How is the Great Commission Fulfilled?

[Paula]

Recently I have been reading about evangelism and there appears to be a division regarding how evangelism should be done. Some say that to do anything other than offer the simple Gospel at every encounter is unbiblical and selfish. Others indicate that it isn't necessarily required, or even desirable, to "close the sale" in every encounter and more or less that as we are part of a Church we all work together to lead those outside the Church in, individually making small advances.

So how is the Great Commission fulfilled?

For example: Should every Christian be out in the local or foreign mission field? Was it given to Christians as individuals or to the Church as a whole? Should every encounter involve preaching the Gospel? Do different Christians have different roles to play? Should words be said without any concern as to their impact or should effectiveness be sought after? What about friendship evangelism or lifestyle evangelism?

[theophilus]

Each Christian's role in carrying out the Great Commission depends on what spiritual gifts he has been given.

Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
(Romans 12:6-8 ESV)

Each of us must find out how God wants us to use the gifts that he has given us. Some people are called to full time evangelism or missionary work; some are called to remain in a secular job and make use of the opportunities we have for evangelism. It is the Holy Spirit who actually converts people; we must always be ready in case he wants to use us and we must support those in full time evangelism by praying for them.