Pastor Phil Jackson is a faith leader and community advocate dedicated to helping people, especially youth, live with purpose. Beginning his ministry in 1987 and later moving to Chicago in 1994, he became known for connecting deeply with individuals across cultural and spiritual backgrounds.

He founded The House Covenant Church in 2003, a hip-hop–influenced ministry that gained national attention, and later launched The Firehouse Community Arts Center of Chicago in 2006 to support young people through creativity and violence prevention, significantly impacting his community.

In addition to his ministry work, he co-authored The Hip-Hop Church and has been widely recognized for shaping conversations around faith and urban culture, earning praise from leaders like Michael Eric Dyson.

Highlights & Credentials
• Began ministry in 1987 in Kansas City; relocated to Chicago in 1994
• Former Youth Pastor and Associate Pastor at Lawndale Community Christian Church
• Founder of The House Covenant Church (2003), a pioneering hip-hop worship community
• Won a Midwest Emmy for a documentary called “Chicago at the Crossroad”
• Founder of The Firehouse Community Arts Center of Chicago (2006), serving youth impacted by violence
• Co-author of The Hip-Hop Church (InterVarsity Press, 2006), now in its 12th printing
• Lead Host of radio show on Sirus XM radio show on Holy Culture channel 140 called Church on the Block, real talk about Hip-Hop, The Church and the Streets.
• Hosted a youth radio show in Kansas City called, “Youth Alternative” and in Chicago Gospel 1390 called “Youth for Christ” Radio show.
• Published in theological journals and contributor to multiple books on youth ministry
• Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Trinity International University (Deerfield, IL)
• Master of Divinity, Northern Theological Seminary; John Perkins Scholar in Christian Community Development
• Recipient of the “Leaders of a New Chicago” award from the MacArthur Foundation and Field Foundation