Discussion: Every Christian's role in evangelism

In our pastor's Bible study class last night, we discussed the parable known to most as that of the "prodigal son" (Read all of Luke 15). I won't go into too many details, but the bottom line is: We should REJOICE when sinners come to repentance.

That's not such a hard thing for me. I am happy to see people who don't look like "typical" churchgoing folks show up at church and I wish there were even "stranger" people coming. (This was one of his examples.) And I see the Kingdom potential in many "sinners."

It's the practical application he shared that gets me: How burdened are we for the lost? We should have such a heart for those who don't know Christ that we're out there searching for them. (See the previous two parables and consider the father in the son parable.)

I don't think I'm quite there. What about you?

What's your understanding of the Bible's teaching on the subject? (Try to use Scripture to back up your answers.)

Is the "Great Commission" (Matthew 28:18-20) for only those disciples who were present, every individual Christian, or for the Church as a whole (each working in their respective assignments: making followers and teaching)?

Are we all to, like Jesus, seek the lost that they might be saved?

Should we get out of our comfort zone even if it means being a mouth when we are gifted as a hand or being an evangelist when we're called to teach? If we are neither mouth nor evangelist, is it merely as the opportunity presents itself that we are to follow the Holy Spirit's leading in sharing the Gospel?