I went to a Jewish Synagogue the other day for a class in my Religious Studies minor. The Rabbi was available for questions, and I asked if they placed any emphasis whatsoever on evangelism. To my surprise, her answer was short and to the point: No. Absolutely not. In fact, they remain fairly neutral about what religions other people are; they just focus on what they themselves believe.
I found that really interesting, and it put me a little off balance.
Not because I think every church is out to evangelize the world and rub their "I love Jesus" shirts in people's faces (in fact, I've been known to wear a few shirts like that myself without that purpose). I found it interesting simply because I have never heard anyone say to me before that evangelism is not a valued practice.
I think many people in the Church have a heart for evangelism. Some people are able to meet someone on the street and tell them about Jesus. But other people are good at living a Christian lifestyle, and showing God's love, without being so direct. Still others, like me, love on kids all day but are never able to even mention the name of Jesus.
For me, all I understand is the ubiquitous anonymity of the love I know because of Jesus. I don't--some would go so far as say can't (if I want to keep my job)--talk about Christianity all day every day.
I guess what I'm trying to say is this. Consider everyone's spiritual gifts as equally valuable for evangelism. To me, there is no perfect definition of evangelism to strive for; just love people. The time will come when this love is somehow unforeseeably connected to Jesus Christ.
Remember: calculation is never any part of love.
