NCLS Research is a world leader in research focused on connecting Christian churches, schools and agencies with their communities. Decades of rigorous and thoughtful research has examined wellbeing, spirituality, effective leadership and church health. Our vision is for thriving Christian communities understanding their role and mission within a changing society.
Local Churches:
A new suite of survey tools available at any time
Schools:
The Student Spiritual Life Survey is available now and for 2025!
Latest Research Findings
Strengths of faith communities
There are more than 10,500 Christian congregations across Australia, plus congregations of other religions. In fact, there are more local congregations than any other organisations which are embedded within local communities. This article provides a brief overview of the strengths of these local faith communities, based on various research studies conducted by NCLS Research.
How might Australians respond to an invitation to an Easter service?
Around four in ten Australians say they would go to church at Easter, if invited by a close friend or family member. Some six in 10 Australians are familiar with Christianity to some extent.
Churches' responses during COVID-19
It is five years since COVID-19 started to impact on local church life. During the course of 2021 and 2022 we collected information from over 5000 local church leaders across Australia, and identified six key features of church leaders' responses to the pandemic.
More Gen Z men find meaning in Christianity
The long-term research evidence is that women tend to be more religious than men. So, when it was reported in September 2024 in the NY Times that “In a First Among Christians, Young Men Are More Religious Than Young Women”, NCLS researchers used data from our annual Australian Community Survey to check if that trend exists in Australia.
Latest News and Features
NCLS Research is pleased to launch a new range of survey tools for local churches
Australian Church Pulse Check
A quick survey to improve Australian church estimates for recent years
We are taking the pulse of the nation with the Australian Church Pulse Check. What has happened since COVID-19?
Will you take just a few minutes to provide estimates for your church?
Note: your local church information will not be made public.
Innovation in Church Life: Watch Now
Free webinar exploring new church plants, initiatives and gatherings around Australia
Watch our free webinar where we present our latest research findings on innovation in church life, as well as launch the results of our first 'New Churches Snapshot Report for 2024'. Sponsored by Baptist Financial Services and Exponential Australia.
Student Spiritual Life Survey
A survey to understand the spiritual beliefs, attitudes and practices of your students and the impact of your school
Understand the spiritual beliefs, attitudes and practices of your students and the impact of your school activities on their faith.
Church Life Survey
Anytime, any church can order a Church Life Survey!
You can discover valuable insights about your church through a Church Life Survey anytime.
It is simple to run, and in only 20 minutes, enables your church to assess your church health, discover and build on your strengths, and determine priorities and future directions.
Additional Resources