Lesson 11: Abate on Leadership

At one time, I was the unofficial chaplain of our local Abate chapter (Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education). That involved burying young men who were killed riding motorcycles. One of the perks was getting to know Redman, who taught me valuable lessons about leadership. I often reflect on them when trying to understand how Trump could ascend to power.

For instance, he knew which members of his club could contribute to its leadership and which needed to be told what to do. As a good leader, he respected both. Redman made sure he listened to what the first group said and carefully directed the second without taking advantage of their simpleness.

Watching Trump rallies leads me to believe that the president- elect understands his power over this second group. However, unlike Redman, he uses it not to serve their needs but to gain personal advantage.

Let me give you three examples. At our first service together, I noticed Redman was making very studied moves and the Abate people were following them all. For instance, he carefully took a red kerchief from his pocket to dab his eyes. Immediately every other member did the same. He was showing them how to mourn in a funeral service and he was teaching me a valuable lesson on liturgy.

Trump uses that kind of liturgy at his rallies but not to promote respect and unity. His ritual leads his followers in mockery, divisiveness, demonizing, and bigotry.

Second, after the service at the grave, the family’ of the dead young man invited all back to their house. Redman then named those who could attend and announced they all would meet at 7pm that evening for their own party. When I asked him afterwards what was going on he explained he named those who could handle a respectable reception knowing the others would only embarrass themselves. Notice he said “embarrass themselves” not the rest of us. He did not want to place his friends in a situation that would make them ashamed of themselves.

I fail to see any of that care in Trump’s treatment of his naïve followers. He continually capitalizes on their lack of knowledge to use them for his own purposes.

A third example took place at another funeral. Before we began, Redman asked if he could read a letter from the dead boy’s best friend. He warned me it was written from prison. As usual, I said I respected his judgment and hoped the letter would be appropriate. It was not only appropriate; it was perhaps the best tribute I heard in my long ministry.

Afterwards when I said that to Redman, he responded that I still thought his people were all ignorant know-nothings. He obviously knew better. All his people had gifts and one of his responsibilities was helping them utilize them. Redman has died and our community has lost a tremendous leader.

In a world where it is assumed the powerful use people to win what they want, Redman personified Jesus’ teaching that the leader is servant. And he understood an aspect of that we usually miss. Good leadership is primarily focused on taking care of the weak. The strong do not need help to get what they want. The weak can always use a little help from those who love them.

Tags: Abate Leadership, Christians Post Election Challenge, Jesus and Trump, Jesus Teaches Character, Jesus Teachings and Project 2025, Leader as Servant, Leadership and Liturgy, Leadership of the Weak, Teaching and Election, Voting on Person or Policy