10 reasons why churches take part

Benefits for local churches and why thousands take part

NCLS 38

What if you could invest in the future vitality of your local church, and gain valuable feedback on the effectiveness and sustainability of your ministry?

This year, thousands of churches will take part in the 2021 National Church Life Survey to nurture their vitality and inform their decision making.

In such unprecedented times, listening to your churchgoers might be more important than ever.


 

 




In only 20 minutes you can listen to all your church attenders in these changing times.

And you will get a report to inform your decisions for the future.

Churches around Australia, as well as overseas, use the Church Life Survey to get a clear evaluation of their health and vitality.

The results will help you identify your strengths and provide processes to help you evaluate, make decisions and connect effectively with your community.

 

 

Ten reasons why churches take part:

1. Hear all the voices - take time to listen 

Hear the attitudes and beliefs of all people at church, including those who don't always get heard: ministers, lay leaders, adult attenders, youth and children, at one time, in a season of listening. 

2. Make better choices 

Use a credible evidence base to inform your discussions and decisions. Discern where best to place your energy and direction, based on your survey feedback. 

3. Find out things you need to know 

As mission researchers, the NCLS team know things about what you care about. Doing a nation-wide survey helps churches to learn from each other and allows leaders to identify key trends. 

4. Find out the giftings and hopes of attenders 

Receive a list of areas where your attenders are gifted and motivated to act. Harness their energy, motivation and hopes to move forward. Encourage all to contribute their gifts and skills. 

5. Take stock of your church's health 

Beyond counting heads, use the NCLS Research framework of church vitality to assess nine core qualities and three attendance measures, at regular times in your church’s journey. 

6. Identify your strengths and use them to grow 

Survey results will show where your church's strengths lie. Identify your strengths and use them to inform areas of growth. Our planning resources are strengths-based, the best place to start when making any change. 

7. See how you compare 

We give realistic comparisons to similar churches, so you can see how you’re tracking alongside other churches like yours. Use this gauge to set realistic goals and expectations. 

8. Sustain and support leaders 

Understand what contributes to sustainable and effective leadership practices in churches, to better equip and develop your leaders in ministry. 

9. Add to the profile of your denomination and the Australian church 

Denominational leaders will use overall information about their churches to inform their pastoral and strategic leadership. Be part of the overall profile of the Australian church. 

10. Inform wider Australian society and beyond 

Describe the story of modern Australian churches to wider society to challenge myths. Researchers around the world will also learn from the experiences of Australian churches. 

 


 

More information

Local church commendations

What churches receive

  How to sign up