Family Spat Divides Televangelism Empire

[Gratiot]

GARDEN GROVE, Calif. - Once one of the most popular televangelists in the U.S., the Rev. Robert H. Schuller is watching his life's work crumble.

His son and recent successor, the Rev. Robert A. Schuller, has abruptly resigned as senior pastor of the Crystal Cathedral. The shimmering, glass-walled megachurch in Southern California is home to the "Hour of Power" broadcast, an evangelism staple that has been on the air worldwide for more than three decades.

The church is in financial turmoil: It plans to sell more than $65 million worth of its Orange County property to pay off debt. Revenue dropped by nearly $5 million last year, according to a recent letter from the elder Schuller to elite donors.

LINK-MSNBC

[Gratiot]

"The Crystal Cathedral blames the recession for its woes. But it's clear that the elder Schuller's carefully orchestrated leadership transition, planned over a decade, has stumbled badly."

"The Schullers consider the church a family business, and the younger Schuller's 2006 appointment was sanctioned by the Crystal Cathedral's parent denomination, the Reformed Church in America."

"But the church announced on Nov. 29 that Schuller Jr. had resigned as senior pastor, just a month after he was removed from the church's syndicated broadcasts. In a news release, Schuller Sr. said: "Robert and I have been struggling as we each have different ideas as to the direction and the vision for this ministry."

"Others said they felt betrayed that the Schullers couldn't put God before their family spat."

"Why can't a father and son work together for the glory of God? That's my big question."

[Gratiot]

While not opening the can of worms, of discussing Schuller's theology, that was pretty painfully revealing.  They actually considered the church a family business.  Their concerns appear to be more on the weekly take versus the glorification of God and the salvation of those around them?   

[Zeus]

While not opening the can of worms, of discussing Schuller's theology, that was pretty painfully revealing.  They actually considered the church a family business.  Their concerns appear to be more on the weekly take versus the glorification of God and the salvation of those around them?   

Considering that particular Churches Real estate holdings and I'm sure the church is vested in other financial dealings it is a business. Those Businesses need to tend to the Glorification of govt (taxes) as well as to God.

[Sam Adams]

"Why can't a father and son work together for the glory of God? That's my big question."

Robert Schuller is a heretic. He was never working for the glory of God.

[Gratiot]

Robert Schuller is a heretic. He was never working for the glory of God.

I wouldn't disagree