This year, 183,122 people under the age of 44 have died. For each one of those, there is mourning, grief, and loss. For those in Christ, there is also hope (albeit deferred in some ways for those who remain behind to pick up the pieces). As a pastor, I know this pain firsthand.
3.73% of deaths for this age cohort involved COVID-19. That is a total of 6,824 deaths this year involving COVID-19 out of 190,857,821 total people in this age group. We make up 58% of the U.S. population. Coronavirus has been involved in leading to the death of .003% of us.
Most pastors in the United States are above this age cohort and, therefore, more at risk. 85% of pastors are over the age of 40. Perhaps that would make sense of why many don't seem to speak as plainly on these statistics, instead preferring vague thoughts on what it means to love your neighbor. More likely for most pastors is that we’re just trying to survive and come out on the other side without quitting or self-sabotaging.
The longterm fallout of 8 months of lockdowns, restrictions, and fear is terrifying to consider. It is predicted that at least 20% of churches will close permanently. It is reported that 70% of pastors are currently looking for another job. Who knows how many pastors will burnout in the next 3 years because of over-exertion during this particular season from which they will be unable to recover? God have mercy.
With all this considered, when will those of us who are under the age of 44 say, “Enough!”? When will we say, “If you are at risk and/or scared, you can stay home. For the rest of us, let us get about our work”? The long term known health risks associated with isolation, anxiety, loneliness, suicidal ideation, depression outweigh continuing to lockdown until the unknown longterm health risks associated with contracting COVID-19 for this age cohort can be fully understood.
Let us get about our work. This younger age cohort will not forget this season. May it sear on our consciences the conviction that ruining relationships, careers, mental and spiritual health, through widespread government restrictions and lockdowns because of a virus that has killed .003% of us this year is not worth the cost.