Resource Center

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.

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.

“The Dangers of Affirming What is Clearly Wrong” reflects on Paul’s warning in 1 Timothy 4 about the peril of a seared conscience—losing sensitivity to the Holy Spirit through repeated compromise. Using the example of families affirming a prodigal’s LGBT identity, it warns that embracing what contradicts God’s Word invites deception and spiritual deadness. Over time, conviction can fade into full affirmation of sin, with eternal consequences. The article calls believers to stand firm in truth, resisting cultural pressure while remaining faithful to Christ.

From a Christian perspective, gender dysphoria is real psychological distress that warrants compassion, patient care, and truth held together, affirming every person’s dignity as an image bearer while upholding God’s good design of male and female revealed in creation and Scripture. Faithful responses prioritize identity in Christ, pastoral support, and counseling that aligns self-perception with embodied sex rather than transition pathways. For deeper study, see recommended reading on theological, pastoral, and testimonial resources addressing gender dysphoria.

“What Is Transgender?” defines the term as a perception-based disconnect between inner gender identity and biological sex, contrasting it with related terms. The article explains God is spirit—not male or female—yet created humanity male and female in His image, equally valuable but gloriously different. Scientific and biblical evidence affirm binary design. Addressing parental dilemmas over name and pronoun changes, it urges truth spoken with kindness, rejecting affirmation of false identity while seeking Holy Spirit guidance to navigate relationships with love and integrity.

“Biblical Sexuality and Gender” is a comprehensive sermon series presented by Trinity Baptist Church, Norman, Oklahoma, featuring Dr. Robert Gagnon. The series explores sexuality and gender from a biblical viewpoint, covering the Old Testament, Jesus’ teachings, Paul’s witness, and real-world applications. Designed to equip believers, it addresses topics such as identity, God’s intentional design, and responding to cultural trends. The practical, compassionate approach aims to help families and individuals navigate sensitive issues by rooting understanding and guidance in Scripture.

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.

“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.

“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.

This expanded reading list from First Stone Ministries offers a comprehensive collection of resources addressing homosexuality, sexual brokenness, and identity from a biblical perspective. Authors include Joe Dallas, Andrew Comiskey, Leanne Payne, Robert Gagnon, and Stephen Black, among others. Titles span personal testimonies of freedom, guides for counselors and pastors, explorations of masculine identity, scholarly biblical analysis, and practical tools for those seeking healing. Together they form an invaluable library for individuals, families, and ministry leaders navigating these complex issues.