The Historical Timeline, Calling, and Ministry
The ministry, Unto Full Stature Ministries (UFSM), is quite recent in origin but dates back many years in conception. 1973 was the year I, and now some of the “older” members of my home church, began to fellowship with Sergio Valori of the Reading, PA area. This relationship grew over the years and I began to relate to Sergio as a spiritual father in the faith. Eventually there was a joining as one with his vision and the need for spiritual maturity in the Church, the Body of Christ. Sergio’s heart was revealed through his messages and writings, as exemplified in the last book that he wrote, “On To Maturity” in 2014.
It was through Sergio’s semi-annual conferences, then called “Pastor’s Retreats,” that I was introduced to the ministry of Devern Fromke, author of books “Unto Full Stature,” “Ultimate Intention,” and “Life’s Ultimate Privileges” to name a few. Thus, the concept of spiritual growth or maturity for the believer and for the church was reinforced and made even clearer and enhanced through these two brothers. Also, it was in these conferences we were brought into contact with other ministries such as George Warnock and Gladdy Raj of India to name but a few.
In the early 1980’s I was one of a handful men Sergio Valori gathered together to seek to develop a corporate entity that would promote this vision of spiritual maturity in conferences, church visitations, newsletters and missions. Over the years this fellowship of ministries served this purpose, in general, though maintaining other goals as well. It was not until the death of Sergio Valori in June 2015 that some of us who were at that time very involved in this fellowship of ministries felt the call to bring forth a new ministry, not only being one with the vision upon the hearts of Valori, Fromke, et al, but to bring the spiritual reality of this vision into the working lives of the Church. It would be a more focused ministry.
On December 18, 2015, a meeting was held with Bill Corman, George Gelewski, James Koser, Gary Simmons, and myself to spend time together to prayerfully seek the mind of the Lord for His purpose and calling upon our lives and the possible calling forth of a corporate ministry. The time together was simply refreshing as there was such unity of minds and a kindred of spirits. Hearts were open and sensitive to one another as each spoke of the burden and vision upon them. There was such unity among us, and indeed by a strong encouragement from individuals and churches at home and abroad, that we determined to move directly and boldly forth in this emergent ministry, now called: Unto Full Stature Ministries.
The name, Unto Full Stature Ministries, reveals the nature and calling of this ministry:
“Unto” indicates a vision, a goal being pursued. Thus, it is a work in progress. Not everything in our Christian walk is “automatic,” but in reality there needs to be a continuing cooperative effort, governed by faith, between the individual and the work of the Holy Spirit. In Christ Jesus, there are beginnings, there are ongoing spiritual workings, and there is an ultimate, a goal, a destiny.
“Full Stature,” see Eph. 4.13, clearly portrays a fullness of that vision, as unto spiritual maturity or growth towards full spiritual stature. Eph. 4.13 speaks of the individual believer, as well as the corporate Church, becoming a mature man, towards a greater measure of the stature of Christ. Thus it speaks of character modification, of a functioning Body, and of spiritual and emotional stability.
“Ministries” indicates this is neither a single ministry nor a fellowship for various ministries, nor an evangelistic organization, pastor’s association, or a church. UFSM has received its calling to serve as a manifold-ministry to the Church and to individual members thereof. Paul said that he labored, striving, that he and others would “present every man perfect (mature) in Christ.” Col. 2.28,29. And Peter prayed that God would, “perfect, establish, strengthen and settle,” the Church. 1Peter 5.10 Thus the overarching and fundamental purpose for this ministry is for the building up (edification) of the Church to spiritually stable, established, and mature Christians and to a functioning Body of believers.
Thus, as a manifold-ministry (i.e., after the similitude of the workings of the five-fold ministries of Eph. 4.11, given to the Church for its maturity) UFSM’s goal is to serve the Church, the Body of Christ by the following means: a monthly newsletter with articles and messages for encouragement and edification; local church ministries; regional conferences; Silas Ministry conference for those seeking to begin walking in a ministry; and a website for posting teachings and announcements.
We ask for prayerful support and candid feedback from those receiving of this ministry.
