Questions and Answers About the Philadelphia Bible Society

What is the mission of the Philadelphia Bible Society?

Our mission is the distribution of Holy Scriptures free of charge in Philadelphia and the surrounding area.

 

How long has this work been carried on?

Since 1838 we have been continuously distributing scripture portions.

 

How are the scriptures distributed?

We use are own staff of volunteer missionaries, give grants of scriptures to other Christian ministries and directly at conferences, outreaches, and street Evangelism.

 

Where do the missionaries serve?

There are a number of hospitals and nursing homes where our volunteers go room-to-room. They also give scriptures in various other places where they have opportunities.

What materials are used?

Complete books of Proverbs, Psalms, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts and Romans. Bibles and New Testaments are provided as appropriate. We also use a number of books of selected scripture verses, versions include King James, New King James, New International, Today's English and Contemporary English. Spanish scriptures are available, and other languages may be obtained.

Are the missionaries recognized by the institutions?

Yes in each case the work has been approved. Some facilities include our workers in their volunteer program. In others we report to Patient Relations, the Chaplin, or the front desk.
We carry an attractive, labeled carrying case, and often wear an identification badge as required.

Is every hospital and facility in the Delaware Valley Served?

No, our service has not reached a number of hospitals and nursing homes, but we are available for any facilities which we may serve.
Some hospitals accept a supply of books and Bibles for use by their chaplains.

How does the Philadelphia Bible Society help the missionaries?

A new missionary is trained by another missionary who is familiar with the method of serving. After an orientation they pray and read scripture together, then begin to give out the books. It is God's Word they are giving and He makes it all possible.
The missionaries may also be reimbursed for travel expenses.

How much time will it take?

Depending on the size of the facility, it may take from one to five hours each visit. According to your schedule, you could serve on weekdays, evenings, Saturday or Sunday. You may serve one or more facilities.

Do you need more missionaries?

This would be an answer to prayer. The needs in the Philadelphia area continue to grow, new care facilities for medical and elderly, prisons, half-way houses rehabilitation, etc.

How do grants work?

Churches and other ministries complete an application describing their work. Upon acceptance scriptures are given without charge within the guidelines of the grant program.

What kind of ministries receive grants?

We support a variety of Christian work, such as prison ministries, addiction rehabilitation, after school and released-time programs, homeless shelters, community evangelism, missions, funeral homes, food kitchens and support groups. Some are in partnership with Philadelphia area churches and some are independent.

What other places are served?

Our board and volunteers give the Word of God at missionary conferences, church outreaches, community evangelism programs, youth detention facilities, street witnessing, etc.

How is the Society organized?

There is a board of Managers, which includes officers, an executive director and executive assistant.

Who pays for the material?

Since the Philadelphia Bible Society was founded in 1838 and chartered in 1848, the work has been supported by gifts from God's people who desire to See the Word of God put into people's hands on a regular basis.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1

The Lord gave the Word; great was the company of those who proclaimed it.  Psalm 68:11