Invitation for Churches
All Australian churches are invited to take part in the eight nationwide survey of churchgoers – the 2026 NCLS.
Hundreds of thousands of voices will contribute to the most comprehensive view of church life in the world.
We can help you…
- know your church attenders better, their strengths, hopes and how they engage with their local church, especially during a time of crises
- gain insights on church health, leadership, inclusion, wellbeing, spiritual beliefs and practices.
About the Survey
The 5 yearly ‘National Church Life Survey’, is run by NCLS Research and has been held alongside the national Census every 5 years, in 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016 and 2021. Involving hundreds of thousands of churchgoers in thousands of churches, each cycle, it is the largest longitudinal study of church life in the world.
As the landscape of ministry evolves, so the National Church Life Survey (NCLS) remains innovative, with customisable survey options and practical life-giving processes, to help churches get the most out of their survey results.
While the NCLS speaks to the nation with such a broad perspective, it also captures the individual congregation, its hopes and its journey. Our prayer and hope is to help your church find life to the full and discern steps for the future.
We hope that your church will participate in the 2026 NCLS.
Dr Ruth Powell
NCLS Research Director
on behalf of the NCLS Research Board of Governors and staff
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Expressions of interest
Local churches can express their interest in participating in the 2026 NCLS here.