Resource Center

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.

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.

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.

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.

The 2025 Winter Newsletter from First Stone Ministries offers a snapshot of current discipleship groups, support opportunities, and special events aimed at fostering spiritual growth and healing. It highlights key teaching themes, resources for those facing sexual and relational struggles, and opportunities for parents, churches, and supporters to engage. Readers are invited to pray, give, and participate in ongoing ministry efforts, reflecting the organization’s mission to provide biblically grounded care, hope, and transformation in Jesus Christ.

“The Morning Jesus Declared His Mission: A Reflection for Advent” imaginatively retells the Sabbath when Jesus read Isaiah 61 in Nazareth and announced, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” The article reflects on how easily people miss God’s nearness in familiar places and how Christ’s mission defines Advent: bringing good news, binding up the brokenhearted, and freeing captives. It then connects this mission to nearly fifty years of ministry at First Stone, highlighting Christ’s ongoing restoration and inviting renewed hope and dependence on His Spirit.

“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.

“Faltering Faith—The Ongoing Call to Follow God” reflects on Abram’s story as a mirror of modern Christian struggle: loving God yet wavering between faith and self-reliance. Farrington traces Abram’s call from barrenness, his partial obedience, his fearful flight to Egypt, and his eventual return to the altar. Along the way, he connects these themes to believers battling temptation, disappointment, and long waiting. The article concludes by affirming God’s promise-keeping character and our living hope described in 1 Peter 1:3–9.

The First Stone Ministries newsletter provides readers with a comprehensive view of the ministry’s current outreach, events, and resources. Inside, you’ll find testimonies of changed lives, biblical encouragement, and practical advice for those navigating sexual and relational struggles. The newsletter highlights the importance of Christ-centered support, upcoming ministry activities, and featured articles aimed at equipping believers for personal and family transformation. Each edition seeks to foster deeper faith, hope, and restoration within the church and broader community.

“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.