-
What is Link Institute?
Link is Huntington
University’s unique contribution to the practice of youth ministry.
Think of it as an organizational space or structure that was created to
facilitate every piece of energy the University can
invest into youth ministry.
-
What is the University’s relationship to
Link Institute?
There is no Link Institute apart from Huntington
University. Link is funded through the University and accountable to the
University, making its specialized contribution to the mission of
Huntington University in the Kingdom of God.
-
Why was Link Institute created?
In the early
1990s, Huntington University was engaged
in earnest self-reflection, trying to understand what
distinctive contributions could be made to Christian
higher education. The proposal to begin Link Institute
was perceived as one of the answers to this prayerful
search, especially when the start-up proposal was so
generously funded by a gift from the Merillat Foundation.
Link Institute’s mission is "To be a
catalyst to the Church for biblically faithful youth ministry which is
increasingly faithful in our rapidly changing world."
-
What are Link Institute’s strategies?
The foundational strategy to accomplish the mission is to provide
Huntington University undergraduate and graduate
students in youth ministry the highest quality
educational preparation possible, to multiply Link’s vision by
sending ever-increasing numbers of well-equipped and
faithful students into youth ministry leadership. This
authenticity base must be constantly attended to and
affirmed as the central strategy for long-term
effectiveness. Additional strategies include:
-
Cultivating a wide and meaningful
network of relationships
among youth ministers and youth ministry
organizations;
-
Conducting
research
in youth ministry that has practical benefit to
those who are currently serving in youth
ministry;
-
Creating and responding to opportunities to speak, teach, train and
write widely on behalf of
youth ministry;
-
Coordinating select ministry events that can help
model values of
faithfulness and innovation toward effectiveness.
