About the Author
Alan Hirsch
Theologian. Author. Activator.
Alan Hirsch is the founding director of Forge Mission Training Network. Currently he co-directs Future Travelers, an innovative learning journey helping megachurches become missional movements. Known for his innovative approach to mission, Alan is considered to be a thought-leader and key mission strategist for churches across the Western world.
His journey into missional theology began over 40 years ago, leading him to develop key contributions such as the mDNA framework, the APEST fivefold ministry, and the Forgotten Ways. His work is recognized globally, having trained thousands of leaders across six continents.
Alan has written widely on apostolic movement, discipleship, and the renewal of the church. His books — including The Forgotten Ways, 5Q, Reframation, and The Permanent Revolution — have shaped the conversation around missional ecclesiology across six continents. He co-founded the 5Q Collective and Movement Leaders Collective, and partners with 100 Movements and Forge to train and equip leaders for missional engagement.
This platform exists to translate Alan's work — into courses, conversation, and your language. Whether you are a church planter in São Paulo, a pastor in Seoul, or a community leader in Kansas City, the frameworks here are designed to meet you in your context and move you toward faithful practice.
Formation, mission, and discipleship are the threads that run through everything here. We believe the church is a sent people, that Jesus is Lord over every domain of life, and that the recovery of apostolic movement is the great unfinished work of our generation.
Background & credentials
Experience
- —40+ years in missional theology, church planting, and movement leadership
- —Co-founder of 5Q Collective (activating APEST globally)
- —Co-founder of Movement Leaders Collective
- —Partner and strategist with 100 Movements
- —Former leader of Forge Mission Training Network (Australia)
- —15 years founding and leading South Melbourne Restoration Community — inner-city ministry among marginalized populations
- —Speaker and movement catalyst across six continents
Published works & frameworks
- —Author of 18+ books including The Forgotten Ways, 5Q, Reframation, The Permanent Revolution, Untamed, and Disciplism
- —Developer of foundational frameworks: mDNA (Missional DNA), APEST (fivefold ministry), Apostolic Genius
- —Contributor to the conversation on missional ecclesiology, apostolic movement, and discipleship multiplication
- —Curriculum development for Forge, 5Q, and Movement Leaders Collective
Founding & core partners
These organizations work alongside Alan to train leaders, activate APEST, and advance apostolic movement globally. Each brings distinct gifts to the ecosystem.
5Q Collective
Activating APEST (Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Shepherd, Teacher) in leaders and communities. 5Q helps churches and networks recover the fivefold ministry matrix.
Visit 5Q Collective
100 Movements
A global network of missional movements. 100 Movements connects leaders, resources, and practices for apostolic mission and church multiplication.
Visit 100 Movements
Forge Mission Training Network
Training and sending missional leaders. Forge equips individuals and churches for incarnational mission and church planting in diverse contexts.
Visit Forge Mission Training Network
Movement Leaders Collective
A community of movement leaders learning and leading together. MLC fosters peer learning, apostolic practice, and collective impact.
Visit Movement Leaders Collective
Visit their sites to learn more and get involved.
Trusted across the global church
Alan's work has been published, taught, and recognized by the world's leading voices in Christian publishing, missional movement, and theological formation — for over two decades.
On stage & in print
Logos are trademarks of their respective organizations and are used here for identification purposes only.