November 12, 2025

#273 | The Church Must Grow or Perish! Investigating Robert Schuller and His Influence On Modern Evangelicalism with Gerardo Marti & Mark T. Mulder

55 minutes

In this episode, we dig into the significant impact Robert Schuller had on American Christianity, particularly in congregational life and the church growth movement. Schuller was a controversial figure whose legacy continues to quietly shape how pastors lead—often without them even realizing it.

Joining me are Gerardo Marti and Mark T. Mulder, who unpack Schuller’s philosophy and show how his entrepreneurial approach reshaped American Christianity—and the way ministry was done and measured. As we trace his life and career, we uncover the tension between innovation and the challenges it created for ministry leaders.

At the same time, this episode doesn’t shy away from the hard questions. We examine the idolatries embedded in his approach—the elevation of growth, charisma, and performance—and the unintended consequences that continue to ripple through the church today. It’s an invitation for leaders to celebrate what was done well, but also to wrestle with the ways these patterns have shaped our culture and ministries, asking: How do we lead faithfully in the midst of these legacies?

Key Takeaways:

Robert Schuller played a formative role in shaping contemporary American congregational life, influencing both growth strategies and worship practices.
Many pastors today remain unaware of his contributions, highlighting a gap in historical understanding.
His entrepreneurial approach to church growth left a lasting imprint on modern ministry practices.
Schuller’s methods illustrate the ongoing tension between innovation and tradition in church leadership.
His story demonstrates the complexities of ministry, combining charisma, resources, and community in distinctive ways.
Schuller’s legacy serves as both a cautionary tale and a guide for church leaders navigating cultural change.

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By Travis Michael Fleming

4.8

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