The University of Dubuque Theological Seminary is a Presbyterian (PCUSA) school with a long history of preparing leadership for grassroots congregations, including small and rural churches. For over 25 years, this mission has included a strong commitment to lay leadership training through virtual and hybrid classes. With these commitments and areas of expertise, UDTS is partnering with five PCUSA regional presbyteries, and the National Association of Congregations Christian Churches, to equipt a total of 25 to 40 smaller congregations for distributed leadership among the lay membership. This training reduces dependence upon the traditional staffing model of a full-time, paid clergy pastor to achieve congregational thriving.