Preparation to the Gospel

I don't know if anyone ever checks this blog anymore or not, but as long as it is still here I thought I would post some things that I have been finding, working through, had questions about, etc.
In the beginning of the Gospel of Mark the bible says that John the baptist cried, “Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” It then describes his ministry, “John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.....and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.” It then talks about how John was pointing those whom he preached to and baptized to the ministry of Jesus.
John was sent to prepare the way for Jesus. John's message was the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. Baptism symbolizes our death to sin and new life in Christ. Here is the question that I have: Do we as Christians not do enough prep work in the lives of those that we seek to evangelize?
Now let me say right up front that I am not saying that passing out tracks or having a service that preaches the good news is a bad idea. I am simply stating a question that came to my mind when I came to this passage.
John was sent to prepare the way for Christ. In preparation to the ministry of Christ, John preached the necessity of repentance and the putting to death the works of the the flesh (symbolism of baptism). This was all in preparation for the ministry of Jesus who would bring the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Why was Johns message so vital in preparation to the ministry of Jesus which would bring new life? I wonder whether we often underemphasize the master/servant relationship that becoming a Christian brings. Why does the gospel (the good news) involve baptism, symbolizing our death to sin? Why does Rom. 6 say God forbid that we (Christians) should continue in sin? Why does Galations 5 state that those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts? Why are Christians required to daily take up their cross daily and follow Christ?
I believe that repentance and surrender is a very essential part of the gospel. If this part of gospel is not explained you would expect to find “Christians” who are living lives that are not surrendered to Christ but to sin. You would expect to find many people professing to be Christians but not showing it in the way they live. You would expect to find many people professing faith in the good news simply as a ticket to heaven. Is this not what we are finding in this century?
I am not sure exactly how to put this into practice. I do know that I have often had reservations or questions about the way we preach the good news whether it is to city kids, VBS, etc. John preached repentance and baptism before Christ came and brought the new life through the holy spirit. So is it possible that when evangelizing kids or people who are lacking a moral foundation (I believe this describes most people today) we should start by talking about the law of God which we cannot keep. That maybe we should explain that Gods great love does demand allegiance or surrender. This is a vital part of the Gospel. At least that is what I am thinking after reading this passage.
Another fact that may play into this question is the knowledge or state of the people being evangelized. The Jews knew they were sinners (unless they were scribes or pharisees)and had heard much about their rejection from God and had felt the rejection of those who were “righteous.” They did not need a whole lot of education on this principle. However, when Paul was writing to a predominately gentile audience such as in Romans, we find him talking much about Gods law and how it condemns us. If you just look at the chapter headings it is rather revealing; “The Gentiles' need of righteousness,” “Sin will be punished,” “Gods law,” “Obeying God's law,” “All have sinned.” After this it goes into the part of the gospel that we often term the good news.
All this to say that I believe that in this culture many people don't truly recognize their depravity and inability to keep God's law on their own. Therefore I am wondering whether our method of evangelism needs to be adjusted accordingly. Again let me say that I am not against handing out a tract or holding good news clubs, they can be used mightily by God. I am wondering though how many of those who say that they know that they are a sinners really have a grasp on that reality.
I would love to hear what you think; if you think I am taking this out of context, overemphasizing, interpreting correctly or incorrectly, etc.

Greg