Book ReviewStrategic Management of ST Rocket Models at the Bible Center Building

 

Service in churches and Christian organizations is not only about spiritual activities, but also about how the organization is run well, honestly, and responsibly. For that, it takes a leader who has a clear vision and can lead the organization towards long-term goals that impact many people.

 

This is what Rev. Dr. Henriette T. Hutabarat Lebang, Chairperson of the Indonesian Bible Institute (LAI), had to say during the launch and book review of a book by Dr. Sigit Triyono, General Secretary of LAI, entitled "ST Rocket Model Strategic Management for Non-Profit Organizations."

 

According to Henriette, who is familiarly called Rev. Erry, leadership in Christian organizations is not only about managerial skills, but also about spiritual accountability before God. Sigit's book, she said, was born from real experiences during his years of service at LAI. He emphasized the importance of a strategy that unites the vision and mission of the organization into a consistent and measurable work program.

 

Often, organizations already have a good vision and mission, but it stops just as a slogan. The vision is not followed up with concrete steps and a comprehensive strategy. Henriette also reminded that church services and non-profit organizations should be managed holistically and should not neglect the management aspect.

 

Pdt. Erry did not forget to quote the teaching from Matthew 25 about talents, which emphasizes that God has given abilities to everyone to be developed for the common good. Therefore, wise and God-fearing leaders are needed in running an organization.

 

Meanwhile, Adri Lazuardi, Chairman of BPK Penabur Foundation who was also a speaker at the event, highlighted the fact that many non-profit organizations are ultimately unable to survive. The reason, Adri said, is because there are no leaders who have a long-term view and no system that maintains the sustainability of services.

 

As the head of a non-profit foundation, Adri disagrees with the view that non-profit organizations should not seek profit. According to him, it is not wrong if a foundation makes a profit. Because non-profit organizations must continue to live and carry out their vision and services in a sustainable manner. What is important is how the profits are reused to better serve the community.

 

Dr. Sigit Triyono as the author of the book explained that many non-profit organizations have managed to survive for hundreds of years because they are led by committed and visionary people. He cited the examples of St. Carolus Hospital and PGI Cikini Hospital, as well as famous Christian schools such as De Brito and Kanisius High Schools, all of which are more than 100 years old and still exist today.

 

In his book, Sigit introduces the "ST Rocket Model" approach. The name was chosen because the scheme resembles a rocket — signifying upward and forward movement, and contains a complete range of strategic management elements. ST also stands for “Sinar Terang”, as a symbol that all strategies and ministries should stem from God's light.

 

This model was developed from direct experience in the field and reviewed based on the theory and practice that the author has undergone in his capacity as a leader of a for-profit organization and in  leading and assisting various non-profit organizations. This approach has been used in various church institutions and foundations, such as GKPS, GBKP, HKBP, GMI, as well as other educational and social service institutions. It has also been used in the business world to design strategic plans in the retail industry and consulting services.

 

Through this book, Sigit hopes that leaders of organizations, both churches and social and business institutions, can be inspired to lead with a clear vision and strategy, so that the services carried out can continue to grow and have a broad impact.