This is an update about the upcoming Church Activities Survey – a partnership between NCLS Research and NAYBA Australia – with an explanation about how it is connected to the National Church Life Survey and the National Faith Impact Audit.
In August, all local churches will be invited to participate in the Church Activities Survey, designed to create a snapshot of local church life and community impact across our nation.
Participation is FREE and only one person from each local church needs to complete the survey.
We humbly request your support for this important national initiative by encouraging the churches within your denomination to participate.
Why this national survey of local churches matters
The Church Activities Survey has two key purposes.
- Capturing the Church’s impact in local communities
The survey seeks to tell the often under-reported story of how churches love their neighbours through acts of service, care, generosity, and community engagement. By collecting information about the community services of churches, ministries and other faith groups we can help demonstrate that faith really is a force for good!Thanks to the partnership between NCLS and NAYBA, the results of the Church Activities Survey will form a key part of a National Faith Impact Audit – the first of its kind. The Audit will culminate in the release of a national report that will quantify the social contribution that people of faith provide to the Australian community, including an estimate of the dollar value of churches’ community impact and services.
- Providing an updated pulse check of church life
The Church Activities Survey will also offer an important update on the state of church life across Australia, particularly in the years since COVID. It will help identify what has changed, where churches are experiencing vitality, and where new opportunities for mission and ministry are emerging.The insights gathered will contribute to a stronger understanding of the health, vitality, and mission of the Australian Church in this season.
Connection to the 2026 National Church Life Survey
The Church Activities Survey is its own project. However, for local churches who intend to take part in the broader 2026 National Church Life Survey (2026 NCLS) program, the information gathered in August will be integrated into those comprehensive results from the full NCLS survey of attenders and leaders, commencing from September onward. (2026ncls.org.au)
Together, these initiatives will provide the most comprehensive picture of church life in Australia, combining insights about congregations, leaders, attenders, and community impact.
Again, we would greatly appreciate your assistance in encouraging churches within your denomination to participate in the Church Activities Survey so that, together, we can create an accurate national snapshot of all the good work that we do, seen and unseen. Thank you for your leadership and partnership in strengthening the Church’s witness and mission throughout Australia.
Dr Ruth Powell – Executive Director NCLS Research
Nic Mackay – National Director NYBA Australia