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National Church Life Survey 2026

A Practical Health Check for Your Church

The Anglican Diocese of Melbourne is encouraging churches across the Diocese to take part in the 2026 National Church Life Survey (NCLS).

NCLS is one of the most widely used tools for understanding church life in Australia. Conducted every five years, it helps churches move beyond assumptions and gain a clearer picture of their strengths, opportunities and priorities for the future.

By taking part, your church can hear from attenders, reflect on ministry and mission, and make informed decisions about what comes next.

By taking part, your church also contributes to a national picture of church life across Australia, helping identify trends and opportunities that can support churches into the future.
 

Why Take Part?

Many churches use NCLS as a practical health check. It can help parish leaders:

  • hear from a wide range of attenders
  • identify strengths worth building on
  • uncover gaps, challenges and opportunities
  • support planning and decision-making
  • understand trends over time
  • benchmark against similar churches
  • inform ministry, mission and leadership development

The results can support local conversations about church life, discipleship, leadership, mission and future priorities.

Who Can Participate?

All churches are encouraged to participate in NCLS.

Whether your church is large or small, urban, suburban or regional, NCLS can provide valuable insights into the life of your congregation. Churches that participate receive their own local results and reports from NCLS.

A Diocesan Sample

Alongside broad participation, the Diocese will also work with a representative sample of churches from across Melbourne and Geelong.

This sample will help provide a diocesan-level picture of church life and establish a baseline as we continue to develop our vision and strategy for the years ahead.

Churches selected as part of the diocesan sample will receive separate communication with further information. The sample is intended to complement wider participation, not replace it.

How Do Churches Take Part?

Taking part is straightforward.

  1. Register your church with NCLS.
  2. Choose a survey period in September or October 2026.
  3. Complete the Church Activities Survey.
  4. Invite leaders and attenders to complete the survey.

Receive your results and reports when available.

Surveys are available in both paper and online formats, with options in multiple languages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my church need to be part of the diocesan sample to participate?

No. Any church can participate in NCLS, regardless of whether it has been selected as part of the diocesan sample.

Can churches outside the sample still access their own results?

Yes. Churches that participate receive their own survey results and reports from NCLS.

Why is the Diocese conducting a sample?

The Diocesan sample will help provide a representative picture of church life across Melbourne and Geelong and establish a baseline for future planning and evaluation.

How long does the survey take?

The Church Life Survey takes approximately 20 minutes for attenders to complete.

When does the survey take place?

Most churches will complete the survey between September and October 2026.

Is there a cost?

NCLS provides several participation options. Churches should refer to NCLS for current pricing and registration information.

Find out More

To learn more about the National Church Life Survey or register your church, visit the NCLS website.

NCLS Research is also running online information sessions for church leaders and parish teams.

For questions about NCLS participation within the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne, please contact hello@melbourneanglican.org.au.