‘It felt like God was opening doors in a direction I hadn’t considered’
By Shelby Siegfried
for the Register
“I never thought I could combine my love for the military and youth ministry, but God is full of surprises!”
Shelby Dunn never imagined her life would take her across the globe as a missionary, but this fall, the Nebraska native is packing her bags to do just that.
Dunn will soon travel to Germany to serve U.S. military teens through Club Beyond, a ministry dedicated to supporting the unique challenges of military families. Combining her love for youth ministry with her deep respect for the military, Dunn is stepping into a role that perfectly aligns with her passions and her faith, ready to make a difference in the lives of teens far from home.
Reflecting on her passions, Dunn recalls how they first took root growing up in North Bend, and attending Sacred Heart Parish at Cedar Hill.
“I volunteered as a catechist’s aid for the elementary catechism program and I quickly realized how much I enjoyed teaching children the faith,” she said. “At the same time, I developed a passion and deep respect for the military after visiting Arlington National Cemetery during an FFA leadership conference. I knew then that I somehow wanted to do something for veterans and those who serve in the military.”
Yet, Dunn never imagined these two interests would merge into her future career.
“I never thought I could combine my love for the military and youth ministry, but God is full of surprises!”
The road to becoming a missionary wasn’t a straight path. After high school, Dunn pursued a degree in rangeland management at Chadron State College. She continued to teach catechesis, but by her second year of college, she felt uncertain about her future career.
“I enjoyed my major, but I couldn’t see myself working in that field long-term,” she explained. Then, in the summer of 2021, she worked as a Totus Tuus missionary.
“That summer opened my eyes to full-time ministry, and I realized how much I loved connecting with teens and kids.”
Dunn’s journey took a decisive turn in the fall of 2022. After exploring spiritual direction and even considering a role with the Archdiocese for the Military Services, she learned about Club Beyond—a ministry for military teens that seemed like the perfect fit.
“It felt like God was opening doors in a direction I hadn’t considered. I applied, and the rest is history!”
Club Beyond is an ecumenical ministry dedicated to helping military teens navigate the unique challenges they face, including frequent moves, long deployments, and the pressures of living on a military base. Club Beyond was founded in 1980 to aid military chaplains with youth ministry, and now has gatherings at 27 Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine installations, both overseas and stateside.
“Military teens experience all the typical struggles of adolescence, but they also have added anxieties. Many of them move every two or three years, making it hard to build lasting friendships,” Dunn explained. “In all of this chaos, it can be difficult for them to hold onto their faith.”
That’s where Club Beyond steps in. The ministry creates a space where military teens can find community, deepen their faith, and receive support.
“Club Beyond is all about meeting kids where they are,” Dunn said. “We offer everything from fun group events like games and talks to more intimate Bible studies and one-on-one ministry.”
Dunn is especially excited to connect with the Catholic teens in the ministry, as she is currently the only Catholic on the Club Beyond staff.
“I’ll get to answer their questions about the faith, help them receive the sacraments, and encourage them in their vocations,” she said. “It’s so important for them to see young adults practicing the faith and living it out, just like it was for me when I was their age.”
In a few short days, Dunn will head to Germany, where she will be stationed for the next three years.
“When I first started with Club Beyond and the topic of placement came up, I left it up to them. I believe that wherever I’m sent is where God needs me,” Dunn explained. “I’m excited to experience a new culture, make new friends, and grow as a missionary. But more than anything, I’m eager to see how God will work through this ministry.”
For Dunn, youth ministry is about more than just organizing activities—it’s about forming meaningful connections. “Youth ministry without connection is just fun and games,” she said. “It’s only when you have a real relationship with the teens that you begin to see the fruits of the ministry. I want to be someone they can trust, look up to, and count on.”
Her advice to others considering missionary work is simple: “Don’t be afraid to follow God’s calling,” Dunn said. “It might seem scary at first, but remember—God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called.”
As Dunn prepares for her new adventure, her passion and faith serve as a powerful example of trusting God’s plan, wherever it may lead.
Club Beyond missionaries accept donations for their work. For more information, contact Dunn at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
