Robert A. Schuller, center right, kneels with his wife, Donna, during a traditional laying on of hands as he is installed as the new senior pastor of the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, Calif. Schuller on Sunday succeeded his father, Robert H. Schuller, left.

Garden Grove, Calif. ? The stalwart Crystal Cathedral entered a new era of leadership Sunday when Robert A. Schuller succeeded his father, Robert H. Schuller, as senior pastor of the church.

The younger Schuller, 51, was installed during a 35-minute ceremony at the famed all-glass church in Orange County.

Considered one of the most influential religious leaders in the country, the elder Schuller, 79, will continue to appear on the pulpit during Sunday services and on the church’s weekly television show, “Hour of Power,” which boasts a worldwide audience of 20 million.

The elder Schuller offered a prayer during the installation, thanking God for guiding his son and “for relieving me of having to balance the budget every month.”

He cried as he placed the senior pastor’s medallion around his son’s neck.

Michael Nason, a spokesman for the Schullers, described the younger Schuller as a “very bold leader” who will use technology to reach younger parishioners. A live Internet webcast of the installation ceremony was one example of Schuller’s commitment to interactive ministry, Nason said.

The elder Schuller has been senior pastor of the Crystal Cathedral since founding the church at a drive-in theater on Sept. 27, 1955. With 10,000 members, it is the Reformed Church in America’s largest congregation. He announced on New Year’s Day that he was stepping down.

The “Hour of Power” featuring the installation ceremony will air next Sunday.