You are correct. We do a service once a quarter where we do only Wesley songs (with a beat and crunchy guitars), and I can tell you, that was one one annointed songwriter. I LOVE hymns, especially Wesley's.
But the place we're trying to take the congregation to is a lot more accessible if they aren't sitting there trying to figure out what a "Fount" is. Language changes. Styles change. Only God is constant.
After all, Wesley was quite "contemporary" in his day - and his songs were supplanting the traditional music of the time (which he found unaccesible to his generation, I might add). He faced a lot of opposition.
So, by using that logic, would it be ok to have an Ebonics version of the Bible?
Language changes. Styles change.
You don't think something gets lost in the translation?
>>But the place we're trying to take the congregation to is a lot more accessible<<
1) Where are you trying to take them?
and
2) Are you suggesting that the Holy Spirit's working in an unsaved heart is hindered by language?