Held every year during the first week of November, the IBSA Annual Meeting is a gathering of messengers and guests from the roughly 900 member churches of the Illinois Baptist State Association.

Functionally, it is the business meeting of the state network. Anyone can come as a guest but to have an active vote in the business sessions requires being sent as an elected messenger from an IBSA church. To learn how to become a messenger see the Messenger Info tab above.

During the business sessions committee reports are presented and voted on. There are opportunities for directions and input from voting messengers. Reports from national and state Southern Baptist Partners are heard. New churches are welcomed into the family.

While the three sessions held over two days serve as the business meeting for the Association, they are more than just business. It’s an opportunity to hear about what God is doing through Southern Baptist supported ministries across the state and around the world. Participants experience vibrant worship and hear dynamic preaching. New relationships are built with like-minded, gospel-focused Illinois Baptists through smaller ministry group gatherings and casual conversations. Old friendships are renewed with ministry friends from around the state.

It is preceded by the IBSA Pastor’s Conference. This event features worship and preaching and is run entirely by a small team of nominated and elected IBSA pastors. While the format may change year to year, depending on the planning team, the conference always features a mix of passionate preaching from in-state and nationally known pastors.

The 2024 IBSA Annual Meeting is held at Ashburn Baptist Church in Orland Park November 13-14.