October 21 update - Thousands of people are completing their surveys

As churchgoers take part, we provide media updates and resources, as well we focus on the New Churches Survey

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Thank you for joining us in the 2026 National Church Life Survey! 
This week, we give you the latest news on thousands of churchgoers now actively completing their surveys, as well as details about the New Churches Survey and some insights it brings into church plants and new congregations.  

 

 

21 October, 2026

Dear participating church,

Thousands of people all over the country are completing their surveys!

If you search for 'National Church Life Survey' on social media, you'll see a stream of churches posting videos, photos and slides to help their churchgoers take part. Have a browse and grab some ideas from other churches on how to promote the NCLS at your church.

In coming weeks, make sure your church completes your Attender Surveys, Child Surveys (if ordered), Leader Surveys and Church Activities Survey. If your church has begun since 2011, you are invited to complete a New Churches Survey, now available online: newchurches.ncls.au

A huge thanks to YOU as a local church administrator. Without you, this project wouldn't be possible. You enable churches to learn from churches, to gain insights into modern church life.

 

It's here, it's there, it's everywhere.

Local churches, denominations and the media are spreading the word far and wide as churches take part. Use our NCLS media resources with your church!

Use our NCLS media resources with your church!

 

 

NEW CHURCHES
If your church has begun since 2011, invite a church leader to complete the 2026 New Churches Survey 

 

The New Churches Survey is ONLY for churches begun from 2011 onwards. It is a single survey, for a primary church leader, available in paper and online. 

 

 

 

Insights on church plants and new congregations

We have surveyed new churches around Australia over a number of years. So, what what will this year reveal? The 2026 NCLS New Churches Survey will help us find out.
In the 2024 Snapshot of New Churches, we saw that

  • New churches were started in all states and territories of Australia.
  • Seven in ten churches had a link to a parent body.
  • All churches met in person and 9% met online.

For more detail, read the article or download the free reports.

 

Report: Snapshot of new churches in Australia: 2024

 

Report: Growth, decline and planting by Australian churches

 

TO DO

 

  • If you're a new church since 2011, in your Survey Kit, find your Church Code, and your New Churches Survey and delegate it to one church leader to complete.  

 

 

TIPS AND RESOURCES   

Want more details on each of the surveys you will receive? Click below to get ready! Or, for an overview of surveys, go to survey options.

 

 

From July on, all participating are receiving regular email updates with tips, encouragements and resources for the surveys.

Need to see all the updates? You can find them all in one place online. Click here

 

 

About our Sponsors

This update has been supported by sponsorship from SU Chaplaincy and The Boys' Brigade. We invite you to review their material to evaluate its suitability for your context.

The inclusion of advertising does not constitute an endorsement or approval by NCLS Research of any products, services, or opinions.

 

We are glad your church is joining in the 2026 NCLS! Our hope and prayer is that this reflective experience provides an effective way to strengthen your own church's health, as well as to shape future ministry in Australia. Watch out for our next update!

Yours faithfully,
Prof Ruth Powell

Executive Director, NCLS Research on behalf of the Board and team.