Crystal Cathedral megachurch files for bankruptcy

[Dark Knight]

GARDEN GROVE, Calif. – Crystal Cathedral, the megachurch birthplace of the televangelist show "Hour of Power," filed for bankruptcy Monday in Southern California after struggling to emerge from debt that exceeds $43 million.


In addition to a $36 million mortgage, the Orange County-based church owes $7.5 million to several hundred vendors for services ranging from advertising to the use of live animals in Easter and Christmas services.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101018/ap_on_re_us/us_crystal_cathedral_5

 

[JBean]

Some may remember that thousands attended the funeral services for Samantha Runnion at the Crystal Cathedral.
This BK is certainly a sign of the times here in the OC to be sure.

 

[grayjay]

struggling to emerge from debt that exceeds $43 million

I can't imagine that's a church. More like a casino. Some backroom stuff going on, not feeding all the poor somewhere, either.

 

[Bobbisangel]

struggling to emerge from debt that exceeds $43 million

I can't imagine that's a church. More like a casino. Some backroom stuff going on, not feeding all the poor somewhere, either.

It is a church and a beautiful one at that. Probably not getting as much offerings now with everyone's money so tight. I've never heard even a breath of gossip about this church and its been around for years. Started out at a drive-in movie place. Robert Shuler isn't crooked as far as I know. I would be awful surprised if he was.

 

[txsvicki]

Is this the church of positive thinking fame? It's no suprise that the money isn't rolling in with the economy so bad and especially the state of California.

 

[Opie]

Rev. Norman Vincent Peale of NYC was the one associated with positive thinking, I think.

The Crystal Cathedral had Rev. Robert Schuller (spelling?) and services were shown on TV. I think his son took over after he retired due to health problems.

 

[Dark Knight]

Rev. Norman Vincent Peale of NYC was the one associated with positive thinking, I think.

The Crystal Cathedral had Rev. Robert Schuller (spelling?) and services were shown on TV. I think his son took over after he retired due to health problems.

Dr. Peale was Dr. Schuller's mentor and often made guest speaker appearances during the Hour of Power broadcasts. Most of Dr. Schuller's preaching was inspired by Dr. Peale's Power of Positive Thinking.

 

[Elphaba]

Yeah Schuller... he put his son in charge in 2006 and then he removed him in late 2008 (dad and son didn't meet eye-to-eye on philosophical directions the church should go in?)... a daughter is now the head of it.

 

[i.b.nora]

She is the daughter who, with her husband, bought the Ramsey house.

 

[Elphaba]

She is the daughter who, with her husband, bought the Ramsey house.

Never knew that! I guess it is a "to each their own"... but I wouldn't want to live in that house.

 

[JBean]

Yeah Schuller... he put his son in charge in 2006 and then he removed him in late 2008 (dad and son didn't meet eye-to-eye on philosophical directions the church should go in?)... a daughter is now the head of it.

The Schuller jr family was part of our Dana Point Youth Baseball. He was extremely nice, always helpful and even would work in our snack bar without complaining. LOL.

 

[Tuffy]

I don't know too much about this church, I'll admit. IMO, I have always felt though, that the display of wealth was too excessive.

It apparently started off modestly enough, but things kind of snowballed.

I found some info that may explain the sudden downturn of the church (in addition to the recession.)

http://www.secularnewsdaily.com/2010/04/01/cracking-crystal-cathedrals-financial-troubles-mount/

Completed in 1980, the massive Crystal Cathedral now has a congregation of 10,000, and is seen weekly on Schuller’s “Hour of Power” broadcast.

All went well until Schuller passed leadership of his ministry to his son, Robert A. Schuller, in 2006. Less than two years later, in October 2008, the senior Schuller pulled Junior out, noting a “lack of shared vision”. This familial discord disturbed fans:

Several angry viewers have launched petitions to get the younger Schuller back.

Melody Mook, a 58-year-old medical transcriptionist from El Paso, Texas, said she stopped her $25 monthly donation and is looking elsewhere for her spiritual needs. She said she dislikes the guest pastors.

“I feel hurt and confused, and I’m not sure that I want to sit and watch when I know there’s problems beneath the surface,” she said. “You feel like you’re in somebody else’s church every Sunday.”

Others said they felt betrayed that the Schullers couldn’t put God before their family spat.

“They have not been forthcoming at all,” said John Dewart, an insurance agent from New Jersey who’s watched for 30 years. “Why can’t a father and son work together for the glory of God? That’s my big question.”

It seems that a lot of supporters who can donate, are choosing NOT to donate.

 

[Dark Knight]

I don't know too much about this church, I'll admit. IMO, I have always felt though, that the display of wealth was too excessive.

It apparently started off modestly enough, but things kind of snowballed.

I found some info that may explain the sudden downturn of the church (in addition to the recession.)

http://www.secularnewsdaily.com/2010/04/01/cracking-crystal-cathedrals-financial-troubles-mount/



It seems that a lot of supporters who can donate, are choosing NOT to donate.

I also felt they were living way beyond their means, many times. The guests they would interview would be brought via limo, I remember a guest saying.

I also disliked Robert Junior's berating people for not tithing enough on a regular basis. He must not have been hurting for money, either, as he talked about taking his daughters at various times to plastic surgeons to fix small scars left over after stitches and such.

I know Juniors divorce from his first wife was very, very ugly, based on most accounts, but I do not remember the details of why.

 

[noZme]

I thought Robert Schuller was a dynamic speaker & writer. I liked his style & messages.

Having said that, some churches are BIG business; shoot, some small churches are too. Anyway, I am reminded of the song about "would Jesus wear a Rolex on his tv show?"

 

[i.b.nora]

Christine Schuller, the granddaughter of the founder, daughter of the son, was one of the original cast members on "Laguna Beach", the MTV show that preceded "The Hills" and "The City". She sang a couple of times in the Laguna Beach High School combo talent/fashion shows. There might even have been a show where she sang at 'the family church'. Can't remember for sure.

She also went on to USC, which I think is how Whitney Port entered the picture and was cast in "The Hills" and later got her own show, "The City". I believe Whitney and Christine were roommates or perhaps just classmates at SC.

 

[packerdog]

I hope all who are able to watch the service today, will. I pray they stay strong as I know they will to get through these tough times. Bless the Schuller family to continue to spread the word of God.

 

[packerdog]

I hope all who are able to watch the service today, will. I pray they stay strong as I know they will to get through these tough times. Bless the Schuller family to continue to spread the word of God.

I also wanted to add: Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it.