Timeline

2026 ncls 2026 National Church Life Survey National Church Life Survey

Key dates for the 2026 NCLS project

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The 2026 National Church Life Survey will be held from August to October 2026.

Sign ups and surveys orders will be taken up until mid 2026. 

 

 

 

December 2025- early 2026

First expressions of interest

Denominational leaders are being consulted into early 2026, regarding participation in the 2026 NCLS. They are invited to express their interest 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

April-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: One representative per church completes Local Church Activities Survey
  • September to October: Churches complete Attender 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 churches receive own results
  • Denominations and regions receive results