Steven Lawrence Upshur

Steven Lawrence Upshur was born in Detroit, Michigan on January 2nd, 1949 to loving parents Lawrence Upshur (English, Irish, and German decent) and Arlyle Schmitt. Steven was one of seven children and a faithful brother to his siblings; Elaine, Dennis, Micheal (Mike), Mary Ann and Lawrence (Larry). Steven met his wife, Elaine Marjorie Walsh, at a Catholic Charismatic prayer meeting. They were happily wed on December 13th, 1977, and remained married for 48+ years. The Lord blessed Steven and Elaine with four children, the oldest being Jeremiah (Nicole), Daniel, Jonathan (Mallory), and Joy (Ben). Steven’s adoring grandchildren are Emily, Luke, Lauren, Caleb, Solomon, and Johnny. Steve was predeceased by his parents, Elaine’s parents (Jack and Marjorie Walsh), Elaine’s brother Donald, his oldest brother John and his first son Steven. In his early years, he struggled with crime, drug addiction, and hopelessness. In 1974, he encountered the Lord Jesus Christ, and was forever changed. Pastor Steve spent the last 52 years of his life leading souls to Christ. In 1976, he began a ministry in Detroit which came to be known as the Bread Line. In 1980, he was one of three founding pastors, along with Pastor Bob Pannecouk and Pastor Tony Mancina, of New Life Fellowship of Believers (now known as New Life Christian Church) in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. From 1980 to 1997, Pastor Steve was known for not only pastoring but also extensive ministry to inmates, local motorcycle clubs, as well as a local Christian TV program called “New Life.” In 1994, Pastor Steve began an outreach ministry in the inner city of Detroit called “Peacemakers International.” He was incredibly excited about this new ministry which, as its vision statement includes, “gives hope to the hopeless, help to the helpless, demonstrating the love of God to the outcasts and rejected of society.” Pastor Steve and those who joined him worked tirelessly among the addicts, the prostitutes, and everyone else who came through the doors at 5322 Chene. In June of 1997, he left his role at New Life to begin serving full time at Peacemakers International. A Christian discipleship home for men called the “Jesus House” was created later, as well as a home for women called the “Mercy House.” Steven’s life was devoted to sharing the gospel and reaching those who were hurting, broken, and far from God. From 1994 to his passing on 8/8/26, he remained very busy and involved with the work of the Lord at Peacemakers. Besides being active in the city of Detroit, he also stayed busy ministering to many others in the surrounding area, whether they were in a medical crises, spiritual crises, or someone just needing a shot of hope. Ultimately, the most important thing to Pastor Steve was that everyone he encountered came to the saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Pastor Steve also spread the word of God by ministering in places like Haiti, India, China, Africa, and the Pineridge and Rosebud Indian Reservations. He also had a deep love for his family, friends, and was always giving out hugs, especially to Veterans. Steve was an avid planter and gardener; he found joy in rescuing dying plants and giving them new life. You could often find him riding one of his Harley Davidson motorcycles as he had the need for speed and pure freedom. He loved rustic camping and being alone in the woods with God. Pastor Steve was given names such as “God Dude,” from the bikers and “Eagle Warrior,” from the Native Americans, always possessing an immense charisma wherever he went. He was characterized by wearing turquoise native jewelry, “G O D in the 313” and “Spread the Love” shirts, and was on fire with love, life, and Jesus. The visitation will be held Friday, August 14th at New Life Christian Church in St. Clair Shores from 6:00-8:30 pm. The Homegoing/Memorial Service will be held at the same location on Saturday, August 15th at 10:00 am (Doors open at 9:30 am).

Steven Lawrence Upshur

January 2, 1949 - August 8, 2026