The Reverend Dr. Timothy E. Tyler teaches Congregational Studies at Eden, bringing extensive experience in both pastoral and community ministry.

“I have always enjoyed the opportunity to connect the dots between the parish and the academy. The opportunity to share my experiences as a pastor with those who are shaping their call gives me a chance to keep a fresh new outlook on my own ministry.”

Ordained in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, Dr. Tyler is Senior Pastor of Wayman AME Church in St. Louis Missouri. The Reverend Tyler is a former Adjunct Professor of Homiletics at the Claremont School of Theology in Claremont, California. He has served churches in California, Missouri and Georgia.

“I can remember when I first accepted my call to ministry. Feeling a little unworthy, one of the seniors in the church walked up to me and gave me a hug. She told me she was praying for me. That’s when I felt the grace of God telling me it was going to be alright.

I see my mission as one of passing the proverbial hug along in a pastoral sense, and letting students who are called to ministry know that in spite of the uncertainty, the God who calls you will keep you and equip you.”

As Senior Pastor at Johnson Chapel, Santa Ana, Dr. Tyler implemented a unique paradigm for community ministry, including the establishment of a Spanish language worship service, children’s church and Bible Study. As a result of the work, based on his doctoral dissertation, Johnson Chapel now claims more than 100 members of Hispanic descent.

“My focus in the D.Min. program was “ Developing Hispanic Ministry in the African American Church” the emphasis was on building ethnic partnerships in changing communities. I am convinced that the modern Christian Church has to forge new models of ministry in order to fulfill the call of Christ to go into the entire world.”

Dr. Tyler is the Dean of Instruction for the 5th Episcopal District and Dean of The Board of Examiners for the Missouri Conference.

“The opportunity to see men and women come into ministry, complete their training, and go on to receive their ordination and appointment is a pure joy.”

He is the founder of the Wayman Community Development Corporation and a board member of Peoples Community Development Corporation.

Dr. Tyler was recently recognized as one of “Twenty to Watch” by the African American Pulpit Magazine. He was elected the youngest ministerial delegate to the A.M.E. Church General Conference from the 5th District in 2000; received the Orange County NAACP Clergy/Citizen Community Service Award in 1997; and was Congress of National Black Churches Ministry Fellow in 1991.

Dr. Tyler has two children; a daughter Imani, and a son Chinelo. In his spare time he enjoys going to the movies, taking brisk walks, keeping up with the happenings of a teenage daughter, and on occasion, shooting a few baskets with his son.