and still get comments and notes. Blessings and Godspeed as you continue on your spiritual journey.

[Jean Rockwell]

My husband and I have missed Robert,Jr., as his preaching was uplifting and meaningful. Since he left, only a few guest pastors have made God's word reach out and give guidence the way a sermon should. Sheila brings nothing but a smiling face and a school teacher mentality-her preaching does not uplift the soul. Robert, Sr. lost the spirit of this
ministry. He should offer the olive branch to his son, and ask him to return on Robert, Jr's terms. We miss his preaching.

[John Petty]

Thanks for your comment and visit, Jean. I'm wondering: Is Sheila going to do much preaching, or will that be left to Schuller Sr.?

[A.L. Kreps]

HoP has lost class. Sorry that I will not watch it anymore.

[John Petty]

Thanks for your visit.

[w morgan]

Sad to say this looked-forward-to weekly program has gone down so fast. Sheila is totally out of her element. She means well but is over her head and could do well conducting children's services. The program needs a quick infusion of credibility fast before the clock strikes twelve.

[John Petty]

Thanks for being in touch. I've done half a dozen blog posts on the Crystal Cathedral, and very much appreciate hearing from people who are actually members of the church.

From what I've heard, many people share your view.

Thanks for your visit!

[mimi]

I was shocked of not preaching Robert Schuller Jr, and because of Him I started to watch the Hour of Power every Sunday and not to go to church instead.
I hoping for Robert Jr for the best and missing you a lot.

[John Petty]

Mimi, thanks for your visit. I've heard from several people who feel as you do.

[Jonathan]

Gid is a God of Perfect unity; man tries & needs to attain to unity for there The Lord commands the blessing [psalm 133]. I am saddened to see a 'parting of the ways' between father & son. Let us as the world wide church hold these 2 servants of God in our prayers. satan walks about like a roaring lion seeking who he can devour. DO NOT FOR A MOMENT SAVOR A NEGATIVE THOT OR PRODUCE A NON PRODUCTIVE COMMENT. Please get on your knees & seek God for a manifestation of His Grace SO THE UNGODLY WILL COME TO THE CROSS. We need as many men & women of God in minstry serving The Lod in various & different ways. Take heart out of this situation. If Jnr starts a ministry on his own - so be it, PTL. Beloved, now is the time to seek The Face of God; weep before Him, humble yourself & walk uprightly before your God. Be blessed & pray one for another. Live in love so God can love thru you. submitted sincerly in The Name of The Lord Jesus Christ, The Son of God.

[Jonathan]

Apologis for thr typo:
the first word for my aove post is
GOD, the typo reads Gid. Thank you.
Jonathan.

[John Petty]

Hi Jonathan. Thanks for your visit. I've heard from several people at Crystal.

['Russ]

The Hour of Power was a every sunday moring thing for me while prepare to head off to my chruch to worship, I so love hearing Robert Jr preach There was the truth about Gods law and the good new of his salvation. It was so refreshing and the focs was God and what we should be doing for him as opposed top Robert St feel good, warm and fuzzy god is making us feel good. The worship servie so dumbed down in quality of music and preaching. Shiela is more of an actress than a preacher she comes off as so very fake. Robert Sr, is so mislead or is just so out of touch,

['Russ]

So what happend to Robert Jr,? Is he preaching somewhere? I certainly hope so.

[John Petty]

Hi Russ,

Yes, I believe Schuller Jr. is somewhere doing something, but can't remember exactly what. It was something to do with televised ministry, as I recall. Thanks for your visit.

['Russ]

John thanks for the info.... if you ever find out let us know. He is a gift and I an sure God is still using him for his good.

[John Petty]

Oops, forgot to comment. If I get more specific word about Schuller Jr., I'll post it.

Thanks for being in touch. I've heard from several members at Crystal.