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
Is there a God or higher power?
According to our Australian Community Survey, in May 2024, nearly six in 10 Australians say they believe in God or a higher power. One in five say they don't know and one in five do not believe.
How do Australians view Jesus?
When asked to consider who Jesus was, a quarter of Australians view Jesus within a Christian frame, i.e. that he was God in human form who lived among people in the 1st Century.
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