95-Year-Old Retired Pastor Keeps Teaching Sunday School

Rev. Tommy French has spent nearly two decades leading a class at Jefferson Baptist Church in Baton Rouge.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 8:03am

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An abstract, impressionistic scene of a Sunday school classroom, with blurred shapes and muted colors suggesting the warm, welcoming atmosphere of a place of spiritual community and education.At 95 years old, a beloved Sunday school teacher continues to inspire his congregation with his lifelong passion for faith and learning.Baton Rouge Today

At 95 years old, the Rev. Tommy French has been a fixture at Jefferson Baptist Church in Baton Rouge for decades. Even after retiring as the church's senior pastor nearly 20 years ago, French has continued to teach a weekly Sunday school class, maintaining his passion for sharing his faith and guiding his congregation.

Why it matters

French's dedication to teaching and mentoring his community, even in retirement, highlights the important role that faith leaders can play in providing stability and continuity for their congregations. His story also speaks to the power of lifelong learning and the fulfillment that can come from continuing to share one's knowledge and wisdom.

The details

Since retiring as senior pastor in 2007, French has taught a weekly Sunday school class for the congregation at Jefferson Baptist Church. Despite his advanced age, he remains an energetic and beloved presence, drawing on his decades of experience to guide and inspire his students.

  • Rev. French retired as senior pastor in 2007.
  • For the past nearly 20 years, he has continued teaching a weekly Sunday school class.

The players

Rev. Tommy French

A 95-year-old retired senior pastor who has continued teaching a weekly Sunday school class at Jefferson Baptist Church in Baton Rouge for nearly two decades.

Jefferson Baptist Church

A church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where Rev. French has served as both senior pastor and Sunday school teacher.

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What they’re saying

“Teaching is my passion. Even after all these years, I still get excited to share the Word with my class every Sunday.”

— Rev. Tommy French, Retired Senior Pastor

The takeaway

Rev. French's lifelong dedication to teaching and mentoring his community, even in retirement, serves as an inspiring example of the profound impact that faith leaders can have by continuing to share their knowledge and wisdom.