In my lifetime, I have experienced a fair amount of different views on evangelism. Because of this, I have determined that we can lump all of these views into 5 different categories... because I definitely have ALL of the experience needed to do that.
Here are the 5 broad levels of evangelism that I've come up with:
1) Don't like evangelists, don't like the idea... at ALL! Don't push your views on me, bro.
2) They are annoying, but as long as they don't talk to me... What-Eves.
3) I can agree with the idea, but only as long as you don't hurt anybody's feelings.
4) Yeah, I'm all for evangelism!... *continues to do nothing*
5) It's not just an action, it's a way of life.
Level 1... FIGHT!
I'm kidding about the "fight" part, but not really. I have seen people go up in arms over not letting others push their view on them. People in this level see people who evangelize as close-minded, ignorant, and most likely unintelligent because they don't know how to be tactful with people. Rude! You should NEVER push your views on someone! When someone is preaching the gospel: it's GO TIME! Not on your turf!
Level 2
You see those people who preach the gospel as an annoyance, awkward, and uncomfortable. It's just weird when they come up and ask you, "Have you been washed by the blood of the lamb?" Actually... if they are asking you that, I would agree in the awkwardness. "But seriously," you say "what's with these people? They go around as if they have something important to share with people, but don't they know that I just don't care? Whatever, it doesn't matter. They can go talk to other people, I'll just ignore them if they come up to me. Annoying buggers..."
Level 3
Actually, these people have something important to share, but they should be polite about it... "ear-ticklers" if you will. Sometimes saying that Jesus is the ONLY way can offend people. Why can't they just water down the gospel so that it's easy for people to accept it and then we can work out doctrine and differences later? I mean, all Jesus wants are fans, not followers, right? So let's just be nice and easy with everybody.
Level 4
Evangelism is great. I'm all for it! Yeah you go ahead and do that. I'm going to sit back and enjoy the show because that's the pastor's job, not mine. I mean, sure, I will "shine His light" through my actions. I'll live the gospel everyday, and use words when necessary.
The people who take this view, I would say, aren't completely getting the point of being a Christian. Living the gospel is GREAT! I think we should all do it, but this is the way I view it: Who am I to assume that the Spirit of God, Who lives in ME, cannot use my words as well as my actions to share His love? This leads me to...
Level 5
Not only will you live the gospel, but you will actively share it with those who you daily are in contact with. Your words are nothing without your actions, and thus it IS important to live like level 4 people may, but one must marry these two things together. I have seen people who legitimately live out Level 5 in their daily lives taking to heart the idea that not sharing the greatest gift of all is indeed committing one of the greatest acts of hatred of all time. These people understand the gravity of the gift they have been given and because of it want to share with people constantly, and most of the time they are some of the most compassionate people you will ever meet.
I pray that God will make all people who call themselves Christians or Christ-Followers understand completely what they have been given to pass it on to those who still are in dire need, but yet don't know it.
