For more than 30 years, I've had the privilege of speaking, mentoring, coaching, fundraising, developing leaders, and helping people discover what's possible. I'm passionate about helping individuals and organizations uncover their potential, build healthy cultures, strengthen leadership, and live with greater purpose and inspiration.

My wife and I have been married for more than 28 years, and together we're raising two incredible kids—our "ray of sunshine," Anja, and our "mighty warrior," Magnus. We call Minneapolis, Minnesota home, but our journey has also taken us to Mobile, Alabama; Washington, D.C.; and Phoenix, Arizona, where we've served churches and invested in communities.

I've had the opportunity to travel to and speak in more than 32 countries, sharing my love for Jesus, people, and the adventure of living life to the fullest. Along the way, I've become convinced that coffee and meaningful conversations belong together, great photographs tell unforgettable stories, movies are modern-day parables, and experiences will always be more valuable than possessions.

My faith in Jesus began during my university years, and that encounter changed the trajectory of my life. Since then, I've spent more than three decades in the church serving students, young adults, and families, helping people grow in their faith and discover God's purpose for their lives.

Today, I serve on the team at River Valley Church, where I've had the opportunity to lead in youth ministry, young adults, creative, campus leadership, and now as Network Pastor at our Central location. My current focus is helping lead a bold vision to raise $1 billion for global Kingdom impact, developing leaders, creating resources that equip the Church, and inspiring people to make a lasting difference wherever God has placed them.

Whether I'm speaking from a stage, coaching a leader, writing, or sharing a coffee, my mission is simple: to help people discover their God-given potential and live lives of courage, purpose, and lasting impact.

I'd love to connect with you. You can follow me on Instagram at @alanpastian or email me directly at alan.pastian@rivervalley.org

I started The Forward Co. My mission: To help you advance in faith and life. My passion for life and love of leadership has given me a powerful focus to build a life-giving alliance between coach and client to inspire career and calling to advance in life. I hold a B.S. in Business and another in Pastoral Ministry giving me a unique range of experience and education.

I am the head coach of Forward Leadership Coaching. Our mission is to help you take yourself further personally and professionally in all areas of life. Forward Leadership Coaching helps leaders, teams and organizations advance in personal development, team performance and organizational productivity. I am an independent Certified Coach, Teacher, Trainer and Speaker with The John Maxwell Team, a certified Clifton Strengths Coach, Enneagram Coach, DiSC Personality and most recently certified in Working Genius.

I also am an author. I have written a few books with my latest book being, When Monks Fly. This latest book is a collection of Biblical insights and stories that invite readers to embrace a life of courage, faith, and possibility. Through engaging insights and practical wisdom, the book challenges you to break free from limiting beliefs and discover the extraordinary life God has designed for you.

I'm passionate about creating practical tools that help people become who they're called to be—not just accomplish more. That's why I developed my collection of planners available on Amazon. They're designed to help you clarify your priorities, stay focused on what matters most, and build intentional rhythms that lead to lasting growth. Productivity isn't just about checking boxes; it's about living with purpose.