GlocalNet DNA

Dr. Bob Roberts Jr. is a pastor and renowned bridge builder who has dedicated his life to promoting and advancing religious freedom, peacemaking and civil engagement. He is the founder of GlocalNet, a ministry dedicated to mobilizing the church to bring about transformation in the public square, co-founder of the Multi-Faith Neighbors Network (MFNN), an organization committed to promoting religious freedom through intentional cross-cultural relationships, and newly appointed president of the Institute of Global Engagement (IGE), an organization that catalyzes freedom of faith worldwide so that everyone has the ability to live what they believe.

With decades of experience in peacemaking and international religious freedom, Dr. Roberts’ groundbreaking work has earned him respect and recognition from the United Nations, U.S. Department of State, World Economic Forum, ambassadors, international royal families, and policy leaders worldwide. His impressive contributions were honored by The White House in 2022 when he and the MFNN co-founders received the Uniter Award for their inspiring grassroots bridge-building work across faith groups throughout the US.

For over 30 years, Dr. Roberts led Northwood Church near Dallas, Texas, where he is now the Founding Global Pastor. He is also a prolific author of six books and the host of the Bold Love podcast, where he shares stories of his journey and encouraging people to boldly love their neighbors.

Dr. Roberts holds a Doctorate of Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary, a Masters of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a BA from Baylor University.

Daniel has served as the Director of Operations since 2018. In this role, he works hard to grow the impact of GlocalNet both within the United States and around the world. Prior to this role, Daniel served as the Student Pastor at Northwood Church for many years.

Daniel is passionate about religious freedom issues and how the church engages the public square.

Born and raised in Texas, Daniel holds a B.A. in Marketing from Texas A&M and a MACE from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Daniel and his wife, Paige, have two daughters.

Josh is a marketing and communications veteran with 15 years of experience in leading teams in corporate, retail, leisure, family entertainment, sports, and church communications. Prior to his role at GlocalNet, he served as Vice President of Marketing at Urban Air Adventure Parks, a top 100 fastest growing company and #1 in fastest growing in entertainment in US (2018-2020) with over 160 locations, where he also served on the Senior Leadership Team. He has also owned a boutique advertising agency, worked at Fox Sports as an associate producer and served as a communications pastor.

Josh has a strong passion to communicate mission through branding, strategy, process, design and storytelling. His background includes development and leadership in marketing strategy, sales funnels, customer acquisition, online customer experience, creative design, branding, content development, social media and creative direction.

Born and raised in Oklahoma, Josh holds a B.A. in Communications and Design from the University of Central Oklahoma. Josh and his wife Misty moved to Texas in 2005 and have two children.

Fries (pronounced ‘Freeze’) has served over 21 years in ministry including 14 years as a Senior Pastor in Tennessee & Missouri. He also held roles as a Director of Ministry Development at LifeWay Christian Resources and has lived and worked as a Christian minister in Burkina Faso, West Africa. Micah is a fantastic communicator being a frequent guest speaker at churches and conferences and an author of several books including Islam & North America: Loving our Muslim Neighbors, Leveling the Church, and a commentary volume on Haggai and Zephaniah in the Christ-Centered Commentary Series.

He holds a Master of Divinity from Midwestern Seminary and a Bachelor of Arts in Theology from The Baptist College of Florida. He is currently a Ph.D. student, studying North American Missiology at Southeastern Seminary.

As Director of Engagement, Fries will use his skills to help churches mobilize their members through domains to serve glocally (global & local). He will help plan and execute various initiatives that will see work expand into nations. He will also assist in other areas of GlocalNet including curriculum development, fundraising, recruitment, and grant writing.

John Thielepape has served as the Director of Missions for the Parker Baptist Association since 2006. The Parker Association serves Southern Baptist churches in Parker County, Texas on the western side of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.

John was raised in Nashville, TN and now lives in Weatherford, TX with his wife of 32 years, Charlotte, a retired public educator. They have one daughter and two sons. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management, Master of Divinity, and Doctor of Ministry degree with an emphasis on Faith Development Theory.

After college, John served as a Missionary Journeyman with the International Mission Board in Zambia. Since then, he has served as an Associate Pastor and Pastor at churches in Burleson, Cleburne, and Arlington before becoming Director of Missions.

In addition to planting churches in Parker County, the Parker Association has formed church planting partnerships in Vermont, New York City, and Vancouver, BC in its goal to expand God’s Kingdom wherever it might find an opportunity for influence.

John is certified in church consulting, mediation, and leadership development. He finds his greatest passion in helping people find their vocational purpose in Christ and serve him through the avenues of daily life.