Serving Together to Reach Boys and Girls with the Gospel of Christ

Awana & The NIV

As you probably know, the NIV has been revised but still goes under the name NIV.

On the Awana Facebook page, Crystal Sandberg asked, "What is going to happen with the AWANA NIV handbooks now that there is a new NIV version and the old NIV is out of print? Are you ever going to do an ESV verision of the handbooks?"

Michael Scarbrough, from Awana, ‎responded saying -- "about the NIV issue, yes we are looking closely at that. We've evaluated the changes the 2011 NIV brings to our verse selections in the different programs. Also, we are currently surveying pastors to gain their views on how they plan to handle the change in their churches. We are also aware of the interest in other versions, including ESV, and are considering that as well. No official timeline on a decision but we are definitely focused on it. Please pray for us in this important process!"

If your church uses the NIV, then see if your pastor would complete an evaluation for Awana about the path your church is taking and how your Awana club might opt to handle it. This will help Awana make their decision.

1 member likes this

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Ken Melissa Wright on September 10, 2011 at 8:26am

We will not be using the new niv as it is not an accurate translation of the original hebrew and greek texts. We have already had to rule out some church curriculum due to their use of the new NIV.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Commander Bill on September 10, 2011 at 4:38pm

I personally agree with you. I am looking at other versions as well. I would not want to continue to use the NIV84 and people get confused when they get the "new" NIV. Know that Awana is looking at the issue and values your input as well.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Shea Cochran on November 17, 2011 at 10:15am

Has anyone heard if they are looking at any other Version. NKJV, NLT , ASV.......

I understand that printing more then one version can be costly and i wouldn't expect them to do that. i think for kids the NLT is a very good Bible to read.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Commander Bill on November 17, 2011 at 10:21am

Awana currently offers the NKJV and as Michael noted in his response to the FaceBook posting, Awana is looking at various other versions, interviewing pastors to see what they may be doing, what clubs may do, etc. So at this point, it is safe to say that Awana is looking at using another version/translation but it is too early to say, or speculate, as to which one they may be leaning towards.

Decisions like this are very serious for Awana and always have consequences.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Steven Simpson on March 30, 2012 at 1:15am

Our church has made the switch from the NIV to the HCSB at the beginning of the year. I would love to see AWANA offer the HCSB in the near future. I know the about the cost and I would even consider the ESV if the HCSB wasn't available. But I would like to move away from the NIV entirely.