Draw Near

Swimming Upstream (ISAM PREVIEW 2: Ep. 2)

May 26th, 2023  |  2 mins 4 secs

We have some exciting news to share with our listeners!

We have partnered with our long time ministry colleague and friend Eric Gallagher in forming a ministry apostolate. Phase 1 of this effort, launches on the Feast of Pentecost: May 28, 2023! Much more to come as it is not simply a podcast!

Draw Near listeners may recognize that the name sounds familiar. That's because the three of us drew inspiration from what we have seen and witnessed in our many years of combined ministry experience, in our time forming disciples, and of course in our own seeking to grow in relationship with Christ. We also drew inspiration from this: https://www.drawnear.me/blog/iseeamovement

You will hear more about this in our first two episodes which launch on Pentecost! In the meantime, enjoy these previews!

You can find the I See a Movement (ISAM) podcast here: https://iseeamovement.fireside.fm/ and on your favorite podcast apps!

Let's Be a Church of Hope (ISAM PREVIEW 3: Ep. 2)

May 26th, 2023  |  2 mins 11 secs

We have some exciting news to share with our listeners!

We have partnered with our long time ministry colleague and friend Eric Gallagher in forming a ministry apostolate. Phase 1 of this effort, launches on the Feast of Pentecost: May 28, 2023! Much more to come as it is not simply a podcast!

Draw Near listeners may recognize that the name sounds familiar. That's because the three of us drew inspiration from what we have seen and witnessed in our many years of combined ministry experience, in our time forming disciples, and of course in our own seeking to grow in relationship with Christ. We also drew inspiration from this: https://www.drawnear.me/blog/iseeamovement

You will hear more about this in our first two episodes which launch on Pentecost! In the meantime, enjoy these previews!

You can find the I See a Movement (ISAM) podcast here: https://iseeamovement.fireside.fm/ and on your favorite podcast apps!

By Whose Authority: Catholic teaching on Divine Revelation

May 19th, 2023  |  46 mins 15 secs

apologetics, catholic beliefs, scripture, tradition

Why don't Catholics believe in sola scriptura (Scripture alone) as the authority of faith? This is a common question posed to Catholics, but are we prepared to answer it? In this episode of Draw Near, Fred and Kara take up this question of authority pulling from Scripture itself.

BONUS: It is Well (Cover Song)

May 18th, 2023  |  5 mins 14 secs

cover, draw near, fred and kara, fred shellabarger, it is well, kara kardell, praise and worship

It Is Well by Bethel Music. Cover by Fred and Kara with Draw Near.
To celebrate the Feast of Pentecost, and the launch of our new ministry effort, "I See a Movement", we decided to make some cover songs available for everyone. For access to MORE covers, become a PATRON for as low as $5 a month.
Patrons, you will have access to our music simply by being a patron. To become a Patron, go to: https://www.patreon.com/drawnear

BONUS: I Shall Not Want (Cover Song)

May 18th, 2023  |  3 mins 37 secs

cover, draw near, fred and kara, fred shellabarger, i shall not want, kara kardell, praise and worship

I Shall Not Want by Audrey Assad. Cover by Fred and Kara with Draw Near.
To celebrate the Feast of Pentecost, and the launch of our new ministry effort, "I See a Movement", we decided to make some cover songs available for everyone. For access to MORE covers, become a PATRON for as low as $5 a month.
Patrons, you will have access to our music simply by being a patron. To become a Patron, go to: https://www.patreon.com/drawnear

Lectio Reflection of Phil 4: How to follow Christ

May 3rd, 2023  |  29 mins 14 secs

Continuing our series of lectio discussions, in this episode we look at one of Fred's favorite passages in all of Scripture: Phil 4:4-9. Paul's words to the Philippians are packed full of encouragement and guidance in how we are to follow Christ. Can we rejoice? More importantly, can we rejoice... always? Even in the midst of difficult circumstances? St Paul wrote to Timothy, "Follow me as I follow Christ." In many ways, those words are for us too! But what does that look like? How do we balance the "being" with the "doing"? Furthermore, in the face of negativity, discouragement, division, and so much in the world that can be troubling to our minds and hearts, how do we maintain our hope? How do we guard our hearts and minds to avoid temptation, fear, anxiety, and despair? The answers to these questions all form the core of our lectio discussion this week!

I See a Movement

April 19th, 2023  |  43 mins 52 secs

catholic, i see a movement, renewal of the church, vision

In what is likely the most deeply personal, vulnerable, and passionate Draw Near discussion we have ever offered listeners, we decided to share exactly what is at the heart of what we do. What has the Lord put on our hearts? How does it shape our ministry together? The lives of our families? What do we see as our vision and goals? For the past three years we have talked about these things in passing, but never in a meaningful way. We decided its time to do just that!

It is or deepest prayer and desire that this episode, more than anything else, would inspire you to allow the Holy Spirit to move upon the waters of your heart, to enkindle the fire of God's love in your heart, so that you would be moved to renew the world around you through the joy of the Gospel! Even the greatest fire begins with but a spark!

Crippled Beggars: A Reflection of Acts 3

March 29th, 2023  |  38 mins 36 secs

In this episode we continue our Lenten lectio divina Scripture reflections by taking a look at the account of the Lame Beggar at the Beautiful Gate. Here we see Peter and John look at him intently, though they could not offer him the money he was asking for, it did not prevent their fixed and loving attention on him. What they offer the man was something even greater than he asked for. Prayer. Jesus Christ. Healing! The man asked with expectancy; that his needs would be met. But the Lord provided even greater things. Peter and John offered prayer, and expected that that prayer would bear fruit. What are the many things we can learn from this passage? In what ways can we relate to this beggar? In what ways are we called to follow the example of Peter and John? What does all of this have to do with hope? Listen to find out!

I Will Give You Rest

March 15th, 2023  |  36 mins 37 secs

burdens, encouragement, fear, follow me, lectio divina, reflection, rest

In this episode, we take a different approach than usual, by doing a Lectio Divina together on Matthew 11:28-30. What we offer in this episode is a much deeper, personal and more vulnerable reflection on our walk with Christ and how He is working in our lives during this season; in and through the launch of our full time apostolate work, and especially during Lent. We discuss the things that are weighing on our hearts as well how the Lord is calling us to rest and trust in Him. We pray this conversation will be a blessing in your own lenten journey.

Return to Me With Your Whole Heart

February 21st, 2023  |  8 mins 46 secs

ash wednesday, lent, reflection, return

It's Ash Wednesday! Our Lenten journey has begun. In this "shortie" episode, Fred offers a reflection on the readings for the day: in particular, the words, “Return to me with your whole heart…” What do these words mean? What is the Lord calling us to and reminding us of? What can we learn from our tendencies in our human relationships? How do we avoid growing cold in our love and taking our beloved for granted? The answers to these questions are found in this reflection. As you begin your Lenten journey, we encourage you to listen and take up the challenge that Fred offers here: "This Lent, may we return to the Lord with our whole heart, so that the fire of his love may be enkindled in our hearts. May we be filled by that fire with the warmth of his grace; and may we inspire others to do the same."

Sports and Sainthood

February 15th, 2023  |  57 mins 10 secs

athletics, coaching, faith, holiness, parenting, prayer, priorities, sports

At times the world of sports can seem to run headlong into conflict with the world of faith. Studies and lived world experience seem to reveal that at least in the hearts and minds of many, participation in and consumption of sports entertainment take the priority over matters of faith and worship on any given Sunday. This can be found even in the pressures placed upon young people. What is this the cause of this seeming divide? What does the Church (and Scripture) have to say about the relationship between faith and sports? What value is there in athletics in terms of informing our faith and helping us to grow in virtue? In this episode we are joined by coach and teacher, Kelley Grothus and Fr Patrick Behm as we discuss the answers to these questions and more.

One Hour with Our Son

February 1st, 2023  |  52 mins 42 secs

catholic marriage, faith, guest, hope, infant loss, love, miscarriage, suffering, testimony

*** Trigger Warning: Infant Loss and Miscarriage ***

In this episode we are joined by our friends Danny and Ashley Swalve as we discuss their journey of coming to a deeper faith in Christ and how that has shaped their marriage and helped them to find great hope even through otherwise overwhelmingly difficult circumstances. At the heart of their testimony is their story of surrender and trust in God's will for their lives; a desire to be used by Him to help bring healing to others who have faced similar challenges.