Project Philip

Locked up, afraid, unsure of the future . . . Being arrested and put in jail is a traumatic, life-challenging experience.  You may have committed a crime, or you may just have been in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Each year, more than 75,000 men and teenagers are arrested and put in prison at Chicago’s Cook County Jail.

The Chicago Bible Society, in partnership with the Bible League and the chaplains at Cook County Jail, have created a program to reach those in prison with God’s life-changing Word.  Project Philip is a 10 to 12 week Bible study that leads a group of 12-18 inmates through the basic knowledge of the Bible.  Lead by a chaplain/group leader, the format allows for sharing and mentoring as well as learning content.

Since 2007, the program has enrolled nearly 1,000 inmates, with a graduation rate of close to 90%.  A large number come into the program with only a vague knowledge of Christianity.  As of 2013, 469 inmates have made a first time commitment to follow Christ.