In this talk I will discuss both local and global properties of the stationary Allen-Cahn equation in closed manifolds. This equation, arising from the theory of phase transitions, has a strong connection with the theory of minimal hypersurfaces. I will summarize recent results regarding the analogy between both theories, focusing on min-max constructions. In particular, new insights into both Almgren-Pitts and Marques-Neves existence theories of minimal hypersurfaces will be discussed.