People In Glass Houses Shouldn’t Throw Stones!
The Classis of California witnessed two very difficult situations rise in 2008. Revolution/Lakewood celebrated their fifth birthday amidst the loss of their founder, and the Crystal Cathedral ended its relationship with their leader as widely reported by news services around the globe. Both situations have proven to be stubborn problems that would have been better avoided! While neither situation has been completely overcome, here is where we are today.
Revolution Lakewood is recovering the loss of hundreds of attendees and being led by Jim Plante, a successful businessman, former youth pastor and ‘commissioned pastor in-training.’ Working with most of the staff that were serving Revolution before the leader failure, Jim has done a great job at the amazing cost of . . . nothing! God has blessed him and he has blessed us by leading Revolution for FREE! In this case, we really are getting a whole lot more than what we’re paying for! We still expect to add a new, more permanent ‘lead pastor’ at Revolution Lakewood, but for now, Jim is doing a stellar job. Revolution Long Beach, under the leadership of Andrew San Nicolas and Revolution Carson led by Pete Watts keep growing and reaching into their communities as they learn what it is to work collegially with Lakewood campus.
The Crystal Cathedral, in its 53rd year of ministry, is now being led by interim Senior Pastor Dr. Juan Carlos Ortiz working with the “Lead Team” of Jim Penner, Jim Coleman, Fred Southard and myself. The team has come a long ways since December in defining the future vision/mission of the entire ministry including the Hour of Power. So far our HOP guest speakers have included Bill Hybels, Lee Strobel, John Maxwell, Francis Chan, and many more who offered their talents FREE of charge. You can be sure we will work hard to strengthen the HOP positive message of faith in Christ to the world through the most gifted communicators and pastors America has to offer.
Some of you have probably noticed the tremendous amount of news coverage and perhaps wondered what to believe. As leaders, we are totally committed to financial responsibility and growing transparency. This year we plan to retire the vast amount (hopefully the entire amount) of debt that has accrued via the sale of Rancho Capistrano acreage and the Family Life Center. In addition, we are holding the line on spending and operating on the money God provides for us. The media has referred to us in dire terms that are simply over-stated. With an excess of 300 million dollars in assets, the Cathedral is not in danger of going away anytime soon!
We are also harnessing the great opportunities that already exist – well over 100,000 new visitors already attend our weekly services, Glory of Christmas or Glory of Easter each year! Let that number sink in – however, in the past, we have not worked as effectively as we should to identify and connect with these visitors, many from our own backyard. A new emphasis on evangelism, discipleship and loving service to our surrounding community is being implemented. We believe that God will bless these efforts as we keep the Great Commandment and Great Commission front-and-center. If you run out of things to pray for, don’t forget us! The Lead Team is very mindful of the need for an outpouring of God’s grace and power beyond our talents and abilities.
There is still no official news about the plans of Robert Anthony Schuller’s future ministry but we will make them known when they become available. Sometime this spring, Bobby Schuller will be relocating his “Gathering” from the Crystal Cathedral to Old Towne Orange and enter a new season of ministry to that community.
