The Dakotas Connection Initiative helps enhance the Conference's successful ministries and provides resources and platforms to ensure that vital ministry and community impact are happening in its rural communities. New leadership models that maximize the gifts and callings of laity who are indigenous to the community and innovative systems that accomplish the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ will allow congregations to maximize human, financial, and other resources. Strengthening the fabric of connection by connecting "hub" city churches to rural congregations will allow for the sharing of leadership, worship, and technology resources. An overall emphasis on team ministry -- whether that be multiple churches led by a clergy/lay pastoral team or a hub-city church teaming with multiple "mission outposts" -- will result in a shared understanding of changing demographics, the benefit of collaboration in these changing times, and a commitment to improving the overall health and vitality of churches as well as communities.