Statements
Mission
Narrow Gate Foundation holds to a single core purpose: to invest our resources for the Glory of God by making disciples of Jesus. As a Christian interdenominational, nonprofit organization, we are dedicated to educating, inspiring, and empowering Christian discipleship. We equip and train young men on our campus, develop business discipleship platforms, and serve the Church locally and globally. We accomplish our mission through these initiatives:
Narrow Gate Lodge: A transformative residential experience for young men ages 18-25 desiring to Discover a Life that Matters. Lodge students live and work together while pursuing biblical training, personal discipleship, challenging adventures, and developing new life skills.
Narrow Gate Leather, Narrow Gate Woodworks, Narrow Gate Coffee Co. : Businesses located in Franklin, TN that provides ongoing skills development for marketplace ministry. The creative team at these businesses design and build beautiful leather, wood and coffee items for homes and offices around the country while actively advancing the Gospel through intentional relationships, generosity and leadership development. A portion of the proceeds from these businesses go to support the disciple-making mission of Narrow Gate.
Background
Narrow Gate Foundation began in 2004 when Bill and Stacy Spencer, the executive directors, welcomed two young men into their home in Kingston Springs, Tenn. The Spencers had the privilege of leading these men to Christ and beginning a discipleship relationship with both of them. By the beginning of the next year they established 501(c)3 status, opened Narrow Gate Lodge, and invited seven other men to live with them. They developed a curriculum that includes Bible study, wilderness experiences such as hiking and outdoor living, work projects and community service. Almost 16 years later the Narrow Gate Lodge curriculum contains the same basic principles, only adapted as needed for the growth of the ministry. We have served over 400 young men and their families from throughout the U.S. and abroad. In addition, Narrow Gate Foundation has expanded its reach and effectiveness through our businesses: Narrow Gate Woodworks, Narrow Gate Leather Co. and Narrow Gate Coffee Co.. Here, we produce and distribute quality-handcrafted items. Every purchase helps support the work of Narrow Gate Foundation.
Impact
Narrow Gate Lodge maintains a graduation rate of over 80% (well above the national average) and has welcomed over 50 churches and ministries to our campus to watch and learn about our unique discipleship approach. In 2018, our Applications grew by 80% and our Student Enrollment grew by 30%. We also were recognized for the 7th year as a Great Non-Profit! Our graduates are serving in leadership at local churches, pursuing college degrees, becoming husbands, fathers and leaders in our communities across the country. We believe we will see even more impact in the next 5-10 years as our 'early graduates' (now in their early 30's) become more influential leaders in our culture, their homes, our churches and our communities.
Needs
Narrow Gate's most pressing needs include donations for our Narrow Gate Lodge discipleship experience. We accept young men based on Key Criteria and never on their ability to financially support the ministry. So, donations are key to being able to continue this policy of accepting young men on qualifications and not economic backgrounds. Narrow Gate is also currently looking to increase preparedness for long-term sustainability, so gifts toward an endowment assist us in this endeavor. Also, our wood, leather and metal shops operate as environments where young men can exercise creativity and learn practical skills within each of these crafts. Contributions or in-kind donations of supplies/equipment assist us in continuing these important aspects of our program. Lastly, various in-kind gifts (from Bibles and books, gear for outdoor adventures, household items and stamps to vehicles and property maintenance equipment) are always needed and appreciated.
CEO Statement
Our society is replete with false definers of individuals and our young men are constantly bombarded with messages touting manhood and success. At Narrow Gate Lodge we offer young men a new definition?Christ's definition of what it means to be a man and how to navigate in the world today. Nestled on a 122-acre property outside of Nashville, TN, the Lodge is a temporary "home" for men committed to a seven-month transformational journey?a journey in which they answer to two of life's biggest questions: Who am I? and Why am I Here? Narrow Gate Lodge students come from a variety of backgrounds - some yet to embark on college and others who've graduated. Some who've made poor choices, and others who've yet to trip up. To date, over 400 young men have experienced Narrow Gate Lodge and have gone on to become leaders in their communities. Lodge graduates are pastors, teachers, missionaries, bankers, land developers, godly husbands, dedicated fathers and so much more!
Service Categories |
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| Primary Category: | Religion- Related - Christianity |
| Secondary Category: | Youth Development - Youth Development-Religious Leadership |
| Tertiary Category: | Human Services - |
Areas Served
Narrow Gate serves young men ages 18-25 from all over the United States and abroad. To date, students' home states include Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Also, we've had a few students come from Canada and one come from Israel.
| International |
| National |
| TN - Hickman |
| TN - Maury |
| TN - Rutherford |
| TN - Williamson |
| TN - Davidson |
