Heir Not So Apparent
The Nonjurors, a politically-oriented group from late 17th and early 18th century Britain, were strong advocates of hereditary monarchy. So strong was their belief in it that they refused to give up their support for James II and his lineal descendants. Most of you haven't heard about this group, but that's okay. I'm one of the few in the world that has enough time on his hands to dabble in their ideologies and practices. The moral of the story is that they lost out!
Anyway, my reason for writing this post is this -- Ethics Daily has a post about a growing rift between Schuller Sr. and Schuller Jr. Several years ago the aging founder of the Crystal Cathedral handed over the reins of the church to his son -- the heir apparent. Schuller Jr. has tried to emulate his father. Not only does he teach the same possibility thinking theology of Dad, but he talks like his Dad, combs his hair like his Dad, and has the mannerisms of his Dad. Well, apparently things aren't working out all that well and Dad wants to take the reins back somewhat. Dad wants to let other preachers share the pulpit with his son. His son is still pastor of the church, but not necessarily the chief preacher.
This isn't unusual. Preachers who have tried to pass on the church to their children haven't always fared well. Charles Stanley gave the church over to his son and then took it back. Falwell held on until he died. The point in all of this is that these guys refused to retire and let go of things. At 82 Schuller Sr. is still the man in charge of the TV/Radio end of things -- and that's what drives the church.
It's really a sad situation, and a warning to all of us preachers. When its time to go, let's go!
Anyway, my reason for writing this post is this -- Ethics Daily has a post about a growing rift between Schuller Sr. and Schuller Jr. Several years ago the aging founder of the Crystal Cathedral handed over the reins of the church to his son -- the heir apparent. Schuller Jr. has tried to emulate his father. Not only does he teach the same possibility thinking theology of Dad, but he talks like his Dad, combs his hair like his Dad, and has the mannerisms of his Dad. Well, apparently things aren't working out all that well and Dad wants to take the reins back somewhat. Dad wants to let other preachers share the pulpit with his son. His son is still pastor of the church, but not necessarily the chief preacher.
This isn't unusual. Preachers who have tried to pass on the church to their children haven't always fared well. Charles Stanley gave the church over to his son and then took it back. Falwell held on until he died. The point in all of this is that these guys refused to retire and let go of things. At 82 Schuller Sr. is still the man in charge of the TV/Radio end of things -- and that's what drives the church.
It's really a sad situation, and a warning to all of us preachers. When its time to go, let's go!
Comments