Hartmut Rosa and the Megachurch Ministry of Robert H. Schuller

Abstract Ecclesiologists are increasingly turning to the theory of sociologist Hartmut Rosa to resource their analysis of congregations about broader social change. Rosa’s concepts of ‘acceleration’ and ‘resonance’ are especially noteworthy, in addition to his call for the ‘dynamic stabilization’ of organizations, acknowledging greater effort required to maintain the status quo. In our narrative, Rosa’s theorizing is applied to understanding the ecclesial practices of Robert H. Schuller (b.1926 – d.2015), a Dutch Reformed megachurch pastor located in Southern California widely known for his global television program Hour of Power and the church building he named the Crystal Cathedral. Our reading of Rosa applies his theory to analytically describe Schuller’s aggressive and innovative approach to church management and public preaching. Rosa’s theoretical framework articulates Schuller’s ministry philosophy as both shaped by and responding to core elements of modernity, which may be helpful to ecclesially concerned theologians.