The 2026 National Church Life Survey (NCLS) will take place across churches in Australia next year, offering what organizers describe as the most comprehensive picture of church life worldwide. The study is intended to complement the national census by focusing specifically on the role of faith in people’s lives and the vitality of congregations.
A press release from NCLS said that “hundreds of thousands of voices will contribute to the most comprehensive view of church life in the world.”
All churches in Australia have been invited to participate, with the survey examining the role of local congregations in their communities as well as trends at denominational and national levels.
“The last NCLS was during COVID-19, which makes it so important to check across diverse contexts about what is actually happening in church life,” said Dr. Ruth Powell, director of NCLS Research. “We will continue our mission to provide credible research, to identify signs of hope and nurture life. We are also keen to partner with others to try innovative approaches to this national project.”
The NCLS has tracked church life in Australia for 35 years, measuring how Christian communities respond to social change. Since 1991 it has been conducted every five years, involving more than 20 denominations and thousands of congregations. Its guiding theme has been “Life to the full.”
“I believe it’s vital we continue with the 2026 survey, to listen to the voices of our congregations, understand where we are growing, and discern where we are being called to change,” said Rev. Mark Wilson, national ministries director of Australian Baptist Ministries. “The 2026 survey will give us a clear and honest picture of church life. The insights it offers are essential for shaping a healthy and mission-focused future for the church.”
Fr. Brian Lucas, national director of Catholic Mission – Australia, said the survey provides an important tool for local congregations. “It gives important insights into the faith experience and attitudes of church attenders in Australia.”
Susan King, head of advocacy and research at Anglicare, added: “The NCLS highlights the key elements driving a thriving church community. It is an invaluable tool for future mission planning.”
A previous Church Pulse Check conducted between 2021 and 2024 showed Anglicans had the largest number of local churches in Australia, despite experiencing sharper decline than some other denominations in the post-COVID period, according to The Melbourne Anglican. In 2021, Anglicans reported 2,527 local churches, “more than any other denomination.”
The report added that weekly Anglican attendance stood at 118,000 in 2024, while the Anglican Church dropped from second to fourth place among Australia’s largest denominations over the past two decades.
