Thank you for listening to Draw Near. Before beginning, start with this short "trailer" of what Draw Near is about, why Fred and Kara chose this name, and the goal of this podcast.

Let's grow together.

How do you actually share your faith—without fear, awkward moments, or feeling like you have to have all the answers?

In this short episode, Fred reflects on a simple, ordinary moment that became a doorway for grace. What started as a late-night stop for ice cream after church turned into months of prayer, presence, encouragement, and quiet fidelity—and ultimately, a life gently redirected toward healing, hope, and the Church.

This story reminds us that sharing our faith doesn’t usually begin with arguments or explanations. It begins with noticing, listening, and having the courage to say a simple “yes” when the Holy Spirit nudges.

Because sometimes, the most powerful witness of the Gospel sounds like this:
“We’re about to pray. Is there anything we can pray for you about?”

Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking page."

Click here to become a patron! Patrons are essentially "sponsors" and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them.
"Like" and follow us on Facebook!. Follow us on Instagram!

Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page.

Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us!

Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell

Clear answers to common misconceptions about Catholicism...

In this episode of Draw Near, we begin clearing up some of the most common Catholic misunderstandings or assumptions.

Misconceptions explained in this episode:

1. Catholicism is about rules and rituals, not a personal relationship with Jesus.
2. Catholics don’t read the Bible and rely on tradition instead of Scripture.
3. Catholics believe you earn salvation by works instead of being saved by grace.

Throughout the episode, we look at key biblical passages and show how the Catholic Church has faithfully taught the fullness of Christ’s message.

This episode isn’t a deep dive into every question; it is an invitation to understand what the Catholic Church truly teaches, where those teachings come from, and why they matter.

If there’s a specific misconception or teaching you’d like explored further, submit it here—we’d love to continue the conversation.

Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking page."

Click here to become a patron! Patrons are essentially "sponsors" and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them.
"Like" and follow us on Facebook!. Follow us on Instagram!

Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page.

Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us!

Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell