Timeline

Key dates for the 2026 NCLS project

Adobestock 1793415633 Crop

The 2026 NCLS survey will be held in late 2026. In late 2025 denominational leaders are being consulted. Sign ups and surveys orders will be taken in mid 2026. Churches will complete the surveys from August to October 2026.

 

 

December 2025

First expressions of interest

Denominational leaders are being consulted in late 2025, regarding  participation in the 2026 NCLS. They are invited to express their interest by the end of 2025 to assist with planning, survey design and delivery models. 

 

 

Summary of key dates for local churches

 

DENOMINATIONAL CONSULTATION

by end of 2025
  • Denominations and Regions provide an initial ‘Expression of interest’
  • Note interest in extra questions
  • Likely approach to partnership

DENOMINATIONAL CONFIRMATION

by March 2026
  • Denominations and Regions confirm involvement
  • Confirm interest in own commissioned questions

DENOMINATIONS SIGN UP

January to July 2025
  • Update church lists (new churches, closures, changed contact details)
  • Co-design own survey questions
  • Promote to churches
  • Denominations place survey orders

ORDER

June-July 2026
  • Local churches who are signing up individually (not part of a denominational group order) place survey orders

COMPLETE

August to October 2026
  • August: Local Church Audit completed by one representative per church
  • August to October: Churches complete Church Life Surveys and Leader Surveys

RETURN

August to November 2026
  • Churches post any completed paper survey items to NCLS Research.

RECEIVE

November 2026 to March 2027
  • Local Church Audit reports released
  • Local churches receive own results
  • Denominations and regions receive results