In this milestone message marking First Stone Ministries' fiftieth year, Executive Director Laura Leigh Stanlake reflects on God's sustained faithfulness and calls the ministry to seek His direction with intentionality and humility. Drawing on the cautionary examples of Israel's covenant with the Gibeonites and Rehoboam's ill-fated counsel, she emphasizes the importance of prayer, wise counsel, and patient discernment over quick decisions. As First Stone looks ahead, the ministry's desire remains simple — to depend on the Lord and follow where He leads.
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Marking 50 years of ministry, First Stone Ministries announces a thoughtful evolution in how it communicates and ministers. While remaining firmly grounded in biblical conviction and the belief that healing is found in Jesus Christ alone, the ministry is adopting warmer, more accessible language, refreshing its website, and shifting internally toward Scripture-based identity formation rather than self-assessment. The goal is clear — to meet people where they are, welcome their whole story, and walk with them patiently toward freedom and wholeness in Christ.
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In this thoughtful article from First Stone Ministries, the author — a parent personally navigating a child's gender identity questions — examines how cultural pressure has redefined empathy as agreement rather than understanding. Drawing on Romans 1, 1 Corinthians 13, and the cautionary example of Aaron, the piece calls believers to hold love and truth together without yielding to coercive demands. True empathy, the author concludes, does not affirm what is contrary to God's will — it points people to Jesus.
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The Spring 2026 issue of First Stone Ministries' newsletter marks the organization's 50th anniversary with a theme of prayerful, Spirit-led change. Laura Leigh Stanlake reflects on the danger of moving without inquiring of the Lord, while Jim Farrington addresses the cultural redefinition of empathy and the pressure families face to affirm LGBTQ+ identities. The newsletter also announces a refreshed website, updated ministry language, and a renewed internal focus on Scripture-based identity formation — all grounded in the unchanging truth of Jesus Christ.
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“Breaking Free from the Fear of Man” defines the fear of man as an approval addiction that shapes decisions, emotions, and even obedience to God. Using Proverbs 29:25 and biblical examples like Saul and Aaron, the article shows how people-pleasing derails leaders and everyday believers alike. Stanlake traces roots in childhood messages, social pressure, personality, and pain, then outlines steps toward freedom: preferring God, knowing identity in Christ, recognizing triggers, inviting accountability, and growing in community that fears the Lord together.
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“The Problem with Unforgiveness” warns that refusing to forgive carries severe spiritual consequences, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:14–15. Unforgiveness blocks prayer, fosters spiritual dryness, opens doors to the enemy, and reflects a graceless heart. Drawing from Acts 8:22–23 and June Hunt’s Forgiveness, the article details harmful traits—bitterness, pride, judgment, vengefulness—that poison relationships with God and others. By contrast, forgiveness reflects God’s nature, breaks captivity to sin, and restores freedom, intimacy, and spiritual vitality in the believer’s life.
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Laura Smalts argues that using preferred pronouns contrary to biological sex conflicts with God’s intentional design of male and female in creation. She highlights purposes for sex distinctions—fruitfulness, complementary gifting, and whole‑body sexual differentiation—alongside research on the brain’s rapid recognition of sex. Smalts contends affirming cross‑sex identity harms truth and obscures God’s glory reflected differently in men and women. Practically, she advises kindness, restraint with pronouns, using given names cautiously, asking questions like Jesus, and prioritizing respectful, gospel‑centered conversations.
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Curated testimonies on our YouTube channel. We hope you are blessed by these.
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Host Garry Ingraham talks with guest Laura Leigh Stanlake.
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“The 5 Streams: Differing Responses to LGBTQ” by Linda Seiler, PhD, analyzes five major Christian perspectives—Condemnation, Affirmation, Accommodation, Mortification, and Transformation—on same-sex attraction and gender identity. Each stream is explained with its theological premise, understanding of sexual orientation’s origin, and practical pastoral care. The guide clarifies why views diverge, highlights representative ministries and authors, and contrasts outcomes for individuals seeking change. This resource empowers churches and readers to discern biblical truth and offer informed, compassionate support for those wrestling with LGBTQ questions.
Keep ReadingDec 27
2023
Oklahoma City, OK - The First Stone Ministries Board has appointed Laura Leigh Stanlake as Executive Director.
They also offer their perspective on navigating our transition in 2023.
Dec 20
2023
This Christmas reflection explores the deeper meaning of Advent through personal devotion and scripture. The author shares how the season has become a time of spiritual preparation, highlighting Simeon's encounter with Jesus and the call to seek Christ personally. Drawing from John 5:39–40, the message emphasizes that while scripture testifies of Jesus, true life is found in coming to Him. It’s a reminder to move beyond tradition and embrace the living Savior this Christmas.
Dec 20
2023
The Winter 2023 First Stone Ministries newsletter details the ministry’s transition after longtime Executive Director Stephen Black’s resignation, honoring his lasting influence and leadership. Updates include the organization’s ongoing development of the “Living Free” curriculum, announcements about a new intern, and recent board member additions. The issue features a Christmas reflection emphasizing connection with Christ, information on support groups, and an overview of the year’s challenges and resilience. The newsletter reaffirms First Stone’s commitment to biblical truth and compassionate ministry.
“Preferred Pronouns: Responding with Faithfulness and Humility” addresses the growing tension for Christians when asked to use pronouns contrary to biblical beliefs. The article emphasizes God as Creator, the role of truth-telling, and the importance of loving engagement without compromising faith. It explores motivations, real-life scenarios, and the necessity of courage, humility, and trust in God when facing relational and societal pressures. Readers are encouraged to balance compassion with conviction and to trust God with the outcomes of faithful obedience.