Through research and resources, NCLS Research seeks to encourage the wider community to reflect upon its spiritual journey and the churches' place within it. Profiles of the wider community can help churches and organisations build more effective connections with their local neighbourhood.
Building Stronger Communities
Available now.
Practical research and hands-on experience about how to strengthen communities by NCLS Research and Edith Cowan University. Available with Study Guide for churches. Find out more...
Why People Don't Go to Church
Available now.
This book, using the Australian Community Survey, gives a unique perspective of the churches through the eyes of those who do not go.. Find out more...
The 2016 Australian Community Survey surveyed 1,258 Australians from diverse regions across Australia on their values, social attitudes, religiosity and image of the church. Conducted by an online survey in early December 2016 by NCLS Research, with a sample drawn from a large online research panel.
In Australia a national census takes place every five years. Since 1986, NCLS Research has gained access to Australia-wide census data to provide Community Profiles to assist congregations make better connections.
Australian Survey of Social Attitudes 2009
The International Social Survey Program (ISSP) is an ongoing survey designed to monitor changes in society across a
range of countries. In 2009 the ISSP was undertaken in Australia by the Australian National University via the Australian Survey of Social Attitudes (AuSSA).
The survey included a standard component on religion, as well as customised questions regarding religion and spirituality which were commissioned by a consortium that included NCLS Research.
The sample comprised 1718 adults across Australia.
Evans, A. (2009) [computer file], The Australian Survey of Social Attitudes, Australian Social Science Data Archives, The Australian National University, Canberra.
Churches as Social Capital 2008-2010
Working in co-operation with the University of Western Sydney, this project will contribute to strengthening Australia's social and economic fabric by providing an understanding of key concepts of social capital and how social capital can transform small congregational and community activities into wider benefits for the welfare and wellbeing of Australians.
NCLS Research has conducted a survey on well-being and security. This is in co-operation with Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia and ANGLICARE, Diocese of Sydney. This project was funded by an ARC SPIRT grant for three years.
The 1998 Australian Community Survey of 8,500 Australians from diverse regions across Australia. This is a survey of the wider community values, religiosity and image of the church in the 1990's. Conducted in co-operation with Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia.
More information on Australian Community Spirituality and Well-being
Read more about previous and current projects and resources.
About Australian spirituality
About Wellbeing
See also Research Papers for more information...