Robert H. Schuller (1926–2015) was an American Christian televangelist, pastor, motivational speaker, and author who is best known for founding the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California, and for his long-running television program, Hour of Power. Schuller was a prominent figure in the American religious landscape, particularly known for his positive, motivational approach to Christianity and his emphasis on the power of possibility thinking.
Birth and Background: Robert Harold Schuller was born on September 16, 1926, in Alton, Iowa, to a Dutch-American family. He was raised in the Reformed Church in America (RCA) and grew up in a devoutly religious household. His early experiences in the rural Midwest, combined with his family's strong faith, played a significant role in shaping his future ministry.
Education: Schuller felt called to ministry at a young age and pursued theological education. He attended Hope College in Holland, Michigan, and then went on to Western Theological Seminary, where he earned a Master of Divinity degree in 1950. After completing his education, Schuller was ordained as a minister in the Reformed Church in America.
Early Ministry: After his ordination, Schuller served as a pastor in Illinois. However, he felt a strong desire to reach more people with his message of positive Christianity. In 1955, with the support of his denomination, he and his wife, Arvella, moved to Southern California to start a new church.
Drive-In Church: Schuller began his ministry in California by holding services at a drive-in theater in Orange County. This unconventional approach allowed worshipers to attend services in their cars, which was particularly appealing in the car-centric culture of Southern California. The drive-in church was an instant success, and Schuller quickly gained a following. He delivered his sermons from the roof of the snack bar, using a microphone to reach the congregation.
Garden Grove Community Church: The success of the drive-in services led to the establishment of the Garden Grove Community Church in 1955. As the congregation grew, Schuller moved the services to a new facility in 1961. His dynamic preaching style, focus on positive thinking, and emphasis on the power of faith to overcome life's challenges attracted a wide audience.
Crystal Cathedral: In 1970, Schuller embarked on an ambitious project to build a new church that would become an architectural and spiritual landmark. The Crystal Cathedral, designed by renowned architect Philip Johnson, was completed in 1980. The all-glass structure, with its soaring spire and modern design, became a symbol of Schuller's ministry and a major tourist attraction. The Crystal Cathedral could seat 2,800 people and was known for its impressive organ, fountains, and natural light.
Hour of Power: In 1970, Schuller launched Hour of Power, a weekly television program that featured his sermons, interviews, and inspirational messages. The program quickly gained popularity, reaching millions of viewers in the United States and around the world. At its peak, Hour of Power was broadcast on hundreds of stations in over 180 countries, making it one of the most-watched religious programs in the world.
Message and Philosophy: Schuller's preaching was characterized by its focus on hope, self-esteem, and the power of positive thinking. He often spoke about overcoming adversity, finding inner strength through faith, and achieving personal and spiritual goals. His messages were designed to be uplifting and motivational, appealing to a broad audience beyond traditional churchgoers. Schuller coined the term "possibility thinking" to describe his approach, which emphasized looking for opportunities and solutions rather than dwelling on problems.
Books and Writings: Schuller was also a prolific author, writing over 30 books, many of which became bestsellers. His most famous book, Tough Times Never Last, But Tough People Do!, was published in 1983 and became a self-help classic. Other notable books include Move Ahead with Possibility Thinking (1967) and The Be (Happy) Attitudes (1985). His writings reinforced his message of optimism, faith, and the importance of maintaining a positive outlook on life.
Leadership Transition: In 2006, Schuller retired as senior pastor of the Crystal Cathedral and handed over the leadership to his son, Robert A. Schuller. However, the transition was difficult, and in 2008, Robert A. Schuller resigned amid differences in vision for the ministry. The leadership struggles contributed to financial difficulties for the church.
Financial Troubles and Bankruptcy: The Crystal Cathedral faced mounting financial challenges in the late 2000s, exacerbated by the economic downturn and declining donations. In 2010, the church filed for bankruptcy, citing debts of over $50 million. The Crystal Cathedral was eventually sold to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange in 2011, and it was later renamed Christ Cathedral. The Schuller family faced significant emotional and reputational setbacks as a result of the financial troubles.
Final Years: Despite the challenges, Robert H. Schuller continued to preach and write until his health declined. In his later years, he suffered from esophageal cancer, which led to his death on April 2, 2015, at the age of 88. He was remembered by many as a pioneering televangelist who brought a message of hope and positivity to millions of people around the world.
Positive Christianity: Robert H. Schuller's legacy is closely associated with his philosophy of positive Christianity, which focused on the power of faith to transform lives. His messages of hope, self-worth, and possibility thinking resonated with a wide audience, including those who may not have felt connected to traditional religious institutions.
Influence on Televangelism: Schuller was a trailblazer in the world of televangelism, using television as a platform to reach a global audience. His success with Hour of Power inspired other religious leaders to embrace television as a means of spreading their messages, leading to the growth of religious broadcasting.
Crystal Cathedral's Legacy: Although the Crystal Cathedral ultimately faced financial difficulties, it remains an iconic symbol of Schuller's ministry. The building's innovative design and Schuller's vision for a church that welcomed people from all walks of life left a lasting impact on the architecture and culture of American megachurches.
Criticism and Controversy: While Schuller's positive message garnered widespread appeal, he also faced criticism for what some saw as an overly simplistic or materialistic approach to Christianity. Critics argued that his emphasis on self-esteem and positive thinking sometimes overshadowed traditional theological teachings. Despite these criticisms, Schuller's influence on modern Christian thought and ministry remains significant.
Robert H. Schuller was a pioneering figure in American Christianity who used his gifts as a preacher and communicator to inspire millions of people around the world. Through his Crystal Cathedral, Hour of Power television program, and numerous books, Schuller promoted a message of hope, positivity, and the transformative power of faith. While his ministry faced challenges in its later years, his legacy as a leading figure in the development of modern televangelism and positive Christianity endures. Schuller's life and work continue to be a source of inspiration for those who seek to find meaning and purpose through faith and possibility thinking.
We use cookies
We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our website, to show you personalized content and targeted ads, to analyze our website traffic, and to understand where our visitors are coming from. Privacy Policy.
