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 10-15 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 is open now!

We invite (and encourage) your church to participate in the Church Life Survey this year. It won’t cost more than the 10-15 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 Baptist 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 10-15 minute survey on their phones. Paper copies will also be available.)

There is flexibility to choose a date that suits your local church: the survey is open from 25 May and goes until 26 November). Please choose any day to do this within this 6-month window.

For more information, including the draft questionnaire 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 Baptist 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 10-15 minutes into your church service gatherings on the day you choose to do this.
8. That’s it for now. The Church Life Survey people will be in touch with the points-person by email to verify and with further details as required – they provide a resource pack for each church.

If you have any questions, please email Mike Crudge at the Support Centre, who is overseeing this project for New Zealand Baptists.