Australian churches have lived through an extraordinary period of disruption and change. The last National Church Life Survey, conducted in 2021–22, took place during COVID-19, a moment that was anything but normal. So in 2026, the need for a fresh national snapshot of church life has never been greater. Have critical areas of church health recovered?
Churches in over 20 denominations will benefit from the NCLS this year, as an opportunity to listen and gain insights for future ministry.
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.
Will your church take part in the 2026 NCLS?
Sign up
The National Church Life Survey welcomes churches from over 20 denominations across each State and Territory in Australia. It is only possible when churches, like you choose to take part - large and small, rural and urban, from all faith traditions.
Surveys for your attenders are available in paper and online options and in several languages. More information is available about Survey Options.
View invitational brochure
View and share a brochure with more details for local churches.
Attend an information session
Join us for a short online information session for local church leaders.
Find your Coordinator
To check arrangements for your denomination or region, please contact your NCLS Regional Coordinator, or the NCLS Research team.
Sign up to take part
Find out how you can take part, view survey types and language options to choose from. Then order surveys for your church.