Four in 10 Aussies Would Accept a Church Invite This Easter

Thinking of inviting someone to church this Easter? They might just say yes.

In December 2022, the Australian Community Survey (2022 ACS) asked Australians if they would go to church this Easter if a close friend or family member invited them.

96five’s Alex Milne caught up with National Church Life Survey (NCLS) Research Director, Dr Ruth Powell to learn more about the findings and how Christians should find them encouraging.

“People probably know us (NCLS) best for our church life surveys and hundreds and thousands of people do that survey but we have always run this other survey which is about the Australian community where we ask them about their spirituality” Dr Ruth Powell said.

“As part of this survey, we’ve been exploring both attitudes to faith and to church life.”

The survey revealed that four in 10 (42%) Australians would go to an Easter service if invited, particularly if invited by someone they knew and trusted. A further 19% of those surveyed said they were unsure. Three in 10 (29%) Aussies said they would not go to an Easter service if invited and 10% said they have no close friends or family who attend church.

Dr Powell said it essentially means over 60% of Australians are worth inviting because they haven’t already decided no.

“We hear the loud voices that say people are turning away from Christianity, people are not interested, all of that. But when you actually ask ordinary Australians and the breadth of ordinary Australians, what they tell us is I would go for the sake of my friend or family member.

“Even regardless of what they think of faith, they say they’ll go because it’s important to them.

“We found that mothers are really key. So, if your mum asks you, you’re even more likely to say yes.”

The 2022 ACS also revealed a knowledge gap and lack of familiarity (four in 10 Australians) when it comes the Christian faith with 53% of those surveyed stating they believed Jesus was a real person who actually lived. A quarter (26%) said they did not know and one in five (21%) said they believed Jesus was a myth or a fictional character.

Dr Powell said Christians should be encouraged and they should extend the invite this Easter revealing that 18% of people who call themselves atheists said they would accept an invitation.

“People are more receptive to attending church at a significant time like Easter, so go ahead and invite them” Dr Powell said.

Listen to the full interview in the player above.