In this video testimony posted by First Stone Ministries, Stephen Black recounts how childhood victimization and adolescent experiences led him into a homosexual lifestyle marked by compulsion and confusion. Drawing from his personal journey, Stephen describes how faith in Jesus Christ brought genuine transformation and freedom. His testimony serves as a message of hope for those struggling with unwanted same-sex attraction, pointing to the power of the Gospel to heal and restore a life of holiness.
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Inquiring of the Lord
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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What is Changing, and Why
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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Holding Love and Truth When It’s Challenging
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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2026 Spring Newsletter
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
“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
“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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The Great Pronoun Debate: Should I Use Someone’s Preferred Pronouns?
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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Testimonies on YouTube
Curated testimonies on our YouTube channel. We hope you are blessed by these.
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Porn & Sex are Women's Issues Too!
Host Garry Ingraham talks with guest Laura Leigh Stanlake.
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The 5 Streams: Differing Responses to LGBTQ
“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 ReadingJun 1
2017
Public Response to False Claims Laid Against The TranZformed Documentary Being “Soul-Crushing”
This public response is answering a false claim, some distortions and the typical fake-news narrative by those who do not hold to a conservative Biblical orthodox view of human sexuality, The Gayly and Sara Cunningham. Before going into the details of their false claims
Feb 1
2016
The Word of God Comes to Save Us
In this January 2016 message shared at Abundant Grace Community Church in Gainesville, Florida, ordained minister Stephen Black draws on his personal testimony to explore how the Word of God brings salvation and transformation. Grounding his message in key scriptures — including Psalm 107:20, Mark 4:1–20, and 1 Peter 1:21–23 — Black reflects on the saving and healing power of Scripture, particularly for those seeking freedom from homosexuality and sexual brokenness through faith in Jesus Christ.
Jun 18
2015
So-Called Gay Marriage is No Marriage at All
In his article "So-Called 'Gay Marriage' is No Marriage at All," Stephen Black of First Stone Ministries argues that attending same-sex weddings implies endorsement of unions he believes are contrary to biblical teachings. He contends that such ceremonies represent "defiling covenants" and advises Christians to refrain from participation to maintain their faith's integrity.
In this article, Stephen Black calls on Church leaders to reject the growing trend of affirming "gay Christian" identities and same-sex attraction as legitimate orientations. He argues that genuine love requires both mercy and justice — not compromise — and that true grace is always transformational. Drawing on Scripture and the example of Christ, Black warns that embracing cheap grace theology ultimately harms the very people the Church claims to love, leaving them in spiritual bondage rather than leading them to freedom.
In "The Gospel According to Jesus Christ and the 'Gay Christian?'," Stephen Black of First Stone Ministries argues that the concept of 'gay Christianity' is inconsistent with biblical teachings. He emphasizes that the gospel calls for repentance from all forms of sin, including homosexual behavior, and warns against teachings that suggest one can maintain a homosexual identity while being a faithful Christian. Black underscores the necessity of adhering to scriptural truths and cautions against adopting man-made theologies that, in his view, compromise the integrity of the gospel.
“Why Many Go Back: Giving Some Answers Why Defectors Embrace Homosexuality” analyzes reasons why certain individuals revert to homosexuality after professing change through Christian faith. First Stone Ministries contrasts those who remain steadfast in repentance with those who adopt a “Christian” gay identity. The article explores personal motivations, societal pressures, and theological confusion contributing to returns. It emphasizes the importance of spiritual vision and biblical conviction for lasting transformation, warning of cultural narratives that undermine perseverance in traditional Christian sexual ethics.
Jan 17
2010
Weapons of Spiritual Warfare
“Weapons of Spiritual Warfare,” compiled by Stephen Black for First Stone Ministries, teaches believers how to effectively combat spiritual opposition using God-given resources. Drawing from passages like 2 Corinthians 10 and 1 Peter 5, the article highlights core tools: relying on God’s Word, using prayer, operating in the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and demonstrating love. It encourages memorizing Scripture, standing firm in faith, and leveraging spiritual gifts for protection, healing, and Christlike victory over every trial and attack.
Jun 29
2007
Fading Faces - Voices of Healing
This article from First Stone Ministries puts human faces to the ministry's work, sharing brief testimonies from men and women whose lives were shaped by childhood sexual abuse, neglect, and identity confusion. From Steven and Stephen to Kim, Linda, and others, each story reflects a common thread — wounds that followed children into adulthood. Through discipleship, Living Waters, and the Father heart of God, First Stone walks alongside these individuals as Jesus heals what was broken and restores what was lost.
Dec 20
2006
Why They Fall
“Why They Fall” discusses the tragic reality of spiritual and moral failures among Christian leaders and believers. The article explores how hidden sin, pride, neglect of spiritual disciplines, and a lack of accountability lead to public scandals and personal breakdowns. Drawing on biblical principles, First Stone Ministries urges transparency, repentance, and humble reliance on God’s grace as safeguards against stumbling. The piece encourages individuals and churches to foster honest community, diligent prayer, and unwavering commitment to Jesus for enduring faithfulness.