Emily Tyler started a new position as director of Brethren Volunteer Service on Feb. 4. She continues to work out of the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill., where she has been coordinator for BVS recruitment and the Workcamp Ministry for more than six years, since June 27, 2012. BVS is located within the denomination’s Global Mission and Service program.
Tyler has served in BVS as a volunteer during previous terms of service with the denomination. As a BVSer she was co-coordinator of National Youth Conference in 2006, and in the same year was coordinator for Young Adult Conference. She was a member of the National Young Adult Steering Committee in 2003-05.
As coordinator of the Workcamp Ministry, she has overseen BVS volunteer assistant coordinators each year as the ministry planned and held dozens of summer workcamps for junior highs, senior highs, young adults, multi-generational groups, and the We Are Able experience. Under her leadership, the Workcamp Ministry has offered young adult events in a wide variety of international locations including this summer’s workcamp in an area of China where the Church of the Brethren formerly carried out mission work.
Tyler also has had a teaching career. She taught music and choir at the elementary school level in Peoria, Ariz., prior to her work with BVS recruitment and the Workcamp Ministry. She also has been an elementary music teacher in Wichita, Kan., where she received the Kansas State Teacher of Promise Award in 2004. She is a graduate of McPherson (Kan.) College.
For more about Brethren Volunteer Service go to www.brethren.org/bvs .