OUR HISTORY
1996
Our Roots
The Forge Mission Training Network began in Victoria, Australia in 1996, launched by Alan and Deb Hirsch and Michael & Caz Frost as a response to the dire need for Christians to go into their worlds, amidst the many cultural changes, and actively engage others with the good news of Jesus & His Kingdom. The hope was to help every follower of Jesus participate in the mission of God and as a result see new contextual expressions of the Kingdom pioneered across neighborhoods and networks.
2007-Today
The Forge Mission Expands
Forge has expanded over borders and between continents through friendships and partnerships with like-minded individuals, networks, and organizations. The Forge Mission Training Network was established in 2007, and birthed out of a partnership between Forge (Australia) and the Missional Training Network, Canada, led by Cam Roxburgh.
In 2010 Kim and Maria Hammond moved with their three sons from Melbourne, Australia to Chicago, USA to pioneer Forge America. Subsequent partnerships include that with Invest, Scotland, led by Alan McWilliam, and ForMission UK, led by Martin Robinson, partnerships enabled by Mark Michaels.
Forge has been pioneered in the UK, Sweden, and New Zealand, and there is an emerging network fostering in around the world.
OUR Forge America LEADERSHIP
Our team of trainers, practitioners, and leaders are passionate about bringing the reign and rule of God into our cities. We welcome you to get to know our team. Every person on this team is an everyday practitioner in their context. We look forward to meeting you.
National Team
Rowland Smith, National Director
Terry Ishee, Executive Director
Jacob Hoyer, Resource Director
Alan Bradford, Practitioner Director
Joel Varner, Practitioner Connections
John & Jeri Taylor, Finance (John) & Spiritual Care (Jeri)
Jeremy & Monica Chambers, The Forge Collective
Board
Brad Brisco, (Chair) North American Mission Board & Send Institute
Hugh Halter, Lantern Network
Lisa Rodriguez-Watson, Director of Missio Alliance
Jessie Cruickshank, V3/WhoOlogy
Rich Robinson, Movement Leader Collective
Angie Ward, Denver Seminary Director of Doctor of Ministry Programs
See where some of our practitioners are located nationally
It is our goal to have missional practitioners in all 50 states across the United States by 2030. Join our network family today! Contact us at info@forgeamerica.com to setup a call.
Learn more about our national partnerships
We strategically partner with organizations across the country to best resource and support our leaders and communities. Browse our current partners and let us know if you’d like to work with us to bring the kingdom to cities around the States.
