I think that folks are finally coming around to seeing the need for evangelism (usually as long as someone else does it).  People are talking about how important it is for us to invite people to church, so that the church can grow.  Some even mention that we need to invite people so the church can just survive.  More and more are coming to agree that inviting is important.
   I disagree with these reasons.  Doing evangelism, whether it is inviting people to church, telling people about Jesus, or sharing your own faith story, is important, but not for what we can benefit from it.  Evangelism is central to being a Christian.  It is one of the basics of our faith.  We are called to love God, love our neighbor, and go and make disciples.  That is not just for preachers or evangelists, or even the evangelism department.  It is central to what it means to be a Christian.  We are all called to do our part in making disciples.
   Now, I do admit that each of us has different gifts and talents.  Not all of us can get up and give a sermon, teach a class, or walk up to a stranger and talk about God.  But all of us can do our part.  You can use your gifts and talents, whatever they are, to bring others to know Jesus.
   The trick is to think outside of the church.  Instead of always thinking of people inside the church to hang out with or to share in activities with, think also about people outside the church that you might invite to join you.
   Even if your major gift is playing golf, then ask someone who does not go to church to play with you.  Maybe one of your foursome could be a neighbor or co-worker who does not attend church.  If you're going to a movie or out to eat, or going to the city for shopping, a ball game, or to the theatre, then invite someone who doesn't go to church.  That is something that any one of us can do.  And it is evangelism.