Churches Invited to Take Part in 2026 National Church Life Survey

Churches across Australia are being encouraged to take part in the 2026 National Church Life Survey, helping build a clearer picture of the health, vitality and future of ministry across the nation.

Key points:

The 2026 National Church Life Survey runs from August to October 2026.
More than 3000 churches and 250,000 attenders are expected to participate.
The survey helps churches understand trends, challenges and opportunities for ministry.

If your church has not yet participated in the 2026 National Church Life Survey (NCLS), now is the time to get involved.

Order surveys for your church now

The National Church Life Survey has been run every five years since 1991 and is recognised as the largest and longest-running survey of church life in the world. The 2026 survey aims to gather insights from church leaders, attenders and the broader community to help build a picture of the church’s health and vitality across Australia.

Why the survey matters

As churches continue responding to changing community needs, shifting cultural trends and post-pandemic realities, quality research can help leaders make informed decisions about ministry and mission.

The NCLS exists to provide credible research that identifies signs of hope, health and growth within churches, leadership and local communities.

The survey is designed to listen to church leaders, attenders and the wider community to better understand church life in Australia.

One of the largest church surveys in the world

The scale of the National Church Life Survey is significant.

The 2026 NCLS is expected to include:

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more than 20 denominations

more than 3000 churches

more than 250,000 church attenders

more than 7000 leaders

participation in multiple languages

both online and paper survey options

The survey has now been running for 35 years, creating a unique long-term snapshot of how church and community life continues to evolve across Australia.

NCLS gives churches practical insights to help shape future ministry and mission.

Key dates and timeline

2026 NCLS timeline for churches to order their surveys and participate in the campaign

The 2026 National Church Life Survey will take place throughout August, September and October.

Churches can view the full survey timeline and key milestones through the NCLS timeline page.

Find your local coordinator here to ask questions and request surveys.

Have your say

Whether you’re a church leader coordinating participation or a church attender completing the survey, your contribution helps create one of the most comprehensive pictures of church life in Australia.

Find out more, access resources and learn how your church can participate here. Churches that have not yet taken part are encouraged to get involved during the August–October survey period.

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