Differing Views on Christianity, Identity and Homosexuality where there is an onslaught of the promotion of "gay Christianity" in the Church today. The differing view chart reveals the differences in belief and approach and is helpful for those who need to understand and be warned of those who promote false teaching, or lacking in fullness for HOPE.
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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.
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Oklahoma City, OK – The First Stone Ministries Board would like to announce the appointment of Laura Leigh Stanlake as interim Executive Director of First Stone Ministries, effective August 1, 2023.
“Practical Ways to Minister to the Sexually Broken: Special Edition” features Stephen Black and Laura Leigh Stanlake—experienced leaders from First Stone Ministries—offering practical Christian strategies for ministering to those dealing with homosexuality, transgenderism, pornography, and sexual addiction. The resource covers key topics including common causes of sexual struggles, the importance of biblical identity, and refuting theological errors within the “gay Christian” movement. It encourages churches and caregivers to offer compassionate, truth-centered support, enabling lasting freedom and spiritual wholeness through faith.
Jul 31
2023
The Theological Error of "Gay Christianity"
In this in-depth discussion, Stephen Black and M.D. Perkins dissect the “gay Christian” movement, highlighting its theological errors and the resulting spiritual confusion within the church. They address how psychological concepts like sexual orientation have been adopted as immutable identity markers, contradicting biblical teachings on transformation and sanctification. The presenters critique the influence of affirming theology, including “Side B” celibacy, and stress the importance of biblical truth, historic Christian doctrine, and real-life testimonies of change as central to compassionate, effective ministry.
Jun 30
2023
2023 Summer Newsletter
The Summer 2023 First Stone Ministries newsletter centers on the concept of “relinquishment,” exploring what it genuinely means for Christians to let go and entrust loved ones to God. The issue addresses the difference between relinquishment and abandonment, the biblical purpose behind letting go, and the personal freedom it offers. It also features powerful testimonies of healing from sexual and relational brokenness, hope for parents and individuals wrestling with identity issues, practical ministry updates, support group opportunities, and important organizational news.
Jun 7
2023
I Keep Falling in Love with Him
Aaron Girod grew up in church but secretly struggled with same-sex attraction, eventually abandoning faith for a homosexual relationship and methamphetamine addiction. After being struck by a vehicle and hospitalized with a traumatic brain injury, a miraculous moment in his hospital room — witnessed by his mother and Stephen Black — marked the beginning of his restoration. Through Living Waters, ongoing discipleship at First Stone Ministries, and genuine surrender to Christ, Aaron found the lasting freedom and healing he had sought his entire life.
Jun 6
2023
Surrender Your Child Back to God
“Surrender Your Child Back to God” speaks directly to hurting parents of prodigal children, using the parable of the prodigal son to offer hope and direction. The article urges parents to stop trying to control their child’s repentance and instead surrender the child to God, confess personal sin, and pursue Christ wholeheartedly. It emphasizes that salvation belongs to God alone and encourages parents to focus on worship, discipleship, and the broader mission of making disciples.
Jun 6
2023
The Pervasive Influence of Unbelief: Helping Parents Navigate the Difficulty of Unanswered Prayers
In his article "The Pervasive Influence of Unbelief: Helping Parents Navigate the Difficulty of Unanswered Prayers," Jim Farrington addresses the challenges parents face when their prayers for their LGBT-identified children seem unanswered. He acknowledges the frustration and confusion that can arise, leading to a crisis of faith. Farrington emphasizes the importance of identifying and confessing any unbelief that may take root during these times. He encourages parents to remain steadfast in their faith, trust in God's timing, and continue seeking Him, even when outcomes are uncertain.
“Dangerous Affirmation: The Threat of ‘Gay Christianity’” by M.D. Perkins exposes how efforts to reconcile Christian faith with homosexuality are reshaping theology, biblical interpretation, and church life. The book reveals strategies used by LGBT activists—rethinking doctrine, identity, and the meaning of church—to influence even conservative congregations. Perkins aims to equip believers with biblical clarity, urging steadfastness amid shifting values and controversial teachings. The message calls Christians to recognize spiritual challenges and respond with conviction, compassion, and commitment to God’s Word.
Apr 30
2022
Robert Jeffrey Janes
First Stone Ministries honors the life of Robert Jeffrey Janes, who served as director from 1991, helping transform the ministry into a full-time pastoral care organization serving the sexually and relationally broken. Jeff and his wife Lezlie brought structure, staff, and compassion to First Stone before moving to Israel in 2000 to plant a counseling ministry there. A kidney transplant recipient, ordained minister, and licensed counselor, Jeff passed away on April 10, 2022, leaving behind a wife, daughter, and a deeply grateful ministry family.