NASHVILLE, Tenn.--The senior pastorate is becoming a much younger place.

A new study released by the Barna Research Group finds the number of senior pastors ages 20-38 in Protestant churches has doubled in two years, from 22,000 to 45,000.

The study reveals that a new generation of pastors is emerging from the shadow of the Baby Boomer generation, to form its own identity through significant changes in ministry approaches.

According to Baptist Press, younger pastors, called "Busters" by Barna, are more likely to use drama, movies, video and DVDs. They are also more likely to adopt an anecdotal style in the pulpit. They favor art, music and interactive dialogue in messages.

"These multi-media and experience-laden forms of communication appeal to younger, often postmodern people, who tend to reject external sources of authority in favor of relying on their own experiences and feelings to interpret reality," the report said.

The report also revealed that young pastors rated themselves highest on leadership, administration and management skills, while pastoring, shepherding and counseling were weaker areas.

Young pastors are less likely to pursue a traditional seminary education. Less than half hold a seminary degree, compared to two-thirds of Boomers. But that gap may be due to degrees that are earned primarily later in life. However, apprenticeships have become a growing alternative to seminary training.

In addition, young pastors are more attuned to cultural influences that may overshadow the church, such as magazines, young people's peers, television and politics.

Boomer pastors are more likely to prioritize ministry to families, youth and children. They place a greater emphasis on spiritual growth, discipleship and Bible study.

"Young pastors are basically cutting and pasting from fresh ideas as well as from established wisdom to form a new, era-appropriate portrait of church leadership," David Kinnaman, vice president of Barna Research and director of the study, said in the report.

"A handful of the young leaders are making huge changes in their ministry approaches when compared to older pastors, but most Buster pastors are simply tinkering with the style--not the substance--of ministry," Kinnaman wrote.

The Barna study was conducted from 2001 to 2003 based on a national sample of 3,005 senior pastors from Protestant churches.