Book Review: Dallas and the Spitfire

Discipleship and cappuccinos often go together like evangelism and street corners. There’s value in the right context, but there’s more to the doctrine than a once-a-week ‘spiritual check-up’ at your local Starbucks. This, at least, is the picture Ted Kluck paints for us in his latest book, Dallas and the Spitfire.

Meet Ted: a thirty-four-year-old happily married, suburban dad who grew up going to church. And Dallas: a twenty-one-year-old cocaine addict, and ex-con, who met Jesus at a Rescue Mission during rehab. Ted’s freelancing work as a sports writer – as well as his experience playing semi-pro football – sees him mixing with some real gritty characters, giving him an edge when he meets with Dallas as a mentor.

Ted and Dallas quickly realise that if they want to have a meaningful discipleship experience, chatting over latte every now and then just isn’t going to cut it. Their personalities, and Ted’s understanding of discipleship, aren’t suited to the coffee shop scene. Ted says:

“The book-and-coffee model of discipleship seems semi-absurd to me, partly because we don’t see Jesus doing this. Jesus taught, He led by example, He came alongside, and He healed.” (p. 32)

Instead, they consider their hobbies and interests, and – after a few rounds in the boxing ring in Ted’s basement (seriously) – they decide to buy and restore a 1974 Triumph Spitfire. Dallas is gifted in auto-mechanics and while Ted expresses a love for cars, he doesn’t have the slightest idea how to take one apart and fix it. One of the things that makes this book so refreshing is Ted’s anecdotal humour* and humility in expressing his weaknesses. Whether it’s something as practical as car maintenance, or as personal as his relationships; Ted is real with his readers.

This book demonstrates that discipleship is relationship. Ted quickly assumes a father-like role, and often compares the worries and frustrations he has with Dallas to his life as a parent. It’s obvious from the start that Ted has a real burden to see Dallas live his whole life for Christ, and because of this he’s careful to help him keep a safe distance from his old lifestyle and temptations. To Dallas, Ted is a father, a pastor and a friend. The challenge for the Church is to disciple each other in this way; with real love and genuine relationship, 24/7.

*(The footnotes on each page are a ‘must-read’ to appreciate Ted’s dry wit).

Liked this? Read about another one of Ted’s books, Hello, I Love You

This review can also be found on The Good Bookstall website