What is Evangelism?

I wonder if everyone wrestles with this question the way I do? As a Christian I am called to the great commission in Matthew 28: “Therefore Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” The king James version says “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations.” So how do I flesh this out? How did Jesus do it? Jesus taught, but He also served, healing the masses and consoling the lost. Is it possible for me to just “start” a healing ministry? Or would it be more feasible for me to develop a presentation, use some tracts and hit the streets, teaching and preaching? Would I be perceived as a huckster of sorts? Am I drawing people, or scaring them away? If I forego the street evangelism, maybe I can just “live out” my Christianity in silent witness hoping to “draw people to Christ” by putting on my happy face and living life in seemingly moral perfection. Does this really work? Is it even possible? Despite my best efforts, I have never had anyone come up to me and say “Wow you look so happy and live such a moral life, please tell me all about Jesus!” If, alas, silence is not the answer, maybe I should buy a bullhorn? Why shouldn’t I shout the good news from the mountain tops? At least a bullhorn attracts allot of attention, but is it too obnoxious? OK maybe I won’t shout, but it is certainly important to tell people about Jesus. I will explain the gospel logically and intellectually and fill them with my superior knowledge. Who could argue with that? But is conveying the knowledge enough? Should I talk more or listen more? After all, isn’t listening the most important part of communication? And isn’t spreading the good news all about effective communication? But is there a point where I have said too much or, worse yet, not enough? Maybe the key to effectively communicating the gospel is in building relationships? I should probably build a relationship with someone before I actually speak to him about Jesus. Or am I just using the “building a relationship” reasoning as a cop out for not wanting to speak about a subject I am ashamed to admit is awkward for me. If, after all this, I am still uncomfortable speaking, perhaps service is the answer. I will be a super generous Christian and people will find salvation through my generousity. But will people really come to Christ in exchange for a cool glass of water, a warm coat, or a piece of bread? Will my momentary generousity make them forget their thirst, the cold, or their hunger long term? Should I be concerned about methodology at all? I want to be intentional, but I also want to be effective. But why do I want to be effective? Perhaps it is not a matter of a right way or a wrong way? Couldn’t God just use my unique personality, in unique situations, to attract people in my own unique way? Why do I even want to talk to people about Jesus anyway? Should I do it just because the bible says I should? Can I earn “points” with God by adding salvation notches to my spiritual belt? Am I really concerned about the spiritual welfare of others, or am I merely saving face or trying to impress my Christian brothers and sisters with my evangelical skills? What is my “bottom line”? If I trust God and Love God, shouldn’t evangelism just come natural? Wouldn’t it just pour out of me, manifesting itself in word or deed or whatever is appropriate in any given situation? And shouldn’t my true intention be to love and honor my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ? What I am sure of is God uses all things for his purpose for those who believe; His Word says so (Romans 828) and I have experienced it first hand. I have heard it said, “You must speak to God about men, before you can speak to men about God.” Perhaps I merely need to speak to God and trust God to use me according to His will and His glory. Could it really be that easy?