How to Write a Eulogy for Your Sunday School Teacher - Eulogy Examples & Tips

Standing up to speak about a Sunday school teacher you loved feels heavy and important. This guide gives you clear steps, faith friendly tips, and ready to use examples so you can honor the teacher who shaped your faith, taught you a Bible verse, or made church feel like a safe place. We explain any terms you might not know and provide eulogy templates you can personalize. Read through, pick a style, and start writing with confidence.

Who this guide is for

This article is for anyone who has been asked to give a eulogy for a Sunday school teacher at a funeral, memorial, celebration of life, or church service. You might be a former student who grew up under their care, a colleague in the church, a parent who watched them teach your child, or a pastor asked to offer words about a lay leader. There are examples for faith filled, simple, tender, and even lightly humorous tones.

What is a eulogy

A eulogy is a short speech given at a funeral or memorial to honor the person who has died. It focuses on memories, character, and the impact the person had. A eulogy is different from an obituary. An obituary is a written notice that gives facts like birth date, death date, survivors, and service details. The eulogy is personal. It tells a story.

Terms you might see

• Officiant The person leading the service. This might be a pastor, priest, minister, rabbi, or a lay leader. They coordinate the order of service and can advise on what fits the worship style.
• Order of service The schedule for the funeral or memorial. It lists songs, prayers, readings, and who will speak. Think of it as the program for the event.
• Scripture A passage from the Bible used in a reading or reflection. If you quote scripture, include the book, chapter, and verse.
• Congregation The group of people attending the service. This often includes the teacher s church family, former students, and family members.
• Lay leader A non ordained person who serves in ministry roles like teaching Sunday school or organizing volunteers.
• Hymn A religious song usually sung by the congregation. Hymns can be comforting and familiar at services.

How long should your eulogy be

Keep it brief and focused. Aim for two to five minutes. That is roughly 300 to 700 spoken words. If multiple people will speak at the service, confirm the time limit with the officiant. Short, specific memories often land harder than long lists.

Decide your tone

Sunday school teachers can occupy many roles in a life. Your tone will depend on who you are in relation to the teacher and the culture of the church. Some options

• Faith filled and reflective. Emphasizes spiritual lessons and scripture.
• Warm and pastoral. Focuses on their role as a caregiver and mentor.
• Lightly funny and tender. Shares small humorous memories that reveal personality.
• Short and formal. For services that are more liturgical and time limited.

Before you start writing

Gather a few details that will make your speech feel real and grounded

• Ask the officiant how long you should speak and where your remarks fit into the order of service.
• Collect memories from other students, parents, and church members. Ask for one short story or favorite memory each.
• Choose one to three focus points to organize your talk. For example kindness patience and a signature teaching moment.
• Decide if you want to quote scripture, a hymn, or a short poem. Keep excerpts short and check copyright rules if the piece is modern.

Structure that works

Use a simple shape. It keeps you steady and helps the audience follow.

• Opening Say who you are and your relationship to the teacher. Offer one clear sentence to set the tone.
• Life sketch Give a brief overview of the teacher s role in the church and in the lives they taught.
• Anecdotes Share one or two stories that illustrate character. Make them specific and sensory.
• Spiritual impact Describe how they shaped faith or community. Include a short scripture or lesson if appropriate.
• Closing Offer a final line of thanks, a blessing, or a simple invitation to remember them by doing one specific thing, like reading a favorite Bible verse or lighting a candle.

Writing the opening

The opening should be short and clear. Start with your name and your connection to the teacher. Then say one honest sentence about what they meant to you or to the church.

Opening examples

• Hello, my name is Sam and I grew up in Mrs. Carter s fifth grade Sunday school class. She taught me to find courage in small prayers.
• Good morning. I am Pastor Leah. For twenty five years Diane led our children with creativity and fierce love.
• Hi everyone. I am Marcus and I served alongside Ruth in the youth ministry. She had a way of making every kid feel seen.

How to write the life sketch

The life sketch is not a full biography. Pick the facts that matter for the story you are telling. Focus on roles that shaped the relationship like teacher mentor volunteer and friend. Include how long they served and what they were known for in the church.

Life sketch templates

• [Name] served as a Sunday school teacher at [church name] for [number] years. She loved teaching Bible stories in creative ways and taught generations to memorize short scripture verses like John 3 16.
• [Name] was a retired nurse who brought patience and calm into a room. She taught our little ones to pray before meals and to be brave at doctor visits.

Anecdotes that matter

Stories are what people remember. Pick one or two moments that show character. Keep them short and end with why the story mattered.

Examples of short anecdotes

• When a child was afraid of thunder she sat on the floor and drew a small paper boat. She taught them to hold the boat and say a short prayer. That paper boat became our group ritual whenever storms came.
• She had a tradition of making a simple snack after class. One week she accidentally used salt instead of sugar. The kids complained and then laughed together. She turned the mistake into a lesson about forgiveness and imperfect people.
• Every Christmas she made homemade cards with a Bible verse and a tiny drawing. She never missed sending them to volunteers and newcomers. We felt seen.

How to include scripture and faith language

If the teacher was deeply religious, scripture can be a beautiful anchor. Use short passages and explain why the verse mattered. When quoting scripture include the book chapter and verse like Psalm 23 1 or Matthew 18 20.

Example of including scripture

One verse she often returned to was Philippians 4 13. She would say I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me and then remind the children that faith helps us try even when we are scared. That sentence captured how she taught courage.

If the congregation is of mixed beliefs or if the family prefers less religious language choose values language instead. Talk about how the teacher taught kindness service and curiosity without making statements about doctrine.

Addressing denominational differences and officiant preferences

Churches vary widely in how they handle funerals. Ask the officiant if they prefer particular tones, prayers, or liturgical elements. Some clergy appreciate a short personal reflection that fits between formal prayers. Others prefer music first then a reflection. Checking in shows respect and keeps the service smooth.

Using humor the right way

Humor can be a breather. Use small, earned jokes that reveal character rather than embarrass people. Avoid inside jokes that exclude the congregation. Light humor about classroom foibles often lands and helps people smile while they grieve.

Safe humor examples

• She taught us to say amen like a drum roll. The kids did it louder each week until the entire sanctuary laughed along.
• She claimed to only know three songs but she always played them in five different ways. We never tired of them.

What to avoid in a eulogy for a Sunday school teacher

• Avoid airing private church conflicts or criticizing leadership in the speech.
• Avoid long theological debates. This is a moment for memory and gratitude not doctrine class.
• Avoid reading long lists of accomplishments without stories that make them human.
• Avoid jokes that single out children or embarrass family members.

Full eulogy examples you can adapt

Below are complete examples. Replace bracketed text with your details and read them aloud to make them yours.

Example 1 Faith filled and reflective three minute version

Hello. My name is Anna and I had the gift of being in Mrs. Lee s Sunday school class for six years. Mrs. Lee loved simple prayers and she believed every question was worth exploring.

She taught our class that faith was not only about answers but about listening. One small memory stands out. When a sixth grader asked about doubt she did not dismiss the question. She sat down on the steps and said that doubt is part of faith and that asking is one of the bravest prayers. She then handed each of us a small card with a verse that had helped her during hard times.

Her patience shaped how many of us approached questions and fear. She modeled hospitality by inviting families to potlucks and by checking on families when someone was sick. When I think of Mrs. Lee I think of quiet courage and the way she made space for questions. We will miss her steady presence. Let us hold her example by being brave enough to ask and gentle enough to listen.

Example 2 Short and simple under two minutes

Hi everyone. I am David and I taught with Maria in the children s ministry. Maria had a laugh that filled the whole room and a way of making every child feel like the main character. She taught us all to pray for small things and to celebrate small victories. We will miss her laugh. Thank you for being here to honor her.

Example 3 Lightly funny and tender for a beloved volunteer

Hello. I am Jess and my kids were in Ms. Ruth s preschool class for three years. If you knew Ruth you knew two things. One she never met a mismatched sock she could not fix. Two she could tell the entire story of Noah with nothing but sock puppets. One Sunday the puppets staged an escape mid lesson and the kids cheered like it was the best theater they had ever seen. Ruth turned everyday mishaps into imagination and grace. She taught us that creativity is a form of worship. We are thankful for Ruth and for every puppet performance she gifted us.

Example 4 For a complicated relationship with honest respect

My name is Chris. I was a student of Mr. Howard and later worked with him in youth group. Our relationship was not always easy. He pushed us hard and he expected discipline. There were times we resisted. Over the years I realized his expectations came from a place of wanting us to become our best selves. In his last year he apologized for being too harsh and thanked us for sticking around. That reconciliation meant a lot. He taught me accountability and the value of saying sorry. I am grateful for that lesson.

Fill in the blank templates

Use these templates to get started. Fill in the brackets and then make it sound like you.

Template A Classic short

My name is [Your Name]. I was in [Teacher s Name] class at [Church Name]. [Teacher s Name] taught [age group or topic] for [number] years. One memory that shows who they were is [brief story]. They taught us [value or lesson]. We will miss [what people will miss]. Thank you for being here and for honoring their life.

Template B Faith focused

My name is [Your Name]. [Teacher s Name] often quoted [Scripture Reference]. That verse helped them through [short example]. They taught us to [spiritual practice], to love our neighbors, and to be curious about God. I am grateful for how they shaped my faith by [specific action].

Template C Light and funny

Hi. I am [Your Name]. To know [Teacher s Name] was to know [quirky habit]. My favorite memory is [funny small story]. Even when things went sideways in class they turned it into a lesson and a laugh. I will miss their [quirky habit or voice] and how they made church feel like home.

Practical tips for delivery

Speaking about someone you loved is emotional. These tips will keep you steady.

• Print your speech Use large font. Paper feels less fragile than a phone screen when you are emotional.
• Use cue cards Index cards with a few lines on each card reduce the chance of losing your place.
• Mark pauses Put a bracket where you want to breathe or where the audience will laugh. Pauses give you time to collect yourself.
• Practice out loud Read it to a friend or to your car. Practice tells your throat what to expect.
• Bring tissues Or a handkerchief. If you stop, breathe, swallow, and continue. The congregation will wait.
• Coordinate with the officiant Know where to stand and whether a microphone is available. Ask about the best place to sit after you speak.
• Have a backup If you think you might not finish, arrange for a friend to read a short closing line if needed.

If you are worried about quoting scripture

Keep it short and contextualize it. A two line passage followed by one sentence on why it mattered is powerful. If the family is not comfortable with religious language use a short memory or value statement instead. If in doubt ask the family or the officiant.

What to do after the eulogy

People may ask for a copy. Offer to email it to family or the church. Some families include the text in a memory book or in the printed program. If you recorded the speech check with the family before posting it online. Respect their wishes around privacy.

Glossary of useful terms and acronyms

• Eulogy A speech given to honor someone who has died. It focuses on memories and impact rather than a full biography.
• Obituary A written notice with biographical details and service information.
• Officiant The person leading the service. Could be clergy or a lay leader.
• Order of service The program that lists songs readings and speakers.
• Scripture A passage from the Bible. Always include book chapter and verse when you quote it.
• Congregation People attending the service including family church members and friends.
• RSVP This stands for the French phrase respond s il vous plait which means please respond. It appears on invitations to request attendance confirmation.

Frequently asked questions

How do I start a eulogy if I am nervous

Begin with your name and your connection to the teacher. A sentence like Hello, my name is [Your Name] and I am a former student of [Teacher s Name] gives the audience context and buys you a breath to settle. Practice that opening until it feels familiar. It will steady you at the microphone.

What if I cry and cannot continue

Pause, breathe, and look at your notes. If you need a moment, take it. People will wait. If you cannot continue, have a friend or a member of the church family ready to finish a short closing line. Many people keep their remarks short for this reason and that is perfectly fine.

Should I include scripture if the family is not very religious

Only include scripture if it was meaningful to the teacher or the family. If religion was not central choose secular language about their character and service instead. You can also mention the values they taught like kindness service and curiosity.

How do I balance humor and respect in a church setting

Use small gentle humor that reveals character. Avoid inside jokes that exclude listeners and avoid anything that might embarrass children or family members. Pair a funny line with a sincere sentence to bring the tone back to gratitude.

How long should the eulogy be for a Sunday school teacher

Two to five minutes is a good target. Shorter remarks are often more memorable and fit better into services that include prayers music and clergy reflections.

Can I read the eulogy from my phone

You can, but paper tends to feel more reliable when you are emotional. If you use a phone make sure it is on silent and that the screen brightness is enough for the venue lighting.

Do I need permission to quote a hymn or a poem

Short excerpts of scripture are fine. For modern songs or poems check copyright rules or ask the family or the church office. Often printing a short excerpt in a program requires permission from the copyright holder.