Mission Illinois teams work alongside an existing church planter, church, or ministry. The teams can range is size from 2-6 and are committed to work 8-10 weeks. Their mission is to assist and existing ministry in “shining the light of Christ” into its community or people group. Students are needed to share the love of Christ with the estimated 9 million lost people of Illinois.
Mission Targets:
Chicago Ministries - Chicago is one of the most unreached cities in America. 9.5 million people live in the Chicago Metro area and it is estimated that 85% of those people do NOT know Jesus Christ. Student missionaries will be working with a church planter in the Chicago area assisting them in reaching their community. You might find yourself ministering in the shadow of Wrigley Field, sharing Christ with Nepali refugees, providing activities for low income children, leading a Bible Study on the nation’s largest community college, or helping International Students with their English skills.
Sandy Creek Association - Sandy Creek Association is made up of 32 churches in west central Illinois. It covers 5 counties along the Illinois River. Many of the churches in this area are small but have a desire to reach their community and see the youth and children of their congregation grow in their faith. Summer missionaries will have the opportunity to impact these communities through leadership in Vacation Bible School, sports camps, associational children’s camps and associational youth camps. Summer missionaries will be able to use their gifts in recreation, athletics, music, and Bible teaching. The association is also home to a Hispanic Ministry, so Spanish language skills would be an added bonus.
Missions Intern - The Illinois Baptist State Association is the state convention in Illinois which represents 1000 Southern Baptist Churches. The IBSA Missions team seeks to enlist, equip and engage Illinois Baptists to be on mission in each of their Acts 1:8 mission fields. The student missionary will serve as an intern with the Mission team and assist with organizing and leading state wide missions projects, summer missions camps and one international mission trip. This opportunity will allow the student use their creativity in promoting missions state-wide, communicating a missional life-style to the local church member, and personally invest in the lives of young men from across the state.
Lake Sallateeska Camp Staff/Missionary - Lake Sallateeska Baptist Camp is a facility that many churches and assotiations use as a location for summer camp and retreat activities. The purpose of our ministry is to create opportunities for children and adults to step out of the busy world and spend time seeking direction from God. Many will make decisions unto salvation and others will grow in their faith and commitment to Christ. The student missionary will be involved in regular camp staff duties such as cooking and housekeeping. More importantly, missionaries are encouraged to build relationships with the campers and seekopportunities to speak into their spiritual lives. This might come in the form of a listening ear, praying with a camper, sharing your testimony, or serving on a camp’s leadership team.
Like the name Parachute Illinois suggests, teams are “dropped off” in unreached areas of Illinois. These teams of four will commit 8-10 weeks to help cultivate the “spiritual soil” of a community in preparation for starting a new church. Their mission is simple:
Director, Evangelism, Discipleship, Student, Collegiate and Men's Ministries
Specialist, Regional Collegiate 
Ministry Assistant