NCLS Research - Invitation to churches

Australian churches have lived through an extraordinary period of disruption and change. The last National Church Life Survey, conducted in 2021–22, took place during COVID-19, a moment that was anything but normal.

So in 2026, the need for a fresh national snapshot of church life has never been greater. Have critical areas of church health recovered?

Why encourage your church to take part?

Locally: the NCLS helps your church to understand your churchgoers, strengthen your health and plan for the future. Churches can learn from each other.
Nationally: your church contributes to a vital picture of church life across Australia, highlighting national trends and informing wider society.

Churches in over 20 denominations will benefit from the NCLS this year, as an opportunity to listen well to their churchgoers, to strengthen their church health and vitality, and gain insights for future ministry.

The 5 yearly ‘National Church Life Survey’, is run by NCLS Research and has been held alongside the national Census every 5 years, in 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011, 2016 and 2021. Involving hundreds of thousands of churchgoers in thousands of churches each cycle, it is the largest longitudinal study of church life in the world.

Will your church take part in the 2026 NCLS?

Sign your church up

Join with thousands of Australian churches in the 2026 NCLS. Hundreds of thousands of voices will contribute to the most comprehensive view of church life in the world.

Sign up

The National Church Life Survey welcomes churches from over 20 denominations across each State and Territory in Australia. It is only possible when churches, like you choose to take part - large and small, rural and urban, from all faith traditions.

Surveys for your attenders are available in paper and online options and in several languages. More information is available about Survey Options.