You are invited to participate in the 2026 NCLS Leader Survey.
What is the purpose of this study?
Since 1996, the National Church Life Survey (NCLS) has included a Leader Survey. The Leader Survey helps church leaders to share their experiences of ministry and views about church life, and reflect on their wellbeing and motivation. The survey enables research for church ministry and mission and provides a foundation for church denominations and regions to support their leaders.
Why have I been invited to participate?
The Leader Survey is for people aged 18+ in ministry/pastoral leadership roles e.g. senior minister, pastor, priest and anyone (lay or ordained, staff or non-staff) in a significant position of ministry. This includes any clergy, those who lead ministry to children or youth, people who serve on your church’s council or board etc.
What does it involve? Are there risks and benefits?
If you agree to participate, you will complete a paper or online survey about the ministry you undertake, your background (such as age and gender), your wellbeing, your motivations for ministry and your views about this local church. If you are a clergy person or the principal lay person at your church, you will also be invited to share your views about wider social issues in relation to your church. The survey takes 30-40 minutes to complete. There is no payment or guaranteed personal benefit. However, the results from the survey may help church denominations and regions to better support their leaders.
How is this study being paid for?
The survey is funded through contributions from churches and denominations, advertising, commissioned research, and sponsorships.
What if I don't want to take part? What if I participate and want to withdraw later?
The survey is voluntary. You do not have to take part and you can stop filling out the survey at any time. You cannot withdraw any responses you submit because the survey is anonymous.
How will my confidentiality be protected?
NCLS Research separates church-identifying material from Leader Survey datasets so that your responses cannot be linked to you. Data is stored securely on Microsoft OneDrive for Business and retained for long-term research. If you wish to receive your own personalised results or general results from the Leader Survey, you will be given an opportunity to provide your email address. Your email address (if you provide it) will be stored separately from your survey data and will only be used to return your results to you via a secure online portal.
What will happen to the information that I give you?
Regional and denominational leaders receive aggregated results from the Leader Survey across their churches, and researchers use de-identified data to study church life. Results are not provided to regional/denominational leaders if fewer than 10 of their leaders participate. For the small number of commissioned questions included in the Leader Survey, clients will receive an aggregated results report.
Who should I contact if I have concerns about the conduct of this study?
This project has been approved by Charles Sturt University’s Human Research Ethics Committee. For concerns or complaints, contact: The Presiding Officer, Human Research Ethics Committee. Research Integrity Unit, Charles Sturt University Locked Bag 588, Wagga Wagga NSW 2678. Phone: (02) 6933 4213. Email: ethics@csu.edu.au
All concerns will be treated confidentially, investigated thoroughly, and you will be informed of the outcome.
Thank you.
Researchers: Professor Ruth Powell, Dr Miriam Pepper, Dr Sam Sterland & Carole Gan
NCLS Research
& Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture,
Charles Sturt University
Charles Sturt University - TEQSA Provider Identification: PRV12018 (Australian University) | CRICOS Provider: 00005F | ABN: 83 878 708 551.