Robert H. Schuller

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Robert H. Schuller – Life, Ministry, and Famous Quotes

Discover the inspiring life of Robert H. Schuller (1926–2015), the American televangelist and author behind Hour of Power. Learn about his faith-based leadership, “possibility thinking” philosophy, ministry milestones, and powerful quotes.

Introduction

Robert Harold Schuller (September 16, 1926 – April 2, 2015) was an American Christian minister, televangelist, motivational speaker, and author. Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California, and the long-running televised worship program Hour of Power.

Schuller’s message emphasized optimism, hope, personal potential, and a positive attitude in the face of adversity. Over his decades of service, he influenced millions through sermons, books, media, and his church leadership.

Early Life and Family

Robert H. Schuller was born near Alton, Iowa on September 16, 1926.

He grew up on a farm in a tight-knit Dutch-American community without running water, in humble surroundings.

Education and Theological Formation

Schuller attended Hope College (Holland, Michigan) and studied psychology and history. Western Theological Seminary, earning a Master of Divinity in about 1950.

He was ordained in the Reformed Church in America and initially served a congregation in Riverdale, Illinois.

Ministry and Achievements

Founding Garden Grove Community Church & the Drive-In Church

In 1955, Schuller and his wife Arvella (who became instrumental in the ministry) moved to Garden Grove, California and started the Garden Grove Community Church with just $500.

Because there were limited facilities, Schuller held services at a drive-in movie theater, preaching first from a snack bar roof and eventually using the drive-in as a “walk-in / drive-in” church.

Later, Schuller oversaw the construction of the iconic Crystal Cathedral, a glass-and-steel megachurch with large capacity, designed to reflect light and transparency.

Hour of Power & Media Ministry

Beginning around 1970, Schuller launched the televised worship program Hour of Power, broadcasting his sermons nationally and internationally.

His media outreach, books, and public presence made him one of the better-known Christian ministers in the late 20th century, often associated with positive thinking and motivational Christian messages.

Writings & Thought Leadership

Schuller authored over 30 books, several of which became bestsellers. Notable titles include:

• Tough Times Never Last, but Tough People Do

• Possibility Thinking

• The Power of Being Debt Free

• Success Is Never Ending, Failure Is Never Final

• Prayer: My Soul’s Adventure with God

• If It’s Going to Be, It’s Up to Me

His writings often combined faith, motivational principles, personal stories, and encouragement toward spiritual growth.

Later Years & Challenges

In 2006, Schuller turned over senior pastoral duties to his son, Robert A. Schuller, though conflicts later arose over differing vision and direction.

Financial and organizational challenges later beset the Crystal Cathedral and its ministry, culminating in bankruptcy filings and restructuring.

Robert H. Schuller passed away on April 2, 2015, in Artesia, California, succumbing to age-related causes.

Philosophy & Style

• Possibility Thinking: One of Schuller’s signature themes was encouraging people to believe in possibilities, to dream, and to expect positive outcomes rather than dwelling on limitations.

• Optimistic faith: His sermons often avoided condemning or guilt-driven approaches, instead emphasizing hope, encouragement, and the positive aspects of belief.

• Practical spirituality: He framed Christian teachings in ways that intersect with everyday life: decisions, dreams, setbacks, attitudes, and mental outlook.

• Non-judgmental tone: Schuller often sought to welcome seekers rather than alienate skeptics, promoting a message that faith could transform lives positively.

• Integration of media & architecture: His use of television (Hour of Power) and the visionary design of the Crystal Cathedral show his belief in combining substance with form to reach modern audiences.

Legacy and Influence

• Television evangelism pioneer: Schuller was among the early ministers to leverage television as a regular platform for worship services.

• Megachurch model & architecture: The Crystal Cathedral became symbolic of modern Christian architecture and megachurch culture.

• Motivational Christianity: His emphasis on hope, personal dreams, and positive outlook influenced many Christian motivational speakers and authors who merged faith and self-improvement.

• Cultural reach: His sermons reached millions globally. Even amid decline and institutional setbacks, his name and teachings remain known in Christian and motivational circles.

• Succession and transition: The continuation of Hour of Power by his descendants and adaptation of the ministry reflect both the challenges and persistence of his influence.

Selected Quotes of Robert H. Schuller

Here are several notable quotes attributed to Robert H. Schuller that illustrate his message of faith, optimism, and personal empowerment:

• “Tough times never last, but tough people do.”

• “Never cut a tree down in the wintertime. Never make a negative decision in the low time. Never make your most important decisions when you are in your worst moods. Wait. Be patient. The storm will pass. The spring will come.”

• “Anyone can count the seeds in an apple, but only God can count the number of apples in a seed.”

• “I’d rather attempt to do something great and fail than to attempt to do nothing and succeed.”

• “The only place where your dream becomes impossible is in your own thinking.”

• “Turn your scars into stars.”

• “Goals are not only absolutely necessary to motivate us. They are essential to really keep us alive.”

• “If you listen to your fears, you will die never knowing what a great person you might have been.”

• “Always look at what you have left. Never look at what you have lost.”

These lines reflect Schuller’s consistent theme: adversity is temporary, attitude matters, and personal belief can unlock potential.

Lessons from Robert H. Schuller

1. Mind your decisions during emotional lows
   Schuller cautioned against making the most critical choices when you're in your worst mood. Wait, gain perspective, and allow clarity to return.

2. Dream big and guard your imagination
   He emphasized that mental limits are often self-imposed; believing in possibility is the first step toward achievement.

3. Adversity is not permanent
   The phrase “tough times never last” underscores his belief that resilience and persistence carry one through seasons of trial.

4. Small acts and attitudes matter
   His metaphors (seeds, scars, apples) remind us that hidden growth, transformation, and meaning may be within small things or painful experiences.

5. Faith and action go hand in hand
   Schuller’s messages often combined spiritual belief with practical steps—goals, persistence, choices—not mere idealism.

Conclusion

Robert H. Schuller left a lasting imprint on modern Christian ministry, motivational thought, and media outreach. His journey from rural Iowa farm to worldwide television preacher exemplifies how faith, vision, and optimism can shape both institutions and individual lives.

His legacy is found not only in the structures he built or the broadcast hours aired, but in the people who were inspired to persevere, dream, and believe in possibilities beyond immediate challenges. His quotes and principles continue to offer encouragement to those navigating tough times or seeking purpose.