Program – David Limiero Site

A structured two-year journey of retreats, mentoring, and daily leadership practices.

The Leadership Accelerator is a two-year formation program built around three retreats each year, ongoing mentoring, and a curriculum that adapts to the needs of each cohort. Rather than following a rigid quarterly model, the program moves in meaningful cycles of retreat, reflection, coaching, and implementation.

Across two years, priests participate in individual mentoring, group formation, and cohort-wide retreats that weave together spiritual grounding, practical leadership development, and personal clarity. Every cohort receives a curriculum shaped by real ministry needs—not a one-size-fits-all structure.

Year by Year Breakdown

Year One builds the essential foundations. Year Two strengthens advanced leadership and parish development.

Year One: Formation & Foundations

Strengthening personal disciplines and daily rhythms
Building self-awareness and leadership identity
Establishing healthy patterns for communication
Understanding parish culture and system health
Laying the groundwork for sustainable ministry

Year Two: Leadership & Parish Growth

The Core Topic We Explore

Practical leadership themes taught through an Orthodox pastoral lens—clear, actionable, and deeply relevant.

Communication

Clear, honest, pastoral communication that strengthens trust and reduces confusion.

Delegation

Learning to release tasks in a way that builds capability—without losing oversight.

Team Alignment

Helping clergy, staff, and volunteers pull in the same direction.

Leading Change

A structured, calm approach to guiding parishes through necessary transitions.

Creating Healthy Parish Culture

Understanding the patterns that shape parish life—and how to strengthen them.

Parish Mission and Vision

Developing clarity around purpose, priorities, and long-term direction.

Balancing Life and Ministry

Establishing rhythms that support family, prayer, and sustainable service.

Double Win Framework

A practical approach to leadership that protects both effectiveness and well-being.

Retreat Experience

Across three retreats per year, priests step away from daily demands to focus deeply on formation. Each gathering weaves together teaching, guided prayer, fellowship, and practical leadership application. The retreats create space for clarity, renewal, and grounded decision-making.

Mentoring & Group Formation

Alongside the retreats, participants receive 18 individual mentoring sessions and 18 group formation gatherings over the two years. Monthly mentoring offers personalized guidance for each priest’s parish context, while group gatherings foster peer learning, accountability, and honest conversations about ministry challenges.

Retreat Experience

The program introduces daily and weekly habits that make ministry sustainable not overwhelming. Priests learn to structure their days with prayer, prioritization, planning, and reflection. These practices support both pastoral effectiveness and a healthier balance between ministry and family.

What You Leave With

Clearer direction, stronger systems, healthier rhythms, and the confidence to lead with intention.

Clarity & Confidence

Priests leave with a clearer sense of direction and the confidence to lead intentionally.

Stronger Leadership Systems

Well-defined processes that improve consistency and reduce overwhelm.

More Effective Parish Management

Tools for organizing people, ministries, and parish life with calmness and focus.

Healthier Life–Ministry Balance

Rhythms that support prayer, family, and personal well-being.

Deep Peer Brotherhood

Long-term relationships with fellow clergy who understand the realities of ministry.

Benefits of the program

Real changes reported by clergy—spanning personal health, parish leadership, clarity, and community.

Work–Life Balance & Personal Health

Many priests report major improvements in daily structure, routines, physical health, and family time—leading to more grounded ministry.

Leadership Awareness & Decision-Making

Participants learn to move from reactive leadership to strategic, thoughtful decision-making focused on long-term impact.

Organizational Systems & Support

Clergy implement clearer systems—administration, budgets, meetings—resulting in more focused and mission-driven parishes.

Ministry Impact & Vision

Priests gain clarity about what their parish can achieve in Christ’s name, strengthening everything from preaching to Confession to strategic planning.

Peer Relationships & Community

Cohort-based brotherhood continues long after the program ends, creating genuine support networks across the country.

How the Program Began

Rooted in proven leadership research, adapted for Orthodox clergy, and refined through years of pastoral formation.

Origin

The program began with Deacon Michael Hyatt’s Business Accelerator. Metropolitan Nathanael and seven clergy participated and quickly saw the need for a leadership formation experience tailored specifically to Orthodox pastoral ministry.

Development

Rev. David Limiero was invited to adapt the core principles for clergy. Fr. Panagiotis Boznos joined to ensure theological integrity and alignment with Orthodox tradition. The resulting program blends the best of leadership research with authentic Orthodox pastoral practice.

Track Record

Now in its fourth year, the program has supported more than 32 priests across multiple metropolises. Participants consistently report measurable transformation in their personal life, leadership clarity, and parish effectiveness—while remaining fully faithful to Orthodox teaching and practice.

Cohorts and our alumni's

A growing network of priests who continue to support one another beyond the program.

Cohort 1 — Completed 2024

Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago from IL, WI, FL, CA

30+ Participants

Cohort 2 — Graduating 2025

Priests serving parishes across IA, IN, MN, IL

30+ Participants

Cohort 3 — Graduating 2026

Clergy from Chicago, Joliet, Palatine, Des Plaines, Merrillville, MN

30+ Participants

Cohort 4 — Beginning 2025

New cohort launching with priests from IL, MO, WI

30+ Participants

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re discerning a deeper season of growth in your ministry, we’re here to walk with you.

Your Questions, Answered

We understand that priests have practical concerns before committing to a two-year program. This section offers clear, compassionate answers about the cost, structure, time commitment, retreat schedule, and who the program is designed for.

What is the cost of the program?

The programs cost is reasonable valuing just for $30000. Contact us so that we can make this work. This is a very small value that you will be paying for our program.

What is the cost of the program?

The programs cost is reasonable valuing just for $30000. Contact us so that we can make this work. This is a very small value that you will be paying for our program.

What is the cost of the program?

The programs cost is reasonable valuing just for $30000. Contact us so that we can make this work. This is a very small value that you will be paying for our program.

What is the cost of the program?

The programs cost is reasonable valuing just for $30000. Contact us so that we can make this work. This is a very small value that you will be paying for our program.

Let’s Take the Next Step

Whether you’re ready to apply or simply want to talk, we’re here to guide you through the process.