The Narrow Gate Podcast

Man, this one hits deep. In this episode, we sit down with our good friend Dylan Dawkins, who’s now a student pastor, but his story is anything but neat and tidy. He opens up about growing up in a “kind of Christian” home, getting caught up in partying and chasing approval, and how it all eventually left him empty.But God didn’t give up on Dylan.From a surprise visit to Narrow Gate, to a wild solo moment at Young Life camp, to hearing God’s voice while scrubbing windows, Dylan shares how Jesus patiently pulled him out of the mess and into a life full of purpose.This episode is for the guy who’s got one foot in church and one foot in the world. For the kid who feels lost, burned out, or just numb. Dylan’s story is real, honest, and full of hope—and we think it might be exactly what someone out there needs to hear.👉 If someone you know is on the edge and needs a push toward Jesus, send this their way.For more information about Narrow Gate visit: narrowgate.org

Alright, so this episode is a little different. No guest, just us sitting down and talking about something we’ve all dealt with—social media and identity. It’s crazy how much the stuff we scroll through shapes the way we see ourselves, the world, and even our faith.We get into everything—how social media feeds us whatever keeps us scrolling, why everyone’s got an opinion on everything (even when they probably shouldn’t), and how it’s affecting the next generation. Plus, we talk about what it actually looks like to step away from the noise and focus on what really matters.Would love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment if this hit home for you!For more information about Narrow Gate visit:https://narrowgate.org

What happens when life flips the script on you? This episode dives deep with a former NFL player, Barry Stokes, who shares his journey of finding identity, faith, and community after the game clock stopped ticking. 🏈 From the highs of the league to the challenges of life off the field, he opens up about how faith helped him rediscover purpose and joy. We talk about the struggles of letting go of performance-based worth, embracing vulnerability, and finding a deeper relationship with God. Plus, you'll hear how men's groups, mentorship, and a lot of prayer played a part in building an authentic community that truly supports one another. Whether you're looking for encouragement in your walk with Jesus or craving real connection, hit play and join us for a heart-to-heart that might just change your perspective. For more information about Narrow Gate please visit: narrowgate.org

In this episode, we sit down with Ben Lyons, the director at Narrow Gate Coffee, and dive into the fascinating journey that brought him to Tennessee, his deep love for coffee, and how it all ties into his faith and calling. ☕ We talk about everything from the history of coffee to the art of roasting and brewing the perfect cup. Ben shares how coffee can bring people together and how God used his passion for coffee to lead him into ministry in the most unexpected way. Plus he's got some nerdy coffee stuff for everyone! Don’t forget to check out Narrow Gate Coffee: narrowgate.coffee and grab a sample for your church or event! Got a favorite coffee story or brewing tip? Drop it in the comments! For more info about Narrow Gate visit: narrowgate.org

In this episode, we hang out with a Narrow Gate board Chair, Don Lawrence, who’s been in the mix for 19 years. From stepping into Grace Chapel for the first time (with some serious conservative church culture shock) to now leading the charge as board chairman, he’s got some awesome stories to share. We talk about everything—how Narrow Gate plans for the future, Jelly Roll, regenerative farming and juuuuust a little bit of politics. Come hang out with us as we explore what it means to love God, love people, and have a little fun along the way! For more information about Narrow Gate visit: https://narrowgate.org Get a hold of us on the podcast here: [email protected]

Live from the 2024 Narrow Gate Graduate Reunion we've got another Bill Spencer episode for ya! We talk 20 years of stories rattling around Bill's head and take live questions from graduates and students. We know you'll enjoy this episode! For more information about Narrow Gate please visit: https://narrowgate.org

We've got Save Daunders on the pod! If you've been around Narrow Gate long enough you know Dave. He's a true servant, loves to pour into the students at the lodge and has been doing that for over 20 years! We talk prayer time with students, his role at the lodge and what he's up to these days. Enjoy this episode! For more information about Narrow Gate visit: narrowgate.org

Tony Lollis is the pastor of The Refuge Church in Spring Hill, TN and... Weston's father in law! We talk the calling God has put on his life, parenting, loving people and a fly even makes an appearance. As always, we hope you enjoy the episdooooooooode. More more info about Narrow Gate please visit: narrowgate.org

Our favorite Director of Narrow Gate Leather is on the pod today to share his story and how Narrow Gate helped changed his mindset about who God is. Kick your feet up (unless you're driving) and take a listen! We hope you enjoy THIS EPISODE! To learn more about Narrow Gate, visit https://narrowgate.org/ For some incredible leather bound bibles made by Blake and his team at Narrow Gate Leather: https://narrowgateleather.com/

If you've ever met Nick you'll know his genuine demeanor, love for people, love for the Lord and love for Ultimate. He'll always make you feel welcome and loved no matter where you are! This episode we run through Nick's story and what God is teaching him right now so... we hope you enjoy the episode! For more information about Narrow Gate visit: narrowgate.org For questions about the podcast email: [email protected]

Long time fan of Narrow Gate and our favorite wood-worker, Mike Zinser is on the podcast to talk about his years of teaching wood turning and how he can't get enough of being around Narrow Gate. Mike truly has the heart of a servant and even laid down some marriage advice. We hope you enjoy the episode! For more information about Narrow Gate please visit narrowgate.org For questions about the podcast please email [email protected]

Recently regarded as "a man's man", Raphe Boutte truly is the man. Homeboy's got infectious joy, wisdom beyond his years and a humility that most can never achieve. We talk through A LOT here so buckle up and we hope you enjoy the episode! For more information about Narrow Gate visit: narrowgate.org For questions about the podcast email: [email protected] Peace!

Talyn Duncan! Not only is he a good lookin' fella' but he loves to worship God and invite people to do the same. With a history of drumming and metal, he uses his talents every day to glorify God! We hope you enjoy the episode! For more information about Narrow Gate please visit: narrowgate.org For questions email: [email protected]

Bill's back!!! This time we've got questions from our very own Narrow Gate graduates (pics included) and Bill gets the questions firing squad. As always another inspiring, entertaining and motivational episode from Logan, Weston and Bill. We hope you enjoy the episode! For more information about Narrow Gate please visit: narrowgate.org For questions about the podcast email: [email protected]

On the pod we have Narrow Gate Lodge team member Wendell Taylor! Wendell is a man who cares deeply about the students at the lodge and passing his work ethic down to them as a tool for them to carry throughout their lives. Watch as he tells his story and shares his outlook on life. Enjoy the episode! For more information about Narrow Gate please visit: narrowgate.org

What more can we say about McKenzie Meredith!? When's he's not out saving lives as a firefighter, he's loving on his family and even if he's not doing that, he's reading his favorite chapter of the Bible, Nehemiah. He's an all around good dude and a Narrow Gate graduate and we couldn't be more proud. Hope you enjoy the episode! To learn more about Narrow Gate, please visit: https://narrowgate.org

On the pod is our boy Jay Cavette! Jay is a Narrow Gate Graduate from 2015 and he and his wife live in Nashville. Jay works with inner city youth in hopes to take his life experience and give back to those who are in need. On this episode, Jay shares his testimony of redemption and finding Christ at Narrow Gate. Buckle up and enjoy the episode!

If you're looking for an example of someone who chases after the life God has called them to, look no further. Cody Weeks, Narrow Gate graduate, artist, husband, father and disciple of Jesus is on the podcast with many, many words of wisdom and stories of listening to the Lord no matter what the circumstance. We KNOW you'll enjoy the episode! For more information about Narrow Gate and how you can get involved visit: narrowgate.org

We've got our boy Zac Pruitt on the pod! We talk life before Narrow Gate, truths he learned while at the lodge and how we see those play out in his everyday life. Be encouraged and inspired by this guy and as always, enjoy the episooooode! For more information about Narrow Gate please visit: narrowgate.org

On this episode we invited Dr. Todd Bradley out the lodge to discuss everything from life in Texas to his time in the military and now, how he uses the gifts God has given him to invest in the next generation. Hope you enjoy the episode! For more information about Narrow Gate please visit: narrowgate.org

In this episode we sit down with Narrow Gate graduate, Charlie Peters, to talk life before Narrow Gate and how he continues to live out the spiritual life he discovered during his time as a student. We also talk about his role at Narrow Gate Artisans and how the business world can intersect with ministry. We hope you enjoy the episode! For more information about Narrow Gate please visit: https://narrowgate.org

Chris and Elaine Whitney are the founders of One Generation Away, a nonprofit food pantry and food distribution organization established in 2014 and this episode is all about how to serve those around you no matter their situation or circumstance. They are truly a picture of how we can serve our communities through personal sacrifice and meeting a need. Hope you enjoy the episode! To serve at One Generation Away visit their website and find mobile pantry event: https://onegenaway.com/ To find out more about Narrow Gate Foundation please visit https://narrowgate.org

On today's episode we have our friend and father in the faith, Neil T. Anderson. A prominent author and speaker, Dr. Anderson has achieved significant professional success in the realm of Christian literature and counseling. Best known for his groundbreaking work on spiritual freedom and identity in Christ, Anderson has authored numerous influential books, including "The Bondage Breaker" and "Victory Over the Darkness." His teachings focus on helping individuals overcome spiritual and emotional struggles through a biblical perspective. Neil T. Anderson stands as a respected figure in the Christian counseling and self-help community. Enjoy the episode! For more information about Narrow Gate Foundation, visit narrowgate.org

Thaddeus Heffner is a licensed counselor based in Nashville, TN and has been a part of the Narrow Gate family for many years as a trusted friend for guys to have someone to work thorough what's going on in their lives. On this episode we get into some of those practices and into his passion behind the work he does. As always, enjoy the episode! For more information about Narrow Gate please visit https://narrowgate.org

If you're a Narrow Gate graduate then you know this man. Eric "Boots" Davis is about as Narrow Gate as it gets and his hand is all over the culture at the Lodge. We go way back to talk about the origins of Boots and what he's learned along the way. Enjoy the episode! For more information about Narrow Gate please visit narrowgate.org.

Narrow Gate graduate and pastor, Brady Rector, joins the podcast to share his story, his struggles and the road to where he is now. Brady has given his life to listen and learn from the Scriptures as well as continuously be guided by the Lord in everything he does. Enjoy the episode! For more information about Narrow Gate Foundation please visit: https://narrowgate.org

Pastor Rob Rogers is the lead pastor at Grace Chapel Franklin and one of the founding students of Narrow Gate. This guy's one of our own and represents how life in Christ can truly change the trajectory of someone's future and affects so many people around them. We talk beginnings of Narrow Gate and where Grace Chapel is headed in the coming years. Enjoy the episode! For more information about Narrow Gate Foundation please visit: https://narrowgate.org Questions? Concerns? Suggestions? Email us: [email protected]

Reverend Dan Scott joins us to talk about his journey and unpack his new book, "Faith in the Age of AI". We cover lots of ground on this episode and come away with some incredible insight from a giant in the faith. Enjoy the episode! You can pick up "Faith in the Age of AI" on Amazon: https://a.co/d/dvnNWyg For more information about Narrow Gate Foundation please visit: https://narrowgate.org

The inaugural episode of The Narrow Gate Podcast! And who better to have than Executive Director and Founder of Narrow Gate Foundation, Bill Spencer! Bill is a master teacher, craftsman and THE definition of "fisher of men." He and his wife Stacy started Narrow Gate over 15 years ago and have impacted the lives of more than 500 young men during that time. Listen in as Bill shares some of life experience and of course, words of wisdom with our hosts, Weston Brann and Logan Pringle. For more information about Narrow Gate Foundation, visit narrowgate.org.