From May 2023, several hundred congregations throughout southern Africa will again take part in the CLS-SA survey.
This survey listens to the experiences and opinions of public worship attendees in the congregation and portrays the congregation’s health and vitality.
Would you consider taking part in this survey? Your participation can make a difference.
This is an investment in the future of your congregation. The results will help you identify vitality and strong points, enabling you to evaluate the results and to plan accordingly.
The survey provides trustworthy data to congregations, on the basis of which they can deliberate, plan and act.
The congregation’s leadership receives valuable feedback on the effectiveness and sustainability of the entire congregational ministry.
It is hoped that you will take part in this survey.
Kobus Schoeman
CLS-SA Coordinator
To register: Click on the 'Register Now' button below to email Ester Steyn or contact her on 0823254088. Download a brochure for your information.
What is CLS-SA?
The Church Life Survey-Southern Africa (CLS-SA) sheds light on congregations and their ministry throughout southern Africa. It narrates the stories of the congregations’ positive contributions to their local community.
The survey identifies nine core qualities and strong points of each congregation. This can be used in the growth of the congregation and the development of members’ talents.
The leadership of congregations receives valuable feedback, enabling them to make informed decisions for the future.
In 2018, over 10 000 public worship attendees from 104 congregations of more than 10 denominations took part in the CLS-SA survey. The 2023 survey of CLS-SA should increase this figure further.
This year, hundreds of congregations will take part from:
- Zimbabwe
- Zambia
- Botswana
- Lesotho
- Namibia
- Malawi
- South Africa
What is the aim of the survey?
The survey aims to help congregations reach their full potential and function in a healthy and vital manner.
Jesus’ words are the guiding vision of CLS: “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10).
The results of this survey will help congregations distinguish the nature of their call. What is the life and abundance that God envisions for this congregation?
How is the survey conducted in the congregation?
The survey is conducted during all public worships in the congregation on a specific Sunday. All persons aged 15 years and older fill in the questionnaire, which takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes to complete. The questionnaire is available in either Afrikaans or English.
How much does it cost?
The congregation orders questionnaires according to the following categories (public worship attendees aged 15 years and older):
150 questionnaires R1000
300 questionnaires R1300
450 questionnaires R1600
600 questionnaires R2000
The cost for orders above 600 questionnaires is available on request.
How do you take part?
Contact Ester Steyn. Send an e-mail to cls-sa@ngkerk.org.za or contact her on 0823254088.
What does each congregation receive?
- The “Church Life Profile” is the unique report of the survey in the congregation. The results provide a clear evaluation of the congregation’s nine core qualities. Online access is included.
- “Workbook CLS” explains the congregation’s profile and provides step-by-step guidelines to facilitate the process in the congregation. (A PowerPoint presentation to assist the congregational leadership in the discussion of the results)
- “Enriching Church Life Book” discusses the core qualities and provides access to the national results of the CLS-SA.
- The “Denominational Church Life Profile” is, in some instances, available to leaders of denominations.
More information
About NCLS Research
The team at NCLS Research, in collaboration with South African church leaders, have designed the surveys, reports and resources in the Church Life Survey- Southern Africa.
NCLS Research, based in Australia, 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. The most well known five-yearly project by NCLS Research is called the National Church Life Survey, which in Australia has had millions of participating church attenders across 22 denominations.
Contact the CLS Southern Africa Administrator
Ester Steyn
Email: esters@ngkerk.org.za
Phone: 0823254088