Project Philip

Jail is a lonely place.  While the world may say “Forget them,” God has not forgotten them.  St. Paul tells us that we should “Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them,” (Hebrews 13:3) 

Since 2007, Chicago Bible Society has been sponsoring a Bible study and small group program at Cook County Jail called Project Philip, and it has touched the lives of thousands.

Typically meeting twice each week over a twelve-week period, Project Philip is organized as six separate groups in the four of the main divisions of the jail.  Two groups are in the women’s section, and other rest are in the men’s sections: with one English and one Spanish language group in each section.  Each group has between 12 and 18 inmates participating at a time, with multiple groups meeting over the course of the year. 

Since the program started, we have had an 83% graduation rate.  In 2023, we had a record number of inmates participate: 307 enrolled and 259 graduated.  These inmates often become evangelist within their own section. As a result, 360 inmates have made a faith commitment.