“When the Holidays Hurt: Dr. Townsend on Grieving Well” explains grief as God-given work that turns open wounds into integrated memories rather than repeated re-experiences of pain. Drawing from John Townsend’s Beyond Boundaries, Welch outlines six components of grieving well: acknowledging attachment, accepting lack of control, naming what was valued, seeking comforting people, allowing sadness, and giving grief time. The article especially encourages those facing heavy holidays to be honest with God and receive His nearness in their sorrow.
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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 ReadingOct 3
2025
Boundaries with Adult Prodigal Children
“Boundaries with Adult Prodigal Children” explains how God models clear boundaries and consequences, and how Christian parents can follow His example with their wayward adult sons and daughters. Drawing from personal experience with three prodigal children, the author outlines house rules, financial limits, and key areas like communication and living arrangements. The article encourages parents to stop enabling, surrender their children to God, and hold firm in love, trusting His greater care and purposes.
Jun 30
2025
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.
Apr 11
2025
Healing Wounds
“Healing Wounds” explores the journey of trusting Jesus to bring restoration to deep emotional and spiritual pain. Drawing from Isaiah, Hebrews, and personal testimony, it highlights the need to invite Christ into wounded places, reject destructive coping mechanisms, and replace lies with God’s truth through Scripture and prayer. The Holy Spirit provides guidance and strength, enabling believers to repent, renew their minds, and embrace God’s love. Healing is often hard and messy, but God is always present, approachable, and eager to help.
Dec 10
2024
Parents, Prodigals, and Holidays
“Parents, Prodigals, and Holidays” offers biblical encouragement for navigating grief, strained relationships, and prodigal children during the season. Drawing from verses like Isaiah 46:9, Nehemiah 8:10, Psalm 147:3, and Habakkuk 3:17-19, it urges believers to anchor joy and strength in God’s sovereignty and past works. Practical steps—gratitude journaling, intentional prayer, worship, Scripture meditation, and sharing testimonies—help refocus hearts on His goodness. By recalling His provision and promises, Christians can experience renewed hope, peace, and celebration, even in painful seasons.
Nov 11
2024
The Effects of Abuse on a Family
“My Story” recounts one woman’s lifelong journey through deep personal and family trauma, beginning with her sons’ abuse by their grandfather and her own childhood abuse by a brother. For decades, she carried grief, shame, and strained relationships until counseling with First Stone Ministries helped her process pain biblically. In 2024, God opened a door to reconcile with her repentant brother, offering hope for her yet-unbelieving sons. Through faith, prayer, and steadfast love, she demonstrates Christ’s power to heal, restore, and redeem.