The WELS adopted a resolution in 1977 to authorize the use of the NIV for publication purposes. In recent  years, a new version of the NIV was prepared to take the place of the older version.  The revision became available on line first in November 2010 and then in print in March 2011.

At the 2013 synod convention, delegates adopted a resolution from the Translation Evaluation Committee that “encourages NPH to choose whichever translation it deems best for a particular publication.” The resolution also encourages all WELS congregations to use the four-part Bible study that the Translation Evaluation Committee produced and concludes by resolving “that we, as members of WELS standing firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel, fix our hearts on this one unshakable truth: the Word of our God endures forever.”

The second resolution provided by this Translation Evaluation Committee recommended that “a standing committee be appointed by the Conference of Presidents to evaluate major Bible translations; to communicate with their editors and publishers; to offer, when appropriate, suggestions to improve such translations; and to share its findings with the synod at large.” This resolution was overwhelmingly passed.