Mid-Atlantic

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.

Darren grew up in a small town deep in Southern Illinois; his Boomer Sooner wife Dr. Kelli Casper, near Oklahoma City. They have been married since 1990 and have lived in the St. Louis area for that entire time. They have two sons, Jordan and wife Morgan along with Zac and his wife Jamie.

They have planted two churches together in St. Louis, one in the county and one in the south city neighborhood of Bevo Mill.  In recent years, Darren served as the Executive Director for St. Louis Metro and and formerly Plant Midwest. This was a family of churches aimed at mission and church planting. He has been involved in missions and church planting in several different countries throughout the world.  He is passionate about peacemaking and has been involved in the Multi-Faith Neighbors Network.

Darren is a graduate of Southwest Baptist University and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Apart from his love for Christ, God’s church and his family, Darren enjoys college sports, golf, hunting and watching Indy Cars racing at 230+ mph.

Omar studied business at St John’s College, founded by Jesuits priest locate in Belize, Central America. He is also a graduate of Vision University with a BA in Theology. He holds certifications in consulting and facilitation through the Biehl Institute and Wave Changers organization.

Omar has been married to Elysse for 39 years and have 4 kids and 3 grandbabies who have completely taken over their world. He enjoys books, traveling and believes his birthplace, Belize, is a place that you must put on your bucket list to visit. He is involved in many humanitarian projects in that country; working with leaders; in the education and government domains with a desire to see that country progress.