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.
- Featured Posts
- All Posts
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.
Keep Reading
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.
Keep Reading
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.
Keep Reading
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.
Keep Reading
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.
Keep Reading
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.
Keep Reading
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.
Keep Reading
Testimonies on YouTube
Curated testimonies on our YouTube channel. We hope you are blessed by these.
Keep Reading
Porn & Sex are Women's Issues Too!
Host Garry Ingraham talks with guest Laura Leigh Stanlake.
Keep Reading
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 ReadingMay 30
2024
Recommended Books: Gender Dysphoria
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.
May 30
2024
A Mother's Reflections on Her Transitioning Son
This powerful reflection shares a mother’s experience as her son transitions to a female identity, revealing layers of grief, fear, guilt, and unwavering love. She describes the emotional toll, family tensions, and spiritual wrestling while holding fast to her faith and hope in God’s redemption. With honesty and compassion, she navigates the pressure to accept or reject, choosing instead to trust God’s timing and truth. Her story offers comfort and solidarity to parents facing similar journeys.
“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.
Dec 11
2020
The War on Gender
“The War on Gender,” published by First Stone Ministries, analyzes the cultural and legal shifts around gender identity through a conservative biblical lens. The article critiques gender-affirming treatments and transgender ideology, referencing studies challenging their efficacy. It argues that modern gender discourse conflicts with Christian teachings on male and female identity, warning of societal and spiritual consequences. First Stone Ministries ultimately calls for a return to traditional biblical views on gender and sexuality for individual and societal wellbeing.
“Tranzformed – Finding Peace With Your God-Given Gender” shares in-depth testimonies of people who wrestled with gender dysphoria, transgender identity, and childhood trauma. The film differentiates intersex conditions from transgender experiences and explores how early abuse, family dynamics, and social rejection shaped identity struggles. Featuring biblical teaching and personal journeys, it argues that real healing comes through faith in Christ rather than medical transition. “Tranzformed” aims to offer hope, understanding, and a biblically based path to wholeness for those navigating gender confusion.
Nov 12
2001
Cruel Joke or Medical Anomaly?
“Cruel Joke or Medical Anomaly?” challenges the idea that homosexuality is a physiological or divinely intended variation. Wilkins argues that human anatomy is universally designed for heterosexual expression and contends that if homosexuality were natural, physiological contradictions would not exist. The article explores theological and medical perspectives, stating that labeling homosexuality as “natural” either implies a cruel joke by God or a medical anomaly. Ultimately, sin and redemption through Christ are presented as the answer for all humanity.
“What is a Biblical View of Transgendered People and Hermaphrodites?” by Sue Bohlin addresses two distinct issues: transgender identity and intersex conditions (hermaphroditism). The article presents First Stone Ministries’ view that God’s intent is for males and females to embrace their biological sex, citing Genesis as foundational. It differentiates between transgender experience and medical intersex conditions, while emphasizing compassion for all people. The message encourages understanding, biblical fidelity, and loving support for those wrestling with gender identity or biological anomalies.
Randall Wayne recounts his experience with cross-dressing, describing the intense temptations and spiritual conflicts he faced. Through his faith and reliance on Jesus Christ, he found healing and freedom from these struggles. Wayne's story is directed toward Christian men and their families who may be dealing with similar issues, offering encouragement and a message of hope rooted in spiritual transformation.
May 10
2000
Jennifer Elaine... or Jerry Edward?
Jerry grew up feeling like a mistake in a male body, encouraged toward femininity by his mother and rejected by his father — leaving him addicted to cross-dressing and eventually pursuing female hormones and sex-reassignment surgery. After decades of secret struggle, a turning point with a Christian psychiatrist led to honest confession, biblical counseling, and the slow dismantling of deeply embedded lies. Today Jerry lives freely as the man God created him to be, walking daily in faith and accountability.
Sep 11
1992
The Man in the Mirror
“The Man in the Mirror” recounts Sy Rogers’ compelling transformation from a life marked by transsexual identity, early trauma, and same-sex attraction to fulfillment in Christ, marriage, and fatherhood. Through personal crisis, failed solutions, and spiritual searching, Sy finds hope and clarity in the love of God. Over years, he abandons false identities, embraces Christian manhood, and testifies to lasting restoration, healthy relationships, and freedom from the past. His story offers hope for others seeking healing and genuine identity in Christ.