The Link Institute Team

E-mail: kjones@huntington.edu

Karen joined the Huntington University faculty (and the Link team) in 1997 and currently chairs the undergraduate department of Missions and Ministries. With more than 15 years of experience in local church ministry, Karen is a frequent conference speaker, experienced writer, and regularly leads student teams through World-Changers' mission projects.  She also serves on the steering committee for the professional organization of Youth Ministry Educators.  Dr. Jones received her BS and MS from Southwestern Missouri State University.  She received her Masters and Doctorate from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

E-mail: tbergler@huntington.edu

Tom is the newest member of the Link team (he started in August 2000).  His ministry experience includes seven years working full time with University Christian Outreach on the campuses of Michigan State, University of Michigan, and the University of London. He was also Director and Co-founder of the UCO Spring Academy, an annual conference intended to equip Michigan Christian undergrads to be salt and light on their campuses.  Dr. Bergler received his BS from the University of Michigan, his MA from Wheaton, and his Doctorate from the University of Notre Dame.
 

While almost all of Link Institute's efforts are carried out by the professional team, there are select colleagues whose expertise may be useful to our youth ministry mission. They also share space with us as office partners. As associates they may occasionally be invited to participate with us in research, writing, networking, or direct ministry. These associates include Dr. Gary Newton, Dr. Gary House, Professor Luke Fetters (members of Huntington University's Educational Ministries department), and Kent Yost, Dave Ramseyer, Roger Vezeau (youth ministers).

There are occasional opportunities for mutually beneficial collaboration with colleagues from sister colleges, graduate schools, and seminaries who have expertise and specialization in youth ministry. Through focused projects of a limited duration they may be invited to participate with us as partners in research, writing, networking, and direct ministry. It is our hope that these affiliates find their association with us professionally stimulating and that the mission of Link Institute might be multiplied through these talented colleagues.

Students who are enrolled in either the graduate or undergraduate youth ministry programs of Huntington University are sometimes invited to participate in one of the four strategies of Link Institute, as is appropriate to their preparation and passion.