Schuller Son to Succeed Crystal Cathedral Leadership
Robert H. Schuller announced on New Year’s that his son will succeed him as senior pastor of the famed all-glass church in Garden Grove, Calif.
Robert H. Schuller announced on New Year’s that his son will succeed him as senior pastor of the famed all-glass church in Garden Grove, Calif.
The Crystal Cathedral’s founder and senior pastor of a half-century shared with his congregation on Jan. 1, at the end of his New Year’s Day sermon, that his only son, Robert A. Schuller, 51, would assume the role of senior pastor on Jan. 22.
“I have plans and goals over the next ten years and will use my 50 years of experience as Founding Pastor to assist Robert as he assumes the position as Senior Pastor,” the elder Schuller said to his congregation according to a statement released by the Crystal Cathedral.
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The elder Schuller, 79, who is considered one of the most influential religious leaders in the country, began his church preaching on the roof of a drive-in movie theater snack bar in Orange County in 1955.
From a Drive-In church, the congregation has developed into the 10,000 glass pane Crystal Cathedral that has lead the American Institute of Architects to honor Schuller with a lifetime achievement award.
The Reformed Church pastor has also founded a popular church television show titled Hour of Power which reaches 20 million viewers worldwide each week and is the longest running televised church service in the world, according to the Cathedral.
"Robert Schuller has had a major religious impact, not only in the United States, but in many parts of the world through his writings and television broadcasts," the Rev. Billy Graham said in a statement according to the Los Angeles Times.
Known for his optimistic viewpoint of Christianity and his encouragement of positive thinking, Schuller has attracted millions internationally including Mother Teresa and every U.S. president from Richard Nixon to George W. Bush, according to the L.A. Times.
President Bush said of the Schullers, “I appreciate the efforts of the Schuller family and all those committed to spreading the message of God’s love and mercy."
“Your work helps put hope in people’s hearts and a sense of purpose in their lives,” commented the president in a statement released by the Cathedral.
The Crystal Cathedral is affiliated with the Reformed Church in America and is the denomination’s largest church with over 10,000 members, a $72 million budget, and 500 employees.
