After the ruling of the Supreme Court on June 26, 2015 Laura Leigh Stanlake, Director of Women's Ministries attended a local church service where a pastor gave a message in responding to so-called "gay marriage". There was a problem! Homosexual identity and Christianity were being integrated as one legitimate identity-- a "gay Christian" identity. Laura responded with this article in the Winter 2015 First Stone Newsletter.
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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 ReadingNov 21
2015
HOPE 2013 Testimony
Andrew Franklin shares his journey of leaving a life of partying, alcoholism, and same-sex relationships after a desperate turning point in New York City. In crisis, he turned to the Bible and experienced what he describes as a profound encounter with Jesus, who offered him forgiveness and hope. With help from Christian mentors and support groups, Andrew gradually found healing from past wounds and embraced a new identity. He is now married, a father, and serves as an associate pastor.
Nov 21
2015
Jim & Debbie Venice
In “HOPE 2013 Testimonies of Jim & Debbie Venice,” Jim recounts his formative years shaped by family instability, fatherlessness, and bullying, leading to same-sex attraction despite deep Christian faith. Marriage to Debbie didn’t resolve his struggles, resulting in divorce and years away from the church. After a personal encounter with God, Jim experienced forgiveness and lasting transformation. He and Debbie remarried, found deeper healing as a family, and today minister hope to others facing relational and identity challenges.
Christopher West, the world's most recognized teacher on John Paul II's Theology of the Body, presents a sweeping biblical case that erotic desire was designed by God to point humanity toward Heaven. Far from being something to suppress or indulge, sexual longing is the fuel of a rocket meant to launch us toward eternal union with Christ. Shared by First Stone Ministries, this message challenges the Church to recover a beautiful, incarnational understanding of the body, gender, and God's design for human sexuality.
Nov 20
2015
Jason Thompson
In “HOPE 2013,” Jason Thompson recounts his journey with same-sex attraction from adolescence, grappling with fear, confusion, and rejection within his faith community. After a failed attempt to “pray away” his struggles and a suicide attempt, he found hope at Portland Fellowship, where he learned God’s plan was not instant change but deep restoration and community. With time, healing, and faith, Jason built a new life—marrying, raising children, and now ministering to others seeking similar hope and transformation.
Sep 14
2015
Recommended Books: Youth
This youth-focused reading list from First Stone Ministries provides young men and women with age-appropriate, biblically grounded resources for navigating sexuality, temptation, and identity. Stephen Arterburn and Shannon Ethridge offer gender-specific guidance on guarding the mind, heart, and body in a sex-saturated world, while Scott Davis's DVD resource opens an honest, compassionate conversation with young people about same-sex attraction. Together these titles equip teens and young adults with truth, practical strategies, and hope for walking in purity.
Jun 27
2015
Marriage = Biology (Not Bigotry)
This short video presentation argues that government promotion of natural marriage between one man and one woman is rooted in biology and social benefit, not discrimination. It outlines how natural marriage creates and best raises children, stabilizes society, and reduces crime and poverty — benefits same-sex marriage cannot replicate. Addressing concerns about equality and tolerance, the video concludes that distinguishing between behaviors with different societal outcomes is not bigotry, but a reasonable and necessary function of government.
First Stone Ministries’ article explains their departure from Exodus International, citing theological and leadership shifts in Exodus that conflicted with biblical convictions. Choosing to resign in 2012, First Stone joined the newly formed Restored Hope Network, a coalition dedicated to traditional Christian sexual ethics and transformational ministry. The piece affirms their ongoing mission: proclaiming freedom from unwanted same-sex attractions through Christ, providing a safe and supportive environment, and collaborating with like-minded ministries to equip the church and serve those seeking healing.
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 “Everyone Needs This Ministry – A Letter from a Pastor,” ordained minister Jason Murray endorses First Stone Ministries for its unwavering biblical fidelity and compassionate outreach to the broken. He recounts personal transformation through their confidential, Scripture-based counseling and leadership. The ministry enabled growth in grace and holiness, providing what Murray’s pastorate alone could not. After years engaged with First Stone, he urges all Christians to know and support ministries like this for genuine healing and maturity.