The 2026 Church Activities Survey will take a snapshot of the life and impact of local churches across all communities.
It is sent to every church in Australia, regardless of whether they are participating in the 2026 National Church Life Survey.
The Church Activities Survey is:
- a single survey
- for a church leader or administrator, who has knowledge of the church's life and activities
- available in paper and online.
The Church Activities Survey has two key purposes:
Loving your neighbours
First, this survey will help tell the often-overlooked story of how churches serve their communities through care, generosity, and practical support.
When you share your local impact, you help reveal the bigger picture of the Church’s collective impact across Australia.
An updated pulse check
Second, your responses provide a post-COVID pulse check of church life, helping identify key changes and emerging opportunities.
Together, your input builds a clearer picture of the Church’s vitality and mission in this season.
What do you need to complete the Church Activities Survey at your church?
A Church Activities Survey will be mailed to every church in Australia, for completion during August.
Check your mailing for:
- Cover Letter with your NCLS Church Code
- Church Activities Survey- paper survey and online option
- Return envelope
NOTE: You will need your Church Code to complete the survey. Please wait to receive your Survey in the mail, with your Church Code.
Complete it on paper or online
A church administrator or leader with knowledge of the church life and activities can complete the survey using the paper form or the online survey.
N.B. Protestant and Anglican Multi-site churches or parishes will complete one Church Census for each church location. Catholic Multi-site parishes will complete one Church Census for the parish as a whole.
AUGUST:
Please complete the Church Activities Survey for your church during August and return to NCLS Research.
What's Next?
You will need your Church Code to complete the survey. Please wait to receive your Survey in the mail, with your Church Code.
Following the completion of this survey by all participating churches, your information will add to a number of national reports about all churches.
For example, watch out for the free National Faith Impact Report where, in partnership with NAYBA Australia, the impact of local church efforts and services will be given a dollar value, and a positive national story shared.
This Census year, thank you for helping us to tell the story of the positive impact of local churches across Australia.