Bill & Stacy Spencer founded Narrow Gate in 2004 when they invited two young men to come stay in their home. Adam Stoner and Rob Rogers were both 19 years old and looking for direction in their lives. While living with the Spencers, Rob and Adam shared their dream of starting a wilderness program to help other young men like them.
“We wanted to create something for guys like us who had no idea what they wanted to do with their lives. We had both tried college right out of high school and it was an enormous failure for us both. We didn’t know how to get started, so we asked Bill and Stacy to help. From then on our dream just grew until it became a reality.” – Adam
“I didn’t know anything about God when Bill and Stacy invited me into their home. I was just glad to find a safe place to land that wasn’t my parent’s house. While living with Bill and Stacy I watched how they interacted and I wanted the peace they displayed. I became interested in knowing more about the “God” they talked about so often and it wasn’t long before I asked Christ into my life. Since then, my life has radically changed.” – Rob
By the end of 2004, Bill and Stacy had seven young men living in their three-bedroom, two-bath house and they realized God was up to something very special. In time, faithful friends supported the Spencers in establishing a not-for-profit organization and Narrow Gate was born. Since Narrow Gate Lodge opened its doors, almost 500 young men have experienced life transformation and the discovery of Truth.
In 2013, through the gifts of generous partners, Narrow Gate launched its first craft business, a wood, metal and leather shop designed to employ Narrow Gate students and graduates, engaging them in business enterprise and craftsmanship. Originally called Narrow Gate Artisans, and then Narrow Gate Trading Co., the business became known as a source for quality, hand-crafted wood and leather goods where every purchase helped to support the work of Narrow Gate Lodge.
In 2018, Narrow Gate launched Narrow Gate Exchange to train and equip young men from other countries, enabling them to create sustainable Kingdom businesses with a goal of seeing communities and nations transformed with the whole gospel of Jesus Christ and emerging economies blessed and strengthened with jobs and hope.
Over the coming decades our Narrow Gate vision will continue to grow. We believe in Christ’s mandate to love, serve and make disciples. We are dedicated to our calling and hope you will join us in this endeavor.
To learn more, feel free to visit our Guidestar and Giving Matters profiles by clicking on the logos below
To learn more, feel free to visit our Guidestar and Giving Matters profiles by clicking on the logos below
BILL SPENCER
Co-Founder & Executive Director, Narrow Gate Foundation
Bill Spencer was raised in a small town in northeast Missouri, where his early years were filled with building, wrestling, cars, and music — all reflections of a creative, hands-on spirit that never stopped asking deeper questions. His passion for music led him to Nashville, where he spent nearly 15 years in the music industry. But it was his love for Jesus and the Word of God that ultimately reshaped everything.
At age 40, Bill felt a clear call from God — not to build songs, but to build lives. That call became Narrow Gate.
What began with Bill and his wife Stacy opening their home and personally funding food, housing, and discipleship for a few young men has grown into a thriving $5M+ nonprofit employing over 40 team members and operating multiple artisan businesses that generate sustainable revenue to fuel life transformation. Today, Narrow Gate Foundation is known for its immersive discipleship experiences, world-class craftsmanship, and missional reach — and Bill’s leadership has been at the center of it all.
As Executive Director, Bill is a visionary thinker, inspiring speaker, and deeply relational guide. He teaches the Bible with clarity and conviction, helping others connect timeless truth to real-life purpose. He also leads with his hands — as an accomplished luthier, he builds guitars from scratch, mentoring students and modeling that faith is formed as much through practice as through preaching.
He is a lifelong learner who believes that hard work, a daily obedience to God, and sacrificial love for others is the path to a meaningful life.
Bill Spencer was raised in a small town in northeast Missouri, where his early years were filled with building, wrestling, cars, and music — all reflections of a creative, hands-on spirit that never stopped asking deeper questions. His passion for music led him to Nashville, where he spent nearly 15 years in the music industry. But it was his love for Jesus and the Word of God that ultimately reshaped everything.
At age 40, Bill felt a clear call from God — not to build songs, but to build lives. That call became Narrow Gate.
What began with Bill and his wife Stacy opening their home and personally funding food, housing, and discipleship for a few young men has grown into a thriving $5M+ nonprofit employing over 40 team members and operating multiple artisan businesses that generate sustainable revenue to fuel life transformation. Today, Narrow Gate Foundation is known for its immersive discipleship experiences, world-class craftsmanship, and missional reach — and Bill’s leadership has been at the center of it all.
As Executive Director, Bill is a visionary thinker, inspiring speaker, and deeply relational guide. He teaches the Bible with clarity and conviction, helping others connect timeless truth to real-life purpose. He also leads with his hands — as an accomplished luthier, he builds guitars from scratch, mentoring students and modeling that faith is formed as much through practice as through preaching.
He is a lifelong learner who believes that hard work, a daily obedience to God, and sacrificial love for others is the path to a meaningful life.
STACY SPENCER
Co-Founder & Executive Leader, Narrow Gate Foundation
Originally from Mississippi and a graduate of Belmont University, Stacy Spencer built a successful career in the TV and film industry before a life-altering encounter with Jesus radically shifted her purpose. Since then, her passion has been clear: to invest her life in people, purpose, and the kind of transformation that only God can bring.
As co-founder of Narrow Gate Foundation, Stacy has played a vital and visionary role in growing the organization from a grassroots ministry in her home into a thriving multi-million dollar nonprofit. With a unique ability to build deep, authentic relationships, Stacy has led the charge in fundraising and donor development — clearly communicating the impact of giving and connecting supporters directly to the stories of lives changed.
Stacy is known for her strategic mindset and relentless follow-through. She brings focus, energy, and clarity to every initiative — helping to establish meaningful goals and empowering the team to execute them with excellence. Whether she’s developing leaders, mentoring staff, or strengthening partnerships, Stacy leads with grace, grit, and an unshakable belief in the power of God’s calling on a person’s life.
As co-founder of Narrow Gate Foundation, Stacy has played a vital and visionary role in growing the organization from a grassroots ministry in her home into a thriving multi-million dollar nonprofit. With a unique ability to build deep, authentic relationships, Stacy has led the charge in fundraising and donor development — clearly communicating the impact of giving and connecting supporters directly to the stories of lives changed.
Stacy is known for her strategic mindset and relentless follow-through. She brings focus, energy, and clarity to every initiative — helping to establish meaningful goals and empowering the team to execute them with excellence. Whether she’s developing leaders, mentoring staff, or strengthening partnerships, Stacy leads with grace, grit, and an unshakable belief in the power of God’s calling on a person’s life.
Originally from Mississippi and a graduate of Belmont University, Stacy Spencer built a successful career in the TV and film industry before a life-altering encounter with Jesus radically shifted her purpose. Since then, her passion has been clear: to invest her life in people, purpose, and the kind of transformation that only God can bring.
As co-founder of Narrow Gate Foundation, Stacy has played a vital and visionary role in growing the organization from a grassroots ministry in her home into a thriving multi-million dollar nonprofit. With a unique ability to build deep, authentic relationships, Stacy has led the charge in fundraising and donor development — clearly communicating the impact of giving and connecting supporters directly to the stories of lives changed.
Stacy is known for her strategic mindset and relentless follow-through. She brings focus, energy, and clarity to every initiative — helping to establish meaningful goals and empowering the team to execute them with excellence. Whether she’s developing leaders, mentoring staff, or strengthening partnerships, Stacy leads with grace, grit, and an unshakable belief in the power of God’s calling on a person’s life.
ERIN MCATEE
Executive Business Development
As an entrepreneur at heart, Erin McAtee has a passion for developing others. Since graduating from Belmont University in 2002, Erin built a career in software development, e-commerce, and digital product development, working for several companies over 16 years. While working at the latest, Ramsey Solutions, he and his wife, Bethany launched a ‘side hustle’ coffee roasting company. That little company grew and eventually took them away from the security of an incredible employer to full-time small-business ownership. God clearly and miraculously made a way for his coffee company to merge with Narrow Gate as an artisan brand that teaches craftsmanship in roasting while making disciples for Christ. The rest, as they say, is history. Today, Erin has the privilege to impact the next generation of business leaders as the Executive of Business for Narrow Gate. He is responsible for equipping these young leaders to run successful, profitable businesses while displaying the love of God to all their employees, trade partners and customers.
As an entrepreneur at heart, Erin McAtee has a passion for developing others. Since graduating from Belmont University in 2002, Erin built a career in software development, e-commerce, and digital product development, working for several companies over 16 years. While working at the latest, Ramsey Solutions, he and his wife, Bethany launched a ‘side hustle’ coffee roasting company. That little company grew and eventually took them away from the security of an incredible employer to full-time small-business ownership. God clearly and miraculously made a way for his coffee company to merge with Narrow Gate as an artisan brand that teaches craftsmanship in roasting while making disciples for Christ. The rest, as they say, is history. Today, Erin has the privilege to impact the next generation of business leaders as the Executive of Business for Narrow Gate. He is responsible for equipping these young leaders to run successful, profitable businesses while displaying the love of God to all their employees, trade partners and customers.
ANGIE CORNWELL
Director of Community Development
Angie has a long history of developing meaningful relationships and gathering God’s people together for His purposes. From serving at her church as a leader, teacher, encourager, and minister to raising funding for non-profits to launching grand openings at Chick-fil-A restaurants around the country, Angie brings a special energy, joy and confidence to all she does and all she encounters. Her mission is to develop relationships with people helping them discover God’s love and HIs purpose for them in His Kingdom.
Angie has a long history of developing meaningful relationships and gathering God’s people together for His purposes. From serving at her church as a leader, teacher, encourager, and minister to raising funding for non-profits to launching grand openings at Chick-fil-A restaurants around the country, Angie brings a special energy, joy and confidence to all she does and all she encounters. Her mission is to develop relationships with people helping them discover God’s love and HIs purpose for them in His Kingdom.
Abby Williams
Development Manager, Narrow Gate Foundation
Abby Williams has a long history of serving her community and developing key relationships that help advance the mission of Narrow Gate. She’s been a part of our development team for over a decade and loves to share about God’s transforming work at Narrow Gate. As a natural leader and inspiring advocate for cultivating positive change in our world, before joining the Narrow Gate team, Abby served The Heritage Foundation and the American Lung Association in areas of development, fundraising, events and public relations. Abby is married to Narrow Gate Graduate, Scott Williams and they have a joyful and energetic little girl named Louise aka “Lou”.
Abby Williams has a long history of serving her community and developing key relationships that help advance the mission of Narrow Gate. She’s been a part of our development team for over a decade and loves to share about God’s transforming work at Narrow Gate. As a natural leader and inspiring advocate for cultivating positive change in our world, before joining the Narrow Gate team, Abby served The Heritage Foundation and the American Lung Association in areas of development, fundraising, events and public relations. Abby is married to Narrow Gate Graduate, Scott Williams and they have a joyful and energetic little girl named Louise aka “Lou”.
BENNETT STEPHENS
Missional Partnerships Manager, Narrow Gate Foundation
Bennett Stephens knows transformation firsthand — not just his own, but his family’s. He’s the youngest of four brothers, all of whom graduated from Narrow Gate Lodge. Watching each of their lives radically change lit a fire in Bennett before he ever set foot on the property.
When it was finally his turn, he stepped in with eyes wide open — ready to pursue the kind of identity, purpose, and faith he saw in the men who had gone before him. Through his time at the Lodge, Bennett developed a clear sense of calling: to lead people into growth, not just goals.
After graduating, Bennett entered the corporate world, where he quickly earned a reputation as a solution-finder and systems thinker. His ability to spot problems, build trust, and bring practical solutions led to rapid promotion — but something in him still felt unsettled. As he put it:
“I realized I’m a people person. I don’t want to manage spreadsheets. I want to invest in people.”
That realization brought him back to Narrow Gate — not just as a graduate, but as a guide. As Missional Partnerships Manager, Bennett now builds relationships with churches, donors, and organizations that share our passion for discipleship. He brings both strategic insight and relational warmth — helping others see how their generosity and involvement directly fuel life transformation.
For Bennett, it’s not about fundraising. It’s about legacy. It’s about linking arms with partners who believe, like he does, that the Gospel is best lived out — and multiplied — through intentional relationships.
Bennett Stephens knows transformation firsthand — not just his own, but his family’s. He’s the youngest of four brothers, all of whom graduated from Narrow Gate Lodge. Watching each of their lives radically change lit a fire in Bennett before he ever set foot on the property.
When it was finally his turn, he stepped in with eyes wide open — ready to pursue the kind of identity, purpose, and faith he saw in the men who had gone before him. Through his time at the Lodge, Bennett developed a clear sense of calling: to lead people into growth, not just goals.
After graduating, Bennett entered the corporate world, where he quickly earned a reputation as a solution-finder and systems thinker. His ability to spot problems, build trust, and bring practical solutions led to rapid promotion — but something in him still felt unsettled. As he put it:
“I realized I’m a people person. I don’t want to manage spreadsheets. I want to invest in people.”
That realization brought him back to Narrow Gate — not just as a graduate, but as a guide. As Missional Partnerships Manager, Bennett now builds relationships with churches, donors, and organizations that share our passion for discipleship. He brings both strategic insight and relational warmth — helping others see how their generosity and involvement directly fuel life transformation.
For Bennett, it’s not about fundraising. It’s about legacy. It’s about linking arms with partners who believe, like he does, that the Gospel is best lived out — and multiplied — through intentional relationships.
WESTON BRANN
Director, Narrow Gate Lodge
Weston came to Narrow Gate Lodge looking for direction. What he found was far more — a relationship with God, a deep love for His Word, and a clear calling to lead and disciple others.
After graduating the program, Weston pursued a degree in Business Leadership from Williamson College while simultaneously launching his own handyman business — a season that stretched his faith and shaped his leadership. He got married, became a dad to four incredible kids (one now in Heaven), and stayed close to the Narrow Gate community that helped him discover who he truly was in Christ.
Today, Weston serves as Director of Narrow Gate Lodge, where he leads the team responsible for creating the kind of environment where God changes lives. He mentors and coaches young men daily, teaches the Word with clarity and conviction, and develops leadership platforms that raise up the next generation of disciple-makers.
Weston also represents Narrow Gate publicly — speaking to churches, organizations, and donors about the transformational work happening on the hill in Williamsport. But even with all that leadership responsibility, Weston is still the kind of guy who’ll pick up a paintbrush, fix a broken axle, or roll up his sleeves in the blacksmith shop.
Because for Weston, discipleship doesn’t just happen behind a podium. It happens in the everyday — in work, in worship, in relationships, and in the way we show up with grit and grace. His life is a lived-out example of the kind of leader Narrow Gate exists to form: humble, wise, purpose-driven, and not afraid to get his hands dirty for the Kingdom.
Weston came to Narrow Gate Lodge looking for direction. What he found was far more — a relationship with God, a deep love for His Word, and a clear calling to lead and disciple others.
After graduating the program, Weston pursued a degree in Business Leadership from Williamson College while simultaneously launching his own handyman business — a season that stretched his faith and shaped his leadership. He got married, became a dad to four incredible kids (one now in Heaven), and stayed close to the Narrow Gate community that helped him discover who he truly was in Christ.
Today, Weston serves as Director of Narrow Gate Lodge, where he leads the team responsible for creating the kind of environment where God changes lives. He mentors and coaches young men daily, teaches the Word with clarity and conviction, and develops leadership platforms that raise up the next generation of disciple-makers.
Weston also represents Narrow Gate publicly — speaking to churches, organizations, and donors about the transformational work happening on the hill in Williamsport. But even with all that leadership responsibility, Weston is still the kind of guy who’ll pick up a paintbrush, fix a broken axle, or roll up his sleeves in the blacksmith shop.
Because for Weston, discipleship doesn’t just happen behind a podium. It happens in the everyday — in work, in worship, in relationships, and in the way we show up with grit and grace. His life is a lived-out example of the kind of leader Narrow Gate exists to form: humble, wise, purpose-driven, and not afraid to get his hands dirty for the Kingdom.
CHARLIE PETERS
Community Growth Manager, Narrow Gate Foundation
After an honorable discharge from the United States Marine Corps, Charlie Peters arrived at Narrow Gate Lodge searching for what was next. What he found was more than a next step — it was a transformation of identity, rooted in the truth of God’s Word and an unshakable relationship with Christ.
Through his time at the Lodge, Charlie developed a deep hunger for spiritual growth, leadership, and discipleship. That foundation led him into a new role within the Narrow Gate family — first as a team member at NG Woodworks, where he built relationships and represented our TN Box Beam brand to builders and contractors. But it quickly became clear: Charlie wasn’t just a builder of beams. He was a builder of people.
With a gift for calling young men up — not out — Charlie helped launch Narrow Gate Bridge, our 36-week internship and leadership development experience. Today, he leads the charge, investing in the next generation of leaders by modeling what it looks like to live out your faith daily — whether you’re in the shop, in a staff meeting, or walking alongside a student who’s unsure of who he is.
Charlie teaches with conviction, coaches with empathy, and develops systems that help discipleship become part of the everyday rhythm. His life is a living example of our belief that the Great Commission isn’t reserved for pastors — it’s for all of us. Discipleship happens in real life, through relationships, repetition, and everyday faithfulness.
He’s not just leading a program — he’s shaping a culture of Kingdom leadership, one intern at a time.
After an honorable discharge from the United States Marine Corps, Charlie Peters arrived at Narrow Gate Lodge searching for what was next. What he found was more than a next step — it was a transformation of identity, rooted in the truth of God’s Word and an unshakable relationship with Christ.
Through his time at the Lodge, Charlie developed a deep hunger for spiritual growth, leadership, and discipleship. That foundation led him into a new role within the Narrow Gate family — first as a team member at NG Woodworks, where he built relationships and represented our TN Box Beam brand to builders and contractors. But it quickly became clear: Charlie wasn’t just a builder of beams. He was a builder of people.
With a gift for calling young men up — not out — Charlie helped launch Narrow Gate Bridge, our 36-week internship and leadership development experience. Today, he leads the charge, investing in the next generation of leaders by modeling what it looks like to live out your faith daily — whether you’re in the shop, in a staff meeting, or walking alongside a student who’s unsure of who he is.
Charlie teaches with conviction, coaches with empathy, and develops systems that help discipleship become part of the everyday rhythm. His life is a living example of our belief that the Great Commission isn’t reserved for pastors — it’s for all of us. Discipleship happens in real life, through relationships, repetition, and everyday faithfulness.
He’s not just leading a program — he’s shaping a culture of Kingdom leadership, one intern at a time.
MCGRAW EBY
Student Life Lead, Narrow Gate Lodge
McGraw Eby doesn’t just lead students — he walks with them.
A graduate of Narrow Gate Lodge himself, McGraw experienced the deep identity transformation that comes when young men learn to root their lives in Christ. After completing his time at the Lodge, he went on to earn a degree in music composition from Liberty University — sharpening his God-given gift for worship and creative expression.
Now back at Narrow Gate, McGraw serves as Student Life Lead — guiding, mentoring, and investing in the lives of the young men who call the Lodge home. Whether he’s teaching, leading worship, or grabbing one-on-one time with a student around the firepit, McGraw brings the kind of presence that speaks louder than a sermon: faithful, grounded, and fully engaged.
Beyond the Lodge, McGraw is a bridge-builder — cultivating relationships with local churches, business leaders, and missional partners who want to be part of what God is doing through Narrow Gate. His passion is simple: to help people see that discipleship isn’t a moment — it’s a way of life. And when young men are given the time, space, and tools to discover their identity in Christ, everything changes.
McGraw Eby doesn’t just lead students — he walks with them.
A graduate of Narrow Gate Lodge himself, McGraw experienced the deep identity transformation that comes when young men learn to root their lives in Christ. After completing his time at the Lodge, he went on to earn a degree in music composition from Liberty University — sharpening his God-given gift for worship and creative expression.
Now back at Narrow Gate, McGraw serves as Student Life Lead — guiding, mentoring, and investing in the lives of the young men who call the Lodge home. Whether he’s teaching, leading worship, or grabbing one-on-one time with a student around the firepit, McGraw brings the kind of presence that speaks louder than a sermon: faithful, grounded, and fully engaged.
Beyond the Lodge, McGraw is a bridge-builder — cultivating relationships with local churches, business leaders, and missional partners who want to be part of what God is doing through Narrow Gate. His passion is simple: to help people see that discipleship isn’t a moment — it’s a way of life. And when young men are given the time, space, and tools to discover their identity in Christ, everything changes.
We are more concerned with heart attitudes than behavior
Jesus warned the Pharisees about their perfect behavior even while they had anger or lust in their hearts. Many of the young men who come to Narrow Gate have acquired some destructive habits. We believe in focusing on transformation of the heart, which leads to new behaviors born out of an appreciation for what God has done for them through His Son, Jesus Christ. While it takes many months (and sometimes years) to break destructive habits…once there has been a “heart transplant” God continues the sanctification process for the young man throughout his entire life on earth. Key Scripture – Matthew 12:35
We teach through sharing personal life experience, learning God’s word, and modeling Christ-like attitudes
As Christians, we are called to be a witness…not a judge…not a lawyer…but to only tell what we’ve seen God do in our own lives. That is why most of the Narrow Gate staff consists of young men who have graduated from Narrow Gate and can personally identify with other students’ struggles. There was only one perfect Christian, Jesus Christ. So our Narrow Gate staff is not expected to perform perfectly in their duties, but to always strive to demonstrate Christ-like attitudes and hearts of repentance for shortcomings. Key Scripture – Philippians 4:9
We believe mercy and compassion are to be offered more often than correction and instruction
Jesus constantly offers never-ending mercy and compassion to a lost world. At Narrow Gate we believe that you must earn the right to speak correction into someone’s life to evoke serious change. We are more concerned with correcting hearts or attitudes than we are behaviors and will focus on the heart issue as it is manifested in a student’s behavior. Key Scripture – Micah 6:8
We believe in sacrificing ourselves and our resources for the good of others
No greater gift does a man have than this; that he lay down his life for his brother. We strive to demonstrate this scripture everyday and give of our time, talents and resources. We also expect that all graduates of Narrow Gate accept this scripture as a principle of their life and strive to live it out daily. Key Scripture – John 15:13; Philippians 4:17
We believe the only life-long solution to any problem is found in discovering your true identity in Christ
Jesus came not only to save us but also to give us abundant life. We help young men discover who they are according to God’s Word. Once they discover what God says about them, they spend the next few phases learning how to live out their true identity in Christ. Believing the truth about who God says you are radically changes your beliefs about yourself and, in turn, your life-long behaviors. Key Scripture – 2 Corinthians 5:16-17
We believe in creating an environment for change, not changing people
At Narrow Gate, we understand that we are God’s workmanship. We can only share the truth and let God’s Holy Spirit cut through to the heart. Narrow Gate is designed to create an environment for change, but each student determines when and how much they are willing to change as prompted by God. Key Scripture – Titus 2:11-14
We believe contentment is found by being willing to accept less than you are due
When Jesus was tempted in the desert, Satan only offered him what He was due as the Son of God. Jesus was willing to accept less than He was due and we expect our staff and our students to learn to do the same with joy and contentment. Key Scripture – Philippians 2:5-11
We believe parity is not required or to be expected
We believe that every life is gifted and challenged uniquely. It is that unique set of gifts and challenges that builds the character and personality of every person we serve. We believe that Scripture teaches us that every individual has a specific role or function within the body of Christ and it is our endeavor to help each individual discover that role. At Narrow Gate, we use the absence of parity in every facet of life to expose the corrosive practices of covetousness, envy, and materialism while strengthening the character qualities of contentment, gratitude, and humility so that every individual can learn to steward the blessings entrusted to them by their maker. Key Scripture – Luke 19:12-27
We believe in unity through the blood of Jesus
God’s Word instructs us to love one another by serving each other. At Narrow Gate, we believe that living in a spirit of unity is one of God’s commandments. Each class works together and moves through the program together. If your brother is struggling, you don’t leave him behind…you adjust your life to bring him up. When necessary, staff and students are encouraged to sacrifice themselves for the good of others. Key Scripture – Ephesians 4:1-13
Kurt Beasley, Esquire
Principal
Waterford Law Group
Daryl Walny
Principal
Carbine & Associates
Don White
Principal
Athens Distributing
Blake Scurlock
Branch Manager
Movement Mortgage
Eric Davis
Narrow Gate Foundation
Phil Stoner
Principal
e-studysource.com
Don Lawrence
Principal
Surgical Labs
PJ Heimmerman
Principal
FunAttic Music
Colin Smith
Director of Video Production
Ramsey Solutions
Bob Rogers
President (Retired)
Development Dimensions International
Bill Spencer
Executive Director
Narrow Gate Foundation
Stacy Spencer
Executive Director
Narrow Gate Foundation
Jim Young
President
Sara Sells
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