The 2026 National Church Life Survey will continue the longest running study of church life in the world.
The insights it offers are essential for shaping a healthy and mission-focused future for the church.
The rigour and excellence of this research enables churches to identify levers for growth, change and outreach into their communities. Church leaders across denominations have voiced strong support for the upcoming survey.
I believe it’s vital we continue with the 2026 survey, to listen to the voices of our congregations, understand where we are growing, and discern where we are being called to change.
Rev Mark Wilson, National Ministries Director, Australian Baptist Ministries
The National Church Life Survey is a must have tool for anyone serious about church life and vitality.
Rev Dr Cameron Eccleston, Mission Specialist, Uniting Church in Australia
The NCLS highlights the key elements driving a thriving church community. It is an invaluable tool for future mission planning.
Susan King, Head of Advocacy an Research, Anglicare
After working with churches and church leaders for 13 years now, I can see the enormous value of the Church Life Survey to the individual and national church.
Peter Mayrick, Executive Director, Partners in Ministry
The NCLS is an important tool for church communities to use. It provides an insight into the particular features relevant to each congregation.
Fr Brian Lucas, National Director, Catholic Mission - Australia
The 2026 survey will give us a clear and honest picture of church life. The insights it offers are essential for shaping a healthy and mission-focused future for the church.
Rev Mark Wilson, National Ministries Director, Australian Baptist Ministries
I believe the NCLS is a gift to the church leader and provides them with a cost effective, simple yet deep measure of church health.
Peter Mayrick, Executive Director, Partners in Ministry
The rigour and excellence of this research enables churches to identify levers for growth, change and outreach into their communities.
Susan King, Head of Advocacy and Research, Anglicare
The NCLS provides information on trends within the social context. It gives important insights into the faith experience and attitudes of church attenders in Australia.
Fr Brian Lucas, National Director, Catholic Mission - Australia
The NCLS provides a unique opportunity for ministers and denominational leaders to see how well their congregations are flourishing, and to examine trends over decades.
Rev Dr Cameron Eccleston, Mission Specialist, Uniting Church in Australia
As Interim Chair of the NCLS Research Board, I believe it’s vital we offer the 2026 National Church Life Survey because it gives us a clear and honest picture of church life across Australia. It helps us listen to the voices of our congregations, understand where we are growing, and discern where we are being called to change. The insights it offers are essential for shaping a healthy and mission-focused future for the church.
The National Church Life Survey provides a unique opportunity for both ministers and denominational leaders to not only get a snapshot of how well their congregation/s are flourishing, but also to examine trends over decades of data collection. Each National Church Life Survey is a must have tool for anyone serious about church life and vitality.
The National Church Life Survey is a unique data set compiled now for many years which gives important insights into the faith experience and attitudes of church attenders in Australia. It provides information on trends within the social context as this has evolved in Australia now for some decades. It is an important tool for church communities to use in their planning. For church leaders it provides an insight into the particular features relevant to their congregation.
The NCLS has provided comprehensive and discerning insights in the life of churches in Australia for more than 30 years. It highlights not just trends in growth, activity, and leadership but the key elements driving a thriving church community. As a researcher and long term member of the NCLS Research Board I have observed the rigour and excellence of this research which enables churches to identify levers for growth, change and outreach into their communities. It is an invaluable tool for mission planning.
After working with Churches and Church leaders for 13 years now, I can see the enormous value of the Church Life Survey to individuals and the National church. Leaders who care about discipleship need a regular measure of the spiritual lives and behaviours of the people in the church. I believe the Church Life Survey is a gift to the church leader and provides leaders with a cost effective, simple yet deep measure of church health. I believe leaders should use it as regularly as they can.