You are invited to participate in the 2026 National Church Life Survey.
What is the purpose of this study?
Since 1991, the National Church Life Survey (NCLS) has been conducted every five years with church attenders across Australia. The survey helps church attenders share their experiences, supports research for church ministry and mission, and provides statistics about churches.
Why have I been invited to participate?
Anyone aged 16 years or over who attends worship services or other spiritual nurture activities at this local church during the survey period is invited to participate.
What does it involve? Are there risks and benefits?
If you agree to participate, you will complete a paper or online survey about your faith background and views of this local church. A small number of surveys are variants on the main survey and include questions about wider issues of concern to churches. The survey takes about 20 minutes. There is no payment or guaranteed personal benefit. However, churches and leaders benefit from reports on church life and health.
How is this study being paid for?
The survey is funded through contributions from churches, 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 responses you submit as the survey is anonymous.
How will my confidentiality be protected?
Survey responses are anonymous and cannot be linked to you. Reports are produced when at least 10 responses are received. Any contact details are stored separately from survey responses. Data is stored securely on Microsoft OneDrive for Business and retained for long-term research.
What will happen to the information that I give you?
Local churches receive a Church Life Profile based on combined responses. Denominational leaders receive aggregated results across their churches, and researchers use the data to study church life. For the small number of commissioned questions included in the NCLS, clients will receive a 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.