Church Life Survey

It’s the census year for New Zealand, and it’s also Church Life Survey year where every local church in New Zealand has an opportunity to participate in another kind of census. In a nutshell: you invite all your church attendees to complete a 20-minute survey on demographics, church life, community, faith, and leadership. This is a strategic asset for every local church that participates, as well as for the various denominations and the wider church across New Zealand.

For example: Would you like to know how often the people in your congregation read their bible? Knowing this might shape the preaching plan, etc.

Registration open – save the date: Sunday 25 June

We invite (and encourage) your church to participate in the Church Life Survey this year. It won’t cost more than the 20 minutes set aside during or after a church service, and your church will gain clear insights about demographics, church life, community, faith, and leadership for your specific local church.

At the National Support Centre, because we think this is such a useful resource for local churches, we’re going to cover the cost and organise any data entry requirements. (Each participating church gets a QR code so attendees can do the 20-minute survey on their phones. Paper copies will also be available.)

We propose a ‘Survey Sunday’ for Baptist churches on 25 June. A day to get as many churches as possible to set aside 20 minutes during or at the end of church services to complete the survey (there will be flexibility to choose other dates).

For more information, including sample reports and FAQ, visit the Church Life Survey website: clsnz.org

Registration instructions for each local Baptist church

1. Have someone in your church be the points-person (this might be a volunteer who likes this stuff, or the church admin person, or a pastor). Get them to register your local church for the Church Life Survey – they need the Baptist Churches 6-digit “Group Code” which has been included in the monthly Support Crew email to church admin and pastoral staff since March 2023 – or contact the National Support Centre:
2. Go to the Church Life Survey website: clsnz.org
3. Click on the “Register your Local Church or Parish” green button.
4. Enter the Baptist Churches 6-digit “Group Code” in the input box – this code is included in the monthly Support Crew email to church admin and pastoral staff since March 2023. Tick “I’m not a robot”, and “Continue”
5. Agree to the Terms and Conditions: “YES, I agree” (ignore any mention of cost – the National Support Centre is covering costs).
6. There is then a page of information to fill in, including contact details for the points-person.
7. Program 20 minutes into your church service gatherings on Sunday 25 June 2023.
8. That’s it for now.

We will provide some promotion details closer to the time. If you have any questions, please email Mike Crudge at the Support Centre, who will oversee this research for us.