NCLS Research is a world leader in research focused on connecting churches and their communities. Decades of rigorous and thoughtful research has examined wellbeing, spirituality and church health. Our vision is for thriving Christian communities understanding their role and mission within a changing society.
Local Churches:
You can run a Local Community Survey or Church Life Survey at any time
Schools:
The Student Spiritual Life Survey is available now and for 2025!
Latest Research Findings
New churches snapshot: where, when and who?
As part of the New Churches Research Project, NCLS Research collected information on new churches in Australia. A 'new church' being defined as one started since 2011. Some 428 new churches were identified. So where are they located and when did they start?
How are new churches supported and resourced?
As part of the New Churches Research Project, respondents reporting new churches were invited to share more detailed information about their practices and the support that was made available to them. Types of support included use of property and financial assistance, along with ongoing coaching, supervision or mentoring, and training.
Ministry resilience foundations
Ministry resilience in the face of stressors and challenges can be thought of as a group of qualities in a person’s makeup and life that act as foundations for sustainability and wellbeing in ministry. Six ministry resilience qualities, known as ‘personal foundations’, have been outlined by NCLS Research, from decades of research.
How do leaders assess their ministry resilience foundations?
NCLS Research has identified 6 areas that contribute to a leader’s resilience in ministry. In the 2021 NCLS, leaders were asked to assess themselves on these 6 areas.
Innovation in Church Life: Watch Now
Free webinar exploring new church plants, initiatives and gatherings around Australia
We're delighted to invite you to view a free webinar where we launch the results of our first 'New Churches Snapshot Report for 2024', as well as present our latest research findings on innovation in church life. Sponsored by Baptist Financial Services and Exponential Australia.
Do you know about a church plant or new gathering?
Share with others in the New Churches Project!
Can you contribute to the New Churches Project which aims to support the Australian Church to invest in new churches or gatherings?
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. Developed by NCLS Research, this survey is based on more than 30 years of experience in world-class research into faith, church life and spirituality.
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