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Christ at the Coffee Shop
Christ at the Coffee Shop's
message speaks to the hearts of common people because it magnifies a God of the common places, the omnipotent Deity who happens to choose to make Himself known in the course of everyday events. Many of us would like to see God but can't find Him, believing that He only expresses Himself through blinding insights of peak experiences of some sort. If we must travel to the mountaintops to see God most of us will miss Him. This book brings Him near.
Growing up on a small farm in Tennessee before earning degrees from Harding University and Tennessee Technological University, Nathan has spent a lot of time with simple living, hard work, and everyday people. In Houston, Texas, where he does most of his work nowadays, Nathan sees a different side of the world where life is a little more complicated and the labor is not with his hands, but the people themselves are not much different. Nathan lives his life among the commonplace and sees a tremendous need for a God who is comfortable there.
Growing up on a small farm in Tennessee before earning degrees from Harding University and Tennessee Technological University, Nathan has spent a lot of time with simple living, hard work, and everyday people. In Houston, Texas, where he does most of his work nowadays, Nathan sees a different side of the world where life is a little more complicated and the labor is not with his hands, but the people themselves are not much different. Nathan lives his life among the commonplace and sees a tremendous need for a God who is comfortable there.
166 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 9, 2022
Not What I Expected
When I first picked up this book, I was uncertain. Though I enjoy reading about religion, studying theology is quite different from devotions or testimonials of faith. It can get dangerous moving from the objective to the subjective, so I tend to avoid it in this topic. However, I was pleasantly surprised by this text.
There were several things I actually liked about this book. For starters, Jesus liked to speak in parables. I appreciated the way the author used a modern version of that, sharing his examples in forms of short stories to illustrate the points he was trying to make. It was a marvelous way to clearly show readers what Mr. Ingram was saying, and it made the book enjoyable as well as relatable.
In addition, I felt the author remained neutral. He didn't try to convert anyone. Instead, the purpose of his book was to get one to ask questions and look at everyday happenings with new eyes. Mr. Ingram uses powerful tales that make you consider situations we've all experienced at one time or another. It's compelling.
I recommend this book. Honestly, I didn't think I would nor that I'd like it as much as I did. The kindness, easy-manner, and sincerity of the writer is what made the difference for me. It wasn't judgmental. It wasn't condemning. This read was just about wishing everyone to see the love and light in the simplest elements of life, even when it seems the darkest.
Just a lovely message of hope.
When I first picked up this book, I was uncertain. Though I enjoy reading about religion, studying theology is quite different from devotions or testimonials of faith. It can get dangerous moving from the objective to the subjective, so I tend to avoid it in this topic. However, I was pleasantly surprised by this text.
There were several things I actually liked about this book. For starters, Jesus liked to speak in parables. I appreciated the way the author used a modern version of that, sharing his examples in forms of short stories to illustrate the points he was trying to make. It was a marvelous way to clearly show readers what Mr. Ingram was saying, and it made the book enjoyable as well as relatable.
In addition, I felt the author remained neutral. He didn't try to convert anyone. Instead, the purpose of his book was to get one to ask questions and look at everyday happenings with new eyes. Mr. Ingram uses powerful tales that make you consider situations we've all experienced at one time or another. It's compelling.
I recommend this book. Honestly, I didn't think I would nor that I'd like it as much as I did. The kindness, easy-manner, and sincerity of the writer is what made the difference for me. It wasn't judgmental. It wasn't condemning. This read was just about wishing everyone to see the love and light in the simplest elements of life, even when it seems the darkest.
Just a lovely message of hope.
December 24, 2015
An incredibly delightful book full of short stories that illustrate how God’s presence shows up in the simplest of places, the most ordinary circumstances and the some of the most typical experiences of life. And yet… as author Nathan Ingram ingeniously points out in story after story, God’s presence enlightens our lives and changes our hearts, time and time again.
It’s an easy read, a compelling read, and even a delightful read. It will be sure to encourage you.
It’s an easy read, a compelling read, and even a delightful read. It will be sure to encourage you.
July 21, 2022
The Review
This was a unique and powerful read. The author did an amazing job of taking the ordinary and seemingly mundane actions of everyday life and giving voice to some powerful perceptions from the author's point of view. The hope and kindness that pours out of the author's stories were great to read, as it helped give voice to those who experience hardship through their everyday lives and not necessarily through more public events, and allowed readers to feel connected as well, as these situations were all things we either have or can experience at one point or another in our own lives.
It was the way in which the author wrote that really stood out to me. Whether you are a believer or not, you will enjoy the almost fable or parable (depending on one’s POV) that the author took with this direction of storytelling. The story of the man whose wife left him and the simple turn of phrase that the author utilized to help him was a short read, and yet made a powerful impact both emotionally and within the context of the narrative, making this book something many readers will want to be a part of.
The Verdict
Heartfelt, honest, and engaging, author Nathan Ingram’s “Christ at the Coffee Shop” is a must-read short story collection. The simplicity is layered with complexity and emotional development that very few books manage to capture in such a short amount of time, and yet the hopeful tone the author strikes and the ability for this book’s stories to transcend any one particular faith is a great thing to read.
This was a unique and powerful read. The author did an amazing job of taking the ordinary and seemingly mundane actions of everyday life and giving voice to some powerful perceptions from the author's point of view. The hope and kindness that pours out of the author's stories were great to read, as it helped give voice to those who experience hardship through their everyday lives and not necessarily through more public events, and allowed readers to feel connected as well, as these situations were all things we either have or can experience at one point or another in our own lives.
It was the way in which the author wrote that really stood out to me. Whether you are a believer or not, you will enjoy the almost fable or parable (depending on one’s POV) that the author took with this direction of storytelling. The story of the man whose wife left him and the simple turn of phrase that the author utilized to help him was a short read, and yet made a powerful impact both emotionally and within the context of the narrative, making this book something many readers will want to be a part of.
The Verdict
Heartfelt, honest, and engaging, author Nathan Ingram’s “Christ at the Coffee Shop” is a must-read short story collection. The simplicity is layered with complexity and emotional development that very few books manage to capture in such a short amount of time, and yet the hopeful tone the author strikes and the ability for this book’s stories to transcend any one particular faith is a great thing to read.
September 17, 2026
Christ at the Coffee Shop is a deeply human and thoughtful collection of stories that invites readers to look again at the ordinary moments of life and recognize the possibility of grace, hope, and God's presence within them. What makes the book especially touching is its understanding that many people do not need another distant or complicated explanation of faith. They need reassurance that their ordinary lives, struggles, relationships, and quiet moments matter.
Nathan Ingram's storytelling gives that message a gentle and personal quality. The stories do not simply speak about faith as an abstract idea. They connect faith with the experiences people actually carry with them, including pain, uncertainty, relationships, disappointment, hope, and the search for meaning. That human dimension is what gives the book emotional warmth and makes its message accessible.
The book's central idea is particularly memorable: God does not have to be sought only in extraordinary places or extraordinary experiences. He can be encountered in the common places of life. That perspective gives the collection a comforting quality for readers who may be going through difficult seasons or simply need a reminder to slow down and notice the meaning within everyday experiences.
The response from readers reflects that emotional connection. Goodreads currently lists the book at 4.46 from 41 ratings and 14 reviews, while published reviews have highlighted its warmth, sincerity, hope, and ability to make ordinary experiences feel spiritually meaningful
Nathan Ingram's storytelling gives that message a gentle and personal quality. The stories do not simply speak about faith as an abstract idea. They connect faith with the experiences people actually carry with them, including pain, uncertainty, relationships, disappointment, hope, and the search for meaning. That human dimension is what gives the book emotional warmth and makes its message accessible.
The book's central idea is particularly memorable: God does not have to be sought only in extraordinary places or extraordinary experiences. He can be encountered in the common places of life. That perspective gives the collection a comforting quality for readers who may be going through difficult seasons or simply need a reminder to slow down and notice the meaning within everyday experiences.
The response from readers reflects that emotional connection. Goodreads currently lists the book at 4.46 from 41 ratings and 14 reviews, while published reviews have highlighted its warmth, sincerity, hope, and ability to make ordinary experiences feel spiritually meaningful
September 1, 2022
The last story in this book is titled Christ in the Common. That nicely sums up what it is all about. The author and I share the belief that a coffee shop is a common place where one may encounter God and witness His wonder through experiences and interaction with people. Not all the stories in this book take place in a coffee shop, but they are consistent in showing how God shows up in everyday events.
Nathan Ingram has a knack for storytelling. His depiction of human interaction and life events and how they relate to scriptural teaching is enjoyable and relaxing. Reading this book felt like I was sitting across from the author, over a cup of coffee, as he told me of the people he had met and their personal tales of life. Each story leaves the reader excited to hear more. I recommend this book and am sure it will bless you as much as it did me.
Nathan Ingram has a knack for storytelling. His depiction of human interaction and life events and how they relate to scriptural teaching is enjoyable and relaxing. Reading this book felt like I was sitting across from the author, over a cup of coffee, as he told me of the people he had met and their personal tales of life. Each story leaves the reader excited to hear more. I recommend this book and am sure it will bless you as much as it did me.
December 11, 2022
God is everywhere
God is everywhere if we just look for him. Sometimes we have to be the person who is”God” to show others that there is still good in the world. Say hi to a stranger, pay for someone’s meal or coffee. Let someone go in front of you in line, listen to someone’s problems these things. Be the kind. It will come back to you some day.
God is everywhere if we just look for him. Sometimes we have to be the person who is”God” to show others that there is still good in the world. Say hi to a stranger, pay for someone’s meal or coffee. Let someone go in front of you in line, listen to someone’s problems these things. Be the kind. It will come back to you some day.
July 9, 2022
Learning to recognize God.
This book might help people open their eyes to God being at work in their everyday lives.
Even the devil believes in God (James 2:19 NASB) so with such a well known "person" (God) around it seems important that we should know him better.
This book might help people open their eyes to God being at work in their everyday lives.
Even the devil believes in God (James 2:19 NASB) so with such a well known "person" (God) around it seems important that we should know him better.
July 6, 2024
Finding God in the common places of our everyday lives. How many of us slow down enough to do that? This book may just give you the encouragement you need to stop and seek God in the most unlikely people and places. God bless you Nathan Ingram. Write something else, please.
June 18, 2022
Not just the coffee shop
A book for everyone. Thought provoking. Worth contemplating. Time spent with this book allows for inner growth.
Try it yourself
A book for everyone. Thought provoking. Worth contemplating. Time spent with this book allows for inner growth.
Try it yourself
October 5, 2022
Nothing impressive. It’s a coffee table book or for a waiting area of a doctor’s office.
June 27, 2022
God of all and in All
I read this slowly, one or two stories at a time, so I could digest it like a delicious long banquet. I highly recommend it for everyone who loves Jesus.
I read this slowly, one or two stories at a time, so I could digest it like a delicious long banquet. I highly recommend it for everyone who loves Jesus.
July 20, 2022
When an individual will open their heart, share their life stories and experiences in a way that touches others, consider time well spend (invested) in reading Christ at the Coffee Shop.
Nathan Ingram does an excellent job sharing the lessons learned as a child - some lessons are best learned by reading others' journeys.
Travel with Nathan in this delightful read; learn well and remember the lessons.
Thank you for opening your heart and soul.
Nathan Ingram does an excellent job sharing the lessons learned as a child - some lessons are best learned by reading others' journeys.
Travel with Nathan in this delightful read; learn well and remember the lessons.
Thank you for opening your heart and soul.
August 1, 2008
An interesting little read written by the owner of a clinic I worked at as a student in Houston, Texas. Just some simple thoughts on how he, and we, sees God everyday if he looks for him. It's actually pretty good.
August 17, 2014
Nathan Ingram uses common sense illustrations to communicate life lessons with God's word. This book has the ability to encourage anyone.
March 21, 2015
very good short stories!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews