Gen-X Senior Pastors Double
And they're doing ministry differently than Boomer predecessors.
April 1, 2004
Significant two-year increase:
The number of Generation X senior pastors (ages 20-38) has doubled since 2001, according to researcher George Barna, from about 22,000 to 45,000 of the 324,000 Protestant senior pastors in the U.S. More Busters describe themselves as theologically conservative than Boomer pastors (93% to 80%), but fewer call their churches fundamentalist (33% to 40%). They do consider their churches more seeker friendly (45% to 33%). Less than half have a seminary degree (46% compared to 62%), but that may increase with age.
Picture this: Younger pastors are making a mark on preaching, with increased use of arts. Buster pastors use more drama (32% to 21% of Boomer pastors), more movies, videos, and DVDs (30% to 21%), and are more likely to tell stories (28% to 13%). Barna says this indicates a higher appreciation for the role of personal experience in communication today. They are also more likely to alter not only the techniques, but also the environment. They are less likely to mess with the music. Only one in four use contemporary music, same as for Boomer-led churches. Traditional and blended styles are still most popular—for now.
Formation and formative years: Gen-X pastors establishing their own families report a higher priority on ministry to families, youth, and children than do older pastors (46% to 30%). They also have higher interest in spiritual growth, discipleship, and Bible study (37% to 27%). Both age groups report equal priority on teaching and preaching, evangelism, and worship.
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