NCLS Research is a world leader in research focused on connecting Christian churches, schools and agencies with their communities. Decades of rigorous and thoughtful research has examined wellbeing, spirituality, effective leadership and church health. Our vision is for thriving Christian communities understanding their role and mission within a changing society.
Announcing the 2026 NCLS!
The 2026 National Church Life Survey is taking place across Australian churches. Hundreds of thousands of voices will contribute to the most comprehensive view of church life in the world. Late churches can still take part!
Schools:
The Student Spiritual Life Survey is available now for 2026!
Local Churches:
Have you completed a Church Life Survey? Sign in anytime to access your report
Go to My NCLS Admin
Latest Research Findings
Churchgoer views on Voluntary Assisted Dying
We've been tracking the views of church attenders towards voluntary assisted dying for decades, and those views have been largely stable from 2001 through to 2021. One in three agreed that people suffering from a terminal illness should be able to ask a doctor to end their life. Almost half of all church attenders disagreed, while the remainder were neutral or unsure.
Op shops are an important church ministry
In some suburbs and towns, you might notice that there are as many op shops as there are churches. For years through the National Church Life Survey, we've been tracking how churches are serving and connecting with their local communities. In the 2026 NCLS, we'll specifically be asking whether churches have op shops, to look into this important church ministry.
Australian spiritual wellbeing in 2026
We asked a sample of Australians about their sense of spiritual wellbeing in 2026. The two things that people report feeling most often were a sense of awe at the beauty of nature and a strong sense of gratitude or thankfulness. Soon we will also know how churchgoers compare, as we ask them the same questions in the 2026 NCLS.
More Australians are open to an invitation to church than are closed to it
Did you know that more people in the Australian community are open to accepting an invitation to church from a close friend or family member than are closed to it? This is what we have repeatedly found in our annual Australian Community Survey and 2026 confirms it again.
Latest News and Features
NCLS Research is pleased to announce that the 2026 National Church Life Survey is on! Late churches can still take part!
Churches are now signing up for the 2026 NCLS!
Your church is invited to join in this national project
Has your church signed up for the 2026 National Church Life Survey yet? All Australian churches are invited to take part in this eighth nationwide survey of churchgoers. The survey period will run from August to October 2026.
Churches and denominations are signing up now. Don't miss out!
2026 NCLS Info Session for Local Churches
A free information session for local churches to watch anytime
Will your church take part in the 2026 NCLS? Watch this short information session to find out why thousands of churches participate and how you can join in the 2026 NCLS. Available to view anytime- watch now!
Announcing the 2026 National Church Life Survey
Australian churches are invited to take part in the eight nationwide survey of churchgoers
The 2026 National Church Life Survey will take place across Australian churches in late 2026, the same year as the National Census.
Hundreds of thousands of voices will contribute to the most comprehensive view of church life in the world, in the eighth nationwide survey of churchgoers – the 2026 NCLS.
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.
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