Crystal Cathedral Schuller Clan Used as Prime Example of Why Pastors Shouldn't Hire Family

By Gustavo Arellano Mon., Feb. 8 2010 at 11:55 AM

Categories: Gimme That OC Religion

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The Schullers, in happier times...

The sad decline of the Crystal Cathedral, one of the towering innovators in American Christianity during the 20th century, reached its possible nadir late last month, when founder Robert H. Schuller declared the cancellation of their annual "Glory of Easter" pageant, selling of church property to close millions of dollars in debt, and even the pulling of its Hour of Power television program from stations to try and save moolah. This was a rational turn of events given the schism that happened a couple of years ago, when Schuller booted his heir apparent, Robert A., from the lead in church ministry, and Schuller fils left to create his own ministry, taking his own son and quite a few congregants.

As the Schullers Turn has received quite a lot of attention from the Christian press, but nothing as scathing as an article in the latest edition of Church Executive Magazine.The magazine uses the Schuller fiasco as an example of how churches can fail if too many relatives of the head pastor are on the payroll, and how their familial disputes can destroy ministries. They unearthed a secret Crystal Cathedral document in which Schuller pere tries to use the Bible as justification for hiring so many of his spawn. Funniest part? When Schuller tries to defend nepotism:

When we study the history of family in business, it is necessary to remember that the negative attitudes about family crept into society when left wing liberals and socialists expounding a Marxist philosophy became more and more vocal about "rich families staying in power, inheriting the wealth and oppressing the poor." Labeled as hegemony they revolted by becoming "anti-family," introducing higher estate taxes and "nepotism" became an in-word.

I always thought Schuller was the most-tolerant and likable of our Holy Rollers, and that he forsook his Red-baiting days--guess not...

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"Jack: Glad to please!" Uh, Senor Arellano, I believe "Jack M." was referring to the prevous poster's lamentable grammar/spellings etc., not to you.
The Crystal Cathedral has a Spanish-speaking service currently drawing over 2,000 people each week, and hosts an Arabic-speaking service, a Korean service, an Asian-American fellowship, and a American Dream Builders fellowship led by a Korean-American couple. They also host a Monday Meals program, currently feeding 35-50 people every week. Increasingly more families of all ethnic backgrounds are attending Family Fun Nights on Fridays, and the student ministry programs (jr. high - college) of the Spanish-speaking and English-speaking congregations recently combined (the youth of both congregations speak English and attend school together). So, though the church demographics have been more Anglo and now older (because those were the young, central OC families of the early years and these people have been loyal to their church), they are changing with the community, praise the Lord!
I don't like either the Crystal Cathedral or Saddleback Church, but those who say the CC is a "victim of the times" apparently didn't read the articles about how Rick Warren asked for a cash infusion from his flock and received twice what he asked for. Obviously if the organization is working for people, they will pony up the bucks. One can only conclude that the CC doesn't have the right recipe.
The Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa (CCCM) success IS due to their ability to adapt to the changing demographics, Reaching out to youth and following the leading of the Holy spirit. Their is no conflict at CCCM as they are lead by the Spirit not the dollar. Exactly opposite of the Crystal Cathedral (CC). Again this points out your lack of research. Sure CC will come up with lame excuses as to there down fall but anyone can really see what�s going on. Go to one of their current services and you will see that the population is predominantly white upper middle class seniors. Garden Grove is predominantly Asian and Hispanic. The CC is not even making an attempt at reaching out to these groups in fear of changing the way they do things, a fear of the unknown.
ga is da best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A number of years ago, I worked with a guy that has a sister that issued death certificates. ( Worked for the Coroner) She was asked to provide some Death Certificates for some bodies that were buried illegally on the Crystal Cathedral grounds. I Contacted the Orange County register about what I knew. However, the lady that was doing the investigating for the Register botched it and tipped off the people at the Crystal Cathedral and they covered their tracks before any evidence could be located.
Gustavo, that reminds me: you ever think of doing a church review column? Not necessarily commenting on aspects of the specific religion/denomination, but writing about the experience of attending worship on fri/sat/sun? http://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/sheep_and_goats/ SD Reader's been doing it for years and it can be a fascinating read.
David: Mr. OC Weekly? You mean Moxley? You mean besides being a cradle Catholic, pal to Unitarian-Universalists, Muslims, Jews, and covering faith for the Weekly for years?
Please, "Mr. OC Weekly", are you willing to you tell us what your depth of sincere experience is with religion -- Christian, non-Christian, whatever? Are you really such a sage that you can make the comments that you do? Do you think there is anyone who might be more qualified? Shouldn't you be directing your people to them? Or do you not because truth is not your aim -- something else is -- what might that be? Duh!
The Crystal Cathedral is like the Tower of Babel. Come on people! Like their TBN brothers & sisters, they're all Pharisees! All the money spent on these two places of so called "worship" could have gone to a greater good, the poor, orphans, donations to places that ACTUALLY help people.
I only met Bob Schuller Sr. once and that was one time too many. After that encounter, I knew all the other stories about his short temper, huge ego and rudeness to people, were all true. When I think of the empire Schuller created including the Crystal Cathedral, the biblical image of the "Tower of Babel" comes to mind. Schuller to me is, an example of how power can corrupt anyone, even those who are allegedly working for God.
Jack: Glad to please!
Bad journalism? Church Executive posted an exclusive document; I merely pointed people to it. Also, I don't buy your changing demographic argument. Calvary Chapel has done mighty fine with ethnics, and this despite the clashes between Chuck Smith Sr. and Jr...
It pains me to read such poor grammar and misspelling.
It pains me to read poor journalism. An in depth reading tells a lot more of what is happening a the Crystal Cathedral. Besides what the economy and changeing demigraphics of the area are doing to the CC Your actually looking at a now dieing church an older congregation that forced out it's younger leadership rather than retaining it. Robert Jr is now leading a youthful more vibrant fellowship that Sr. Schuller felt was not what the congregation needed, His mistake. The sell off of the retreat center is due to lack of use no kids, no school no camps. don't need it. Plus it's a prized piece of property why not sell?