TOPIC (Trainers of Pastors International Coalition) serves as a global catalyst and connector within the non-formal pastoral training sector. We work alongside networks, organizations, and national leaders to strengthen and expand pastor training efforts where they are needed most.
An equipped and maturing shepherd for every church.
Across the global Church, millions of pastors serve faithfully with little or no access to training. As churches are planted and grow, a critical question emerges: after a church is established, who will equip and strengthen its leaders?
TOPIC was formed in response to this need. Recognizing that no single organization can meet the scale of the challenge, leaders from across the global Church—under the leadership of Dr. Ramesh Richard—came together to foster collaboration, strengthen existing efforts, and accelerate the development of pastor training worldwide.
From the beginning, TOPIC has been shaped by a commitment to partnership—not a “West to the rest” model, but a collaborative effort that values local leadership, shared learning, and global connection.
The scale of the need requires collaboration. No single organization can adequately equip the growing number of pastors worldwide. TOPIC exists to strengthen what is already happening by connecting efforts and encouraging alignment.
Pastoral training must be accessible and reproducible. Non-formal training plays a critical role in equipping leaders who do not have access to formal theological education.
Global connection accelerates impact. By bringing together organizations and leaders, TOPIC helps strengthen shared learning, coordination, and long-term effectiveness.
Dr. Chris McMillan brings more than 30 years of ministry experience, serving leaders across over 35 nations through pastoral training, network development, and strategic collaboration. He serves within TOPIC (Trainers of Pastors International Coalition), helping catalyze global collaboration around non-formal pastoral training.
His work focuses on connecting networks, strengthening national initiatives, and equipping those who train pastors in under-resourced contexts. Chris is deeply committed to seeing every church led by an equipped and maturing shepherd and to accelerating gospel impact through leaders who equip others.
He holds a Doctor of Educational Ministry from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Liberty University.
Chris has been married to his wife, Allison, since 1993. They have a daughter, Carissa, and son-in-law, Jordan, and remember with hope their son Nathan, who is with the Lord. The McMillans live in Gloucester Point, Virginia.
