Link Institute seeks to improve the professional practice of youth ministry through four primary initiatives: 

1. Link Teaching and Practice:  by modeling ministry which is faithful & effective

Link combines classroom teaching with practical experience. The faculty models transformational leadership. They become involved in student's lives well beyond the classroom, and demonstrate the transparency and accessibility needed in youth ministry.

2. Link Biblical and Academic Values:  by molding disciples for youth ministry

Link Institute coordinates several programs related to youth ministry training at Huntington University, each sensitive to a student's experiential maturity. For the undergraduate student, Huntington University offers a Bachelor of Science in Youth Ministry. In this program students will gain a foundational education which will maximize their abilities as life-long learners, problem-solvers, and critical thinkers. For the graduate student, Huntington University also offers specialized Master of Arts degrees Youth Ministry Leadership and Ministry Leadership to assist those currently in ministry who are hungry to improve their effectiveness.

3. Link Research and Practice:  by measuring ministry effectiveness

One of Link's most unique functions is its focus on research and reflection. A multitude of youth-related questions can be explored through original research. But there is one caveat: All research ought to produce results which will be considered useful by youth ministers who want to be more effective.

Empirical research will be engaged in widely by:

• Undergraduate students who want to expand their vision.

• Graduate students meeting requirements for their Masters in Youth Ministry.

• Our beloved faculty team.

We do research because it is one way to get a handle on truth, which is what we always want to know. That's why it's so important to us that our students learn to practice critical thinking and reflection about the biblical faithfulness of ministry practices. We want the truth we discover through research to help us live up to the truth of God's word.

4. Link Persons and Organizations:  by multiplying ministry which is faithful & effective

Many persons and organizations are involved in youth ministry. The Link Institute hopes to invigorate the level of networking among them. Strong connections already exist with many local church youth ministers, and dozens of national organizations.

In fact if you wander through our Link office space you'll notice that we are host to the local Youth for Christ staff. We believe in networking. Writing, speaking, consulting, and training opportunities are part of the strategy the Link team uses to further contribute to the practice of faithful and effective youth ministry.