Human Identity and the Image of God
We believe that every person is created in the image of God and is therefore worthy of dignity, compassion, and truth. Our identity is something we receive from God.
Because of the fall, our understanding of ourselves and our desires can be shaped by brokenness, confusion, and lived experience. We believe that our identity is found in Jesus Christ, where we are known, forgiven, and made new.
No experience, struggle, or label related to sexuality, relationships, or personal history defines a person more than their identity as someone created by God and invited into new life in Christ.
God’s Design for Sexuality and Relationships
We believe that God created humanity as male and female and designed sexual intimacy for the covenant of marriage between one man and one woman.
We believe that both men and women bear God’s image and that our embodied differences are part of His good design.
All people experience brokenness in desires, relationships, and patterns of life. Sexual brokenness is part of the broader human condition, not limited to any one person or group.
We understand sexual expression outside of God’s design for marriage, including behaviors and patterns that depart from that design, as not in line with His design. At the same time, we believe that every person is within the reach of God’s grace.
Transformation, Sanctification, and Hope
We believe that Jesus Christ brings real hope and real change. God works in people’s lives over time, shaping them as they grow in relationship with Him.
This process often includes repentance, healing, new ways of thinking, and learning to live differently in the context of community. Desires can be powerful and, at times, confusing or overwhelming. As we follow Christ, we learn to bring those desires into the light, to respond in obedience, and to trust Him to change us as we walk closely with Him.
God is faithful to complete the work He begins. No past sin or present struggle places anyone beyond His grace.
Our Posture in Ministry
We believe that every person is created in the image of God and is therefore worthy of dignity, compassion, and truth. Because all of us have sinned and fall short of God’s design, we approach each individual as a person to be loved, not managed or fixed. We walk with people, trusting that God brings real change in their lives.
We believe that change is possible through Jesus Christ. Growth often takes time and is shaped through repentance, honest conversation, prayer, and relationships with others who are following Christ.
We do not use shame, pressure, or hostility. We are committed to being honest about what we believe while treating people with patience and care.
We believe that this kind of change happens in the context of relationship. It includes listening, sharing burdens, praying together, and learning to live differently over time. The local church is central to long-term growth, healing, and belonging.
First Stone Ministries walks with individuals for a season. Our desire is to help people become grounded in Scripture and connected to a healthy, biblically faithful church community.
In all things, we seek to reflect the way of Jesus, who is full of grace and truth, trusting that He restores what is broken and leads people toward wholeness.
