[10.27.08] Nearly three years after becoming host of his father’s Hour of Power TV program, Robert A. Schuller was taken off the air this past weekend.
“It is no secret to any of you that my son, Robert, and I have been struggling as we each have different ideas as to the direction and the vision for this ministry as we move into the future,” said Robert H. Schuller, founder of Crystal Cathedral Ministries, in a statement posted on the ministry’s Web site. “For this lack of shared vision and the jeopardy in which this is placing this entire ministry, it has become necessary for Robert and me to part ways.”
Robert A. Schuller has served as senior pastor of Crystal Cathedral, a stunning all-glass architectural masterpiece built in 1980, since 2006, when his 82-year-old father also appointed him host of Hour of Power.
The elder Schuller announced plans for the TV program, which began airing in 1970, to extend its pulpit to “the greatest preachers in the world.” He said some of those preachers would be former students of his Institute for Successful Church Leadership, such as megachurch pastors Bill Hybels and Kirbyjon Caldwell. “No longer will the Hour of Power be the voice and face of just one or two individuals,” Schuller said.
Though the 54-year-old son of one of America’s most well known televangelists did not comment publicly regarding his father’s announcement over the weekend, the California Classis of the Reformed Church in America, of which both men are affiliated, released a statement acknowledging the split.
“Persistent and very real differences in vision for the ministries between these two leaders has led to an apparent need for Classis’ help in furthering ministry objectives,” stated the denomination.
“Our goal here is to first seek what is best for the overall ministries … our next goal is to see both Robert A. and Robert H. given any assistance they may need to continue to be passionate about their individual visions and remain harmonious in their relationships, not just as father and son, but also as co-laborers in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” —Paul Steven Ghiringhelli
