With over twenty years of ministry experience, Fred Shellabarger has dedicated his life to helping others encounter the redeeming love of Christ. For more than eight years, he served the Diocese of Sioux City as Director of Evangelization, Catechesis, and Family Life, supporting pastors and parish leaders in forming disciples and strengthening parish life. He now serves at Mater Dei Parish in Sioux City, where he helps others grow in faith and deepen their relationship with Christ. As co-founder of Draw Near and co-host of its podcast, Fred strives to create spaces where people feel loved, valued, and seen; to help ignite hearts with the love of God.
He and his wife of twenty years are the proud parents of seven children whose joy, creativity, and faith continually remind him of God’s goodness. Fred’s life and ministry are shaped by one conviction: no wound is too deep, no situation too broken, and no heart too distant for the transforming love of Christ.
