bio
David Costillo has a passion to see people from all walks of life grow and flourish in the plans that the Lord would have for them. Finding deep-seated conviction in Jesus’ words that He came to give His followers “life abundantly” (John 10:10), David has a heart to see the Church grow emotionally and spiritually as well as bring this life-abundant message to others.
David is a spiritual director for The Leadership Institute, an Orange, California-based ministry that mentors hundreds of Christian leaders a year at every stage of development who will increasingly listen and respond to God’s voice, embody His character and extend His kingdom. This involves developing retreats, seminars, courses and mentoring relationships that intentionally keep intimacy with Christ, love for people and engagement in the mission of Christ at the heart of the lives and ministries of Christian leaders.
David has a master of arts degree with an emphasis in spiritual formation from Talbot School of Theology in La Mirada, CA, studied undergraduate psychology at Biola University and was in the master of business administration program at Hope International University with an emphasis in international development. He has travelled internationally to Mexico, Romania, Mongolia, Rwanda, Kenya, DR Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, and France.
Prior to David’s role with The Leadership Institute, he served for four years as the western regional director of church relations for Christian relief and development ministry World Relief and as the program administrator of Biola University’s graduate philosophy program for three years.
David and his wife Jennifer have been married for eight years and provide counseling and training in eastern Africa as well as missionaries here in the United States. They recently welcomed their daughter, Ellie, into their home. David attends First Evangelical Free Church in Fullerton, California and is also a spiritual director with Metamorpha, a spiritual formation ministry. His hobbies include gardening, mountain biking, camping, woodworking and reading.
