The Illinois Baptist State State Association is an association of messengers from over 1,000 Illinois Southern Baptist churches and missions cooperating to achieve common goals. The purpose of IBSA is to assist in establishing and developing effective churches in their context.

We see Jesus as our Master, His Great Commission as our mandate, and healthy, multiplying churches as our primary means of making disciples throughout Illinois, our nation and world.

With compassion for spiritually lost people and anticipation of Jesus' return, we will work cooperatively with local associations and other partners to:

- Strengthen existing churches in fulfilling their biblical purpose;
- Start healthy new churches designed to reach new groups of people;
- Send believers into local, state, national and world mission fields to proclaim the Gospel and serve others in the name of Christ; and
- Stimulate stewardship among churches so that God's resources flow faithfully and generously through His people to His worldwide redemptive mission.