Crystal Cathedral

Garden Grove, CA October 26, 2008

Reformed Church in America
Classis of California Statement

The Crystal Cathedral was founded as a Reformed Church in America, Classis of California congregation and grew to be the flagship of our existing fleet of 60 churches stretching from Los Angeles to San Diego. The Classis (an association of local Reformed Church in America congregations) has been blessed by the efforts of the Founding Pastor, Dr. Robert H. Schuller, whose cutting-edge ministry left a definite and lasting impact on our group as well as on the Christian community worldwide.

With many of our churches entering the 40th year and beyond of their lifecycle, we are aware that new challenges face these congregations and the leaders who guide them. The Classis of California wants to serve and benefit the Crystal Cathedral congregation and its ministries in good times and difficult times. Our goal: to see a new generation of servant-leaders raised within the congregation that help the Crystal Cathedral and Hour of Power ministries reach as many people possible as effectively as possible in this world for Jesus Christ, while honoring the unparalleled legacy. This will require Classis leadership to form new meaningful partnerships with the staff and leaders who serve the various ministry departments. There is no doubt that many changes are ahead as we all continue to ‘reform’ to God’s Word and live it practically in a contemporary world.

There are many Reformed Church in America pastors currently serving the Crystal Cathedral and its ministries. Both Robert A. Schuller, who has been serving as the Senior Pastor, and Dr. Robert H. Schuller (Founding Pastor) are valuable RCA leaders. 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.

Our goal here is to first seek what is best for the overall ministries (since the focus of these ministries is not about two leaders, but about the millions of people worldwide who look to them for guidance and inspiration and those who have not yet tuned in).

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.

We are excited about the emerging possibilities for even wider ministry influence. Classis would appeal to all those who love and serve Jesus to stand with the Schullers and the Crystal Cathedral during this positive transition as Robert A. and Robert H. find more clarity in their very unique and individual callings. They are not just television icons; they are precious individuals loved by God and millions of people around the globe and they deserve our utmost respect and support.

Downloadable Document Format

• Classis_of_California _Statement.pdf   —Reformed Church in America―Classis of California Statement

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