Every church in Australia is invited to complete a free Church Activities Survey
Dear local church leader,
Every five years Australia counts its people. We also count the impact of churches.
We invite your church to participate in the free Church Activities Survey. This initiative is for every local church in all denominations across Australia, and happens at the same time as the national Census. Only one person is asked to complete this church survey and it is free. We value the gift of your time in this national collaboration.
The 2026 Church Activities Survey will take a snapshot of the life and impact of local churches across all communities.
The Church Activities Survey has two key purposes:
Loving your neighbours
First, this survey will help tell the often-overlooked story of how churches serve their communities through care, generosity,
and practical support.
When you share your local impact, you help reveal the bigger picture of the Church’s collective impact across Australia.
An updated pulse check
Second, your responses provide a post-COVID pulse check of church life, helping identify key changes and emerging opportunities.
Together, your input builds a clearer picture of the Church’s vitality and mission in this season.
Ask a church administrator or leader with knowledge of the church’s life and activities to complete this survey.
Complete a Paper Survey Form
and return to
PO Box 93, Ashfield, NSW 1900
Complete an Online Survey
Enter your unique NCLS Church Code to begin
Go to Church Activities Survey
What's Next?
Your information will add to a National Impact Report.
Watch out for the free National Impact Report where, in partnership with NAYBA Australia, the impact of local church efforts and services will be given a dollar value,
and a positive national story shared.
This Census year, thank you for helping us to tell the story of the positive impact of local churches across Australia.
Yours sincerely,
Prof Ruth Powell, Director NCLS Research
“We are immensely grateful for the NCLS Research over the past 30 years, that continues to provide church leaders with outstanding insights into the trends of church life across Australia. The data gives us a detailed picture of strengths and weaknesses, that is extremely valuable when strategizing and planning for the future.”