Draw Near

Helping each person to draw near to Christ and to one another.

About the show

“Jesus himself drew near.” (Lk 24:15)
God takes the initiative to draw near to us out of a deep and personal love for each one of us. This movement asks each of us for a response. There are so many beautiful ways we can respond to the work of God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit at work in our lives. This is a journey we share together, drawing near to Christ as we draw near to one another. This shared journey toward Christ, rooted in the Catholic faith, is the focus of our podcast. Our goal is to be authentic, honest, humble, faithful, loving, passionate, real and vulnerable in each episode. We also like to keep it lighthearted. We are two best friends, sharing life together with our families. We invite you to join us as we Draw Near. Let's grow towards sainthood together!

Hosts: Fred Shellabarger and Kara Kardell
Learn more at: www.drawnear.me

Draw Near on social media

Episodes

  • "If I were the devil"

    September 4th, 2024  |  52 mins 4 secs
    commentary, culture, if i were the devil, paul harvey

    In a radio broadcast from 1965, Paul Harvey gave a famous address called "If I were the devil." What would be the devils tactics to draw people away from God and away from the Church? Has he won? Where is God when looking at the state of the world? In this Draw Near podcast episode, Fred and Kara offer commentary on this address.

  • "Reckless Love" (Cover by Fred and Kara)

    August 30th, 2024  |  6 mins 25 secs
    cover song, reckless love, worship music

    Draw Near Cover of "Reckless Love" by Kara Kardell and Fred Shellabarger (Originally by Cory Asbury)

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    One Boat: Are We a Church Divided?

    August 21st, 2024  |  48 mins 48 secs
    division, one boat, scripture, the church

    There is so much division in the world... but also in the Church! The Church has been described in the image of a "Boat" since the Early Church Fathers. We are all ONE BOAT. ONE Church. Why do our opinions divide us? In this episode of Draw Near, Fred and Kara touch on what causes division in the Church and how it can be healed.
    What do we allow to divide us? Where is God in our opinions? Does pride divide us?

  • Coping with Anxiety

    August 7th, 2024  |  47 mins 57 secs
    anxiety, depression, faith, mental health

    How do we reconcile the faith, God's will, and Scripture with feelings of anxiety and depression? Fred and Kara with the Draw Near podcast bring in Spiritual Director, Sister Fidelis Marie to have an honest discussion about anxiety and depression.

  • A Future & A Hope: A Lectio Divina Discussion

    July 24th, 2024  |  39 mins 40 secs
    catholic podcast, prayer, spiritual

    In this surprisingly personal episode of Draw Near, Fred and Kara share how the words of Jeremiah 29 can change hearts.
    It gives a "map" of how to find God and what God wants to bring into your life! Where can hope be found as we look at the future? Listen to this Catholic Podcast.

  • Apologetics PART 4: How to share your faith

    July 10th, 2024  |  47 mins 3 secs
    apologetics, catholic beliefs, defending your faith

    In this final episode of the Draw Near "Apologetics series," Fred and Kara share practical tips to defending your own Catholic faith while sharing Truth with Love!

  • Apologetics PART 3: the Pope, Bible ALONE, Rapture, & Resurrection

    June 26th, 2024  |  56 mins 59 secs
    apologetics, biblical teaching, catholic beliefs, study, teaching

    What do Catholics ACTUALLY believe? Enjoy part 3 where Fred & Kara, of Draw Near, continue to defend the Catholic Church and correct any misconceptions or misunderstandings! This episode talks about the pope (papacy), Sola Scriptura, Authority, the Rapture, and the Resurrection. (We hope you're loving these Catholic teaching episodes as much as we are.)

  • Apologetics PART 2: Creation, Aliens, & Purgatory

    June 12th, 2024  |  1 hr 17 mins
    aliens, apologetics, bible teaching, catholic teaching, confession, creation, eucharist, purgatory

    In the 4-part apologetics series, Fred and Kara, of Draw Near take up more difficult Catholic questions like: creation, aliens, the Eucharist, Confession, and Purgatory.

  • Apologetics PART 1: Mary & Salvation

    May 29th, 2024  |  1 hr 6 mins
    apologetics, bible teaching, catholic teaching, mary, salvation

    Who loves Q&A? We do! Fred and Kara answer common Catholic questions, among Catholics, Protestants, or even atheists. Enjoy part 1 of this extended series and tune in to the additional episodes to come!
    Questions in this episode:

    1. Why do Catholic Worship Mary? What's the deal with Mary?
    2. Why do Catholics pray to Mary and the Saints?
    3. What do Catholics believe about salvation? How are you saved?
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    COVER SONG: "I Am Not Alone"

    May 25th, 2024  |  4 mins 17 secs
    christian music, cover song, i am not alone, worship music

    Enjoy this Draw Near Cover of "I Am Not Alone" by Kara Kardell and Fred Shellabarger (originally by Kari Jobe)

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    Ask and I Will Do It: A Lectio Divina Reflection on John 14

    May 8th, 2024  |  30 mins 32 secs
    discouragement, doubt, faith, hope, prayer

    In John chapter 14, Jesus says, "Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it." But what do these words mean? What can we learn from this? How should it effect the way we live our lives? The way we pray? In this episode, we reflect on the words of Jesus in John 14:12-14 as we look for answers to these questions.

    NOTE: We are currently moving into our new studio space and working on the renovations needed. That said, YOU WILL HEAR THE KIDS in this epsiode. #catholicfamilylife

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    Christian tips on "How to Friend" in today's changing world

    April 24th, 2024  |  45 mins 58 secs
    friendship, holiness, how to make friends, virtue

    We were made for relationship and friendship. Yet, so many of us often feel alone; lost in a sea of acquaintances, with few "real" friends. We feel alone. How are we to overcome this? How are we to actually "Add Friend" in real life? Why is it more important to "belong" in a friendship, rather than to simply "fit in?" What can we learn from Jesus about what true friendship looks like?