Chosen People Ministries’ work in the greater Philadelphia area includes university campus outreaches and student ministry, Bible studies, discipleship, and holiday celebrations. Our missionaries preach in and partner with local churches to provide much-needed training in Jewish evangelism.
Philadelphia
About Our Work in Philadelphia
300,000
Jewish Population
5
Staff
Staff Serving Philadelphia
Regional Leadership
Robert Walter
New York Regional Director
History of Jewish Work in Philadelphia
In 1931, a group of Philadelphia pastors came together to evangelize the immigrant Jewish population in the Girard/northern Philadelphia area. This group came to be known as the Christian Approach to the Jews (CATJ). In the 1960s and early 1970s, many Jewish people came to faith through the Jesus People movement. One couple, Joe and Deb Finkelstein, opened their home in Overbrook (West Philadelphia) to young Jewish people. There, they hosted many discussions, Bible studies, discipleship meetings, and small concerts at “Fink’s Zoo.” Two additional Messianic congregations began at this time. In 2011, Messiah Now Ministries integrated into Chosen People Ministries.