The Origin of The Narrow Gate Club: Founder's Story

Hi, I’m Geli, and I want to tell you how The Narrow Gate Club came to be—and why it’s so personal to me.

Hi, I'm the founder and Lead Host of NGC.

The journey that brought me here was a battle. I often call the four years before dedicating my life to Christ early 2024 my wilderness period—and wow, was it messyyyyyyyy. Between leaving the stability of the military, the pandemic, heartbreak/hypersexuality, injury/weight gain, financial chaos, failed businesses, alcohol abuse, and the depression and anxiety that came along for the ride, life felt like one long uphill battle. Spoiler alert: I definitely wasn't winning.

But at the end of 2024, Jesus stepped into my life in a way that changed everything. Suddenly, I wasn’t just surviving—I started thriving. I went alcohol-free, lost 50 pounds, and shifted my focus to a wellness-centered career path that aligned with my faith.

Almost a year later after what felt like isolation and solitude, I finally joined a local church and subsequently experienced a small group community for the first time. Here’s the funny twist: because of my crazy schedule, I experienced one of these groups from the leader/facilitator point of view—not because I was a spiritual authority, but because God apparently needed a hand on me and to plant a seed in me while I navigated my own struggles. I was learning to lead, serve, and grow—all while still figuring out my own faith and identity.

Even with this growth, I noticed I’d gotten comfortable. I hadn’t yet stepped fully into the Christ-centered wellness path God had put on my heart in the beginning. I knew I needed to step out in faith. That’s where The Narrow Gate Club comes in—my “step out into the oceans” moment (yes, you can imagine me singing Where My Feet May Fail dramatically in the shower).

NGC is about creating spaces where faith, wellness, and real community collide. It’s about sober social connections, accountability, and holistic growth. It’s about making third spaces outside the gym and church where we can connect, laugh, move, pray, and support one another—without pretense or judgment. And yes, there will be a little humor along the way because life is hard enough; a few laughs help keep the faith alive.

This is a journey we’re all taking together. My vision is to grow Christ-centered, wellness-aligned social groups and third spaces all across Greensboro—and as far as God calls us. Whether it’s through our 21-Day Challenge, small groups, or future events, NGC is a place to lean on faith, strengthen our bodies, refresh our spirits, and connect with people who get it.

So, welcome. This is just the beginning. Let’s step out together—into the oceans, into growth, and into community.