Connect09 saw a huge increase in the number of Sydney Anglican parishes undertaking street evangelism and door-knocking, according to a independent report produced by Anglicare's research team.

The researchers estimate these efforts saw gospel resources handed out to about
1 million people across the Diocese.

"In God's kindness he answered our prayers," says the Rev Andrew Nixon, director of Connect09. "A million gospel seeds were sown, and some have already sprouted."

The research, which in part compared a 2010 anonymous survey of rectors with the 2006 National Church Life Survey, also suggests a large increase in the number of parishes participating in special community events such as street fairs.

"The large increases since 2006 in door-knocking and other contacting activities are consistent with the aims of Connect09; it can be reasonably concluded that the increases have occurred as a result of Connect09," the report states.

However, the report notes that the bulk of the increase in contacting activities has been on an occasional basis rather than frequently.

Nevertheless, there is strong evidence that Connect09 happened on top of regular parish activities. Parishes did not suspend ministries to redirect resources.

Equally encouraging is that the number of parishes running weekly activities for children and youth has also increased.

Some ministries and community services do appear to have declined over the past four years. The number of parishes conducting hospital and prison visiting is down from 87 per cent to 76 per cent, counselling services are down from 63 per cent to 52 per cent and provision of emergency relief is down from 86 per cent to 76 per cent.

The full report will be presented to Sydney Synod later this month.