Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the survey?
Every five years, people attending churches across Australia take part in the National Church Life Survey. The aims of the survey are to carry out research to assist churches in their ministry and mission and to provide statistics about churches in a changing and diverse Australia.
This year, a Youth PLUS survey will be offered to young people who are connected in some way with a church’s activities, to give them an opportunity to express the kinds of things they are concerned about in their lives, their beliefs and spirituality, and to evaluate church youth activities.
Who completes the survey?
Youth PLUS is designed for young people (in high school and older) who connect with a church, whether through youth group, youth activity, church school, their parents, or some other way.
Is it confidential?
This survey, is completely anonymous, and optional.
Do parents/ guardians give authorisation?
Parents are invited to view information about the survey at www.2011nclsorg.au/nclsplus/youth . A copy of survey questions is available. There is no obligation on a child or teenager to complete this survey. Parents can choose whether they would like their child to participate.
What are the results use for?
The results of the survey are provided to the local church that young people are connected with, to help that church better connect with young people in their community.
Who is running the survey?
The National Church Life Survey is run by NCLS Research, across over 20 Christian denominations in Australia. NCLS Research is jointly sponsored by ANGLICARE Diocese of Sydney, the Uniting Church Board of Mission (Synod of NSW & the ACT), the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference and the Australian Catholic University.
The protocol of the 2011 National Church Life Survey has been reviewed and approved by the Australian Catholic University (Human Research Ethics Committee).