Dear participating church,
Welcome to the 2026 National Church Life Survey! Thank you for joining this project across Australian churches.
We're pleased to welcome your church to be part of the 2026 National Church Life Survey (NCLS) from August to October this year, alongside thousands of other churches nation-wide. The NCLS reaches 35 years in 2026, making it the longest-running study of church life in the world, and you're a part of it!
Your church matters. Wherever you’re located, and whatever your size, you’re welcome. Together, let’s reflect the full picture of church life across Australia.
The 2026 NCLS is for:
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Your church: Your church will gain a clearer understanding of your churchgoers, discern ways to strengthen your ministry and plan with confidence.
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The nation: Your voice will add to a powerful, collective story of church life, revealing trends and insights that serve the whole Australian society.
TIPS AND RESOURCES
Now that you've ordered your surveys, you can start to prepare for the survey.
The first thing to do is to choose WHEN:
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Set aside 20 minutes in an activity of spiritual nurture e.g. worship service, mass or small group, for your churchgoers to complete the Church Life Survey, some time in September or October.
Key dates and surveys
Be inspired and equipped
You can read local church stories to get inspired by how different churches use the NCLS to shape their ministry and support their leaders. You can get ready to run the survey at your church, using resources provided online including instructions for each survey type and promotional material.
Support is available for your church
Denominations will offer different types of support to their churches including administrative, financial and consultation. To check arrangements, contact your NCLS Regional Coordinator.
The NCLS Research team is also available to answer questions and support you. Start by checking the website or contact us via surveys@ncls.org.au.
If your local church will cover your own costs, then you should receive an invoice later in 2026.
Regular updates
We will stay in touch with regular emails throughout the coming months, with tips, encouragements and resources. Keep an eye on your inbox or go to 2026ncls.org.au for more information.
We hope your church will benefit from the 2026 NCLS, to nurture 'life to the full' in the health and vitality of your church and leaders.
We will stay in touch, so watch out for our next update!
Yours faithfully,
Prof Ruth Powell
Executive Director, NCLS Research on behalf of the Board and team.